ARTS & CULTURE | By Wendy Barker

Opening Reception for “Trial by Fire: Ojai Ablaze 1917-2017” this Weekend at Ojai Valley Museum

Ojai has been threatened by wildfires many times over the past century. Several were, at their time, the largest wildfire in California history. The newest exhibition at the Ojai Valley Museum examines the Thomas Fire and other fires that impacted the valley.

Ojai has been threatened by wildfires many times over the past century. Several were, at their time, the largest wildfire in California history. The newest exhibition at the Ojai Valley Museum examines the Thomas Fire and other fires that impacted the valley.

The museum is housed in the former St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic church. The original church on the site burnt in a 1917 wildfire. It, and other fires, give historical context to the Thomas Fire which began in Upper Ojai last December.

Too many structures of historic significance were lost in the Thomas Fire. Some places that resonate with our collective history are gone forever. Others significantly damaged. “Trial by Fire” features the plight of a few of the places that loom large in our history such as the Amestoy house, Besant Hill School of Happy Valley and Matilija Canyon. The exhibit also includes the community’s response to the fire and recovery. Images used throughout the exhibit were sourced from community members.

The December one-year anniversary of the Thomas Fire will no doubt be an important touchstone for everyone who lives in the valley. Nearly all evacuated. Everyone has a story. Of course, the story is ongoing for those who lost their home. But even those who were more fortunate still dealt with the traumatic experience of seeing our beloved valley on fire, the loss of places special to us, and the tragedy of friends losing the homes. The Thomas Fire touched us all. Luckily, from devastation, hope arose and our community united.

The free exhibition Opening Reception is Friday day, November 16 from 5:30-7:30pm. It includes a no host wine bar. The new book “From the Fire: Ojai Reflects on the Thomas Fire” will be for sale at the Opening Reception.

The exhibition will be open beginning the evening of November 16, 2018 through January 27, 2019.

The Ojai Valley Museum is located at 130 W. Ojai Avenue in Ojai. Free parking is available behind the museum, off Blanche Street. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday noon to 4 pm. Group or school tours available by appointment.

For more information, call the museum at (805) 640-1390, ext. 201, email ojaimuseum@gmail.com, or visit the museum website at OjaiValleyMuseum.org.