treat arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;”>The streets of the city of Ventura’s historic Downtown and Westside Cultural District will transform into a mecca of artistic expression for the 23^rd ArtWalk Ventura event the weekend of Oct. 1-2.

The two-day Southern California art tradition will highlight the diverse works of more than 500 regional artists, exhibiting paintings to sculpture to performance art. This year’s Artist of Distinction is MB Hanrahan. This year’s Global Artist of Distinction is Rolando Siguenza from Oaxaca, Mexico. Ventura College is this year’s premier sponsor.

ArtWalk is a free, self-guided tour over more than two dozen high-end art galleries, pop-up stores and studios, as well as the return of 25 PODS^® Containers transformed into mini art galleries. The containers were generously provided by PODS^® Tri-Counties owner Steve Yapp. Attendees also may take advantage of a free shuttle service, which connects venues along Ventura Avenue to Main Street.

New to the exciting event this year is a series of special performances on the main stage at California Street, sponsored by Ventura College. Performances will feature VC students and professionals.

Also new, off Ventura Avenue, the Bell Arts Factory and its year-round studios will present a moving collecting of art from over a dozen artists visiting for the first time from Oaxaca, Mexico. Leading the effort is Siguenza, a celebrated deaf painter and muralist who will be collaborating with muralists Hanrahan and Uriel Leon to create a vibrant mural on the corner of Ventura Ave and Harrison Street during the month of September.

“We’re thrilled with the growth ArtWalk Ventura has experienced over the past two decades, now bringing in over 500 regional artists to participate,” said Mary Perez, ArtWalk Ventura organizer and owner of Vita Art Center. “This event is a wonderful showcase of the diverse talents Ventura County artists have to offer. Whether it’s in the form of paintings, sculptures, photography or the performing arts, Ventura has established itself as a leading arts community of California.”

Nominated by her peers, Hanrahan was named this year’s Artists of Distinction. A renowned muralist, painter and sculptor, MB is a working California artist and arts advocate. Her work is woven into the fabric of Ventura through her public art murals, teaching art to students of all ages and promoting the arts through her artistic expression. She works as a community ambassador for public and private commissions in her studio at the Bell Arts Factory on Ventura Avenue and throughout Ventura.

For more information about ArtWalk Ventura, visit http://artwalkventura.org//.

ArtWalk Ventura Event Listings:

ArtWalk Ventura

When: Saturday, Oct 1, 11am – 7 p.m. and Sunday, Oct 2, noon – 5 p.m.

Where: Ventura’s Historic Downtown and Westside Cultural District

California Street Live Performances, presented by Ventura College

When: Saturday, Oct 1, 11a.m. – 9p.m.

Where: Main stage on California Street at Santa Clara Street.

ArtWalk Collectors Reception

When: Thursday, Sept. 29, from 6:30-9 p.m.

Where: Ventura City Hall, 501 Poli St., Ventura, CA 93001

What: Get an early look at featured artists. Tickets cost $20; $25 at the door.