With our inspiring natural beauty and abundant sunshine, the Ojai Valley has long been a destination, and subject, for artists. Beginning with the innovative California Impressionism movement in the early decades of the 1900s, to world-renowned modern abstract painters who call Ojai home, Ojai has long lured artists and their patrons.

Beatrice Wood, famed her lustre ware ceramics and her friendships with major 20th century artists, was known as the “Mama of Dada” and is said to have inspired the Rose character in “Titanic.” She lived to the age of 105, working until her final days. Her legacy is honored at the Beatrice Wood Center in upper Ojai. Vivika and Otto Heino, also noted ceramicists, re-invented an ancient yellow glaze that would have been worth millions had they sold it. Instead, they kept their recipe a secret and sold pieces for tens of thousands of dollars each.

These are mere glimpses of the art treasures contained in Ojai. Dozens of galleries and hundreds of artists guarantee that you will find something challenging, pleasing, inspiring or provocative.

Art isn’t often thought of as a social pursuit, but in Ojai a thriving community of artists brings together fellow travelers and kindred spirits for friendship and community building. The Ojai Studio Artists, now in its fourth decade, has more than 60 members and organizes the Studio Artist Tour, bringing in thousands of art lovers the second weekend of October to see the artists in their natural habitats. Through the proceeds, OSA gives out thousands of dollars in scholarships to worthy students.

Ojai offers visitors, locals and artists many truly inspiring experiences through the galleries, non-profit organizations, workshops, art schools, foundations and generous patrons.