Our Vision: We see the Carnegie Art Museum as a fine arts museum that utilizes that art to support the multicultural aspects of the community.
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If you are not familiar with the Permanent Collection you might think when we say "fine art" that means stuffy, traditional Eurocentric art. Nothing could be further from the truth. The collection reflects the trajectory of California (and beyond) art, from the early plein air painters to modern times. There are extensive pieces from the Latino art movement over the decades, and abstract works and Asian art, all from artists known and collected regionally, nationally and internationally. The art in both the permanent collection and rotating exhibits is used to provide education and interactive creative opportunities for the community.
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The rotating exhibits from outside sources bring added breadth and depth, allowing for increased attention to different cultures even beyond what is represented in the collection. Support and art from galleries, artists and individual collectors, and large collections like the Weisman Collection allow this expansion into varied areas. Local and emerging artists were supported in the CAM Studio Gallery with artist work and exhibit space that was open to the public.
Numerous activities were offered to tie to the exhibited art interactively. Hands-on art creation was an integral part of school tours, free family days and our booth by the museum during Plaza Park events.
Before the closing of the Museum in 2019, each year 1500-2000 children on school tours had the opportunity to see and learn about world class art and create their own art at a time when arts programs were being eliminated from the curriculum. CSUCI, Oxnard College, Ventura College, and CLU all utilized the Museum as a teaching tool with visits, class assignments. Classes for a fee were also offered. The CAM Studio Gallery hosted the annual Boys& Girls Club Art Competition featuring their students’ art.
The ability for students and adults to experience art created by artists from their own cultural background is a powerful force and allows them to see beyond what they know to what might be.
The multicultural groups represented in the exhibits had tie-ins with the book club and celebrations for Chinese New Year, Dia de Los Muertos, etc. There were culturally based music events like Jazz At The Carnegie and cello performances by the New West Symphony. There were artist talks and guest lecturers where folks could see people like themselves pursuing their art and honoring their culture. The potential to expand and deepen this cultural outreach is vast.
From an economic point of view, the Permanent Collection could serve as the anchor for an arts hub in the redevelopment of Downtown Oxnard. With that and properly promoted, it could be a draw for tourists. It was already a draw for artists from Los Angeles and their following.
Numerous activities were offered to tie to the exhibited art interactively. Hands-on art creation was an integral part of school tours, free family days and our booth by the museum during Plaza Park events.
Before the closing of the Museum in 2019, each year 1500-2000 children on school tours had the opportunity to see and learn about world class art and create their own art at a time when arts programs were being eliminated from the curriculum. CSUCI, Oxnard College, Ventura College, and CLU all utilized the Museum as a teaching tool with visits, class assignments. Classes for a fee were also offered. The CAM Studio Gallery hosted the annual Boys& Girls Club Art Competition featuring their students’ art.
The ability for students and adults to experience art created by artists from their own cultural background is a powerful force and allows them to see beyond what they know to what might be.
The multicultural groups represented in the exhibits had tie-ins with the book club and celebrations for Chinese New Year, Dia de Los Muertos, etc. There were culturally based music events like Jazz At The Carnegie and cello performances by the New West Symphony. There were artist talks and guest lecturers where folks could see people like themselves pursuing their art and honoring their culture. The potential to expand and deepen this cultural outreach is vast.
From an economic point of view, the Permanent Collection could serve as the anchor for an arts hub in the redevelopment of Downtown Oxnard. With that and properly promoted, it could be a draw for tourists. It was already a draw for artists from Los Angeles and their following.
