Assembling Our New Mural “Plumette” at the Studio!

Watch the video on our YouTube channel!

Check out our new mural at the studio! Comprised of 140 feathers painted by our SNAP (Special Needs Adult Program), decorated by staff and our team of volunteers, and assembled by Virginia Martin.

A true collaborative project representing our impending flight to our new studio location!

Posted on April 18, 2025 .

Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Presents: Art Trek & Friends Showcase Group Exhibit and Opening Reception

Visit The Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center website to learn more!

“The Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center is proud to collaborate with Art Trek, a nonprofit arts organization that brings the visual arts into classrooms in Ventura County, to sponsor an Art Exhibit featuring current and past teaching artists. This very special exhibit titled Art Trek and Friends Showcase Group Exhibit will be on display inside the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center’s Gary Thomas Gallery from February 1st through June 7th, 2025 as part of their spring programming with an Opening Reception to be held on March 8, 2025 from 1 PM to 3 PM.”

“Admission to the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center and the Opening Reception is free of charge and open to the public. Light refreshments will be available during the Opening Reception and the public is invited to come and meet the featured artists who will be in attendance at this event.”

“Art Trek, Inc. is a nonprofit arts organization and arts center located in Newbury Park whose mission is to bring quality art experiences into the classroom and community. Active and serving Ventura County since 1992, Art Trek has been creating and fostering positive, confidence-building experiences for individuals of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds. From kindergarten to college classrooms, public venues, and the Art Trek studio, to anywhere there is a need, they strive to make art accessible and meaningful. This exhibit showcases and celebrates the artwork of the incredible teaching artists and friends of Art Trek.”

“The Art Trek staff represent a diverse group of talented, creative individuals, and this collection marks the first time their work has been shared collectively as part of the Art Trek team. “

“We are deeply humbled by the depth and variety of talent within our community, and we are thrilled to present their inspirational work to you at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center.” – Nan Young, Art Trek’s Executive Director.

“The artworks displayed in Art Trek and Friends Group Exhibit showcase the vast skills and techniques that are being explored by the teaching artists at Art Trek, Inc.

The Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center is proud to partner with Art Trek, a nonprofit in bringing this exciting Art Exhibit to the Simi Valley community. Art Trek and Friends Showcase Group Exhibit will run from February 1 st through June 7th , 2025 at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center with a special Gallery Opening Reception held on March 8th from 1 PM to 3 PM. The public is invited to come and meet the featured artists who will be in attendance at this reception. Admission to the Gallery Opening Reception and to the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center is free and is open to the public.”

About the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center

“The Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center first opened its doors in 1995. Located in the historic building on the corner of Los Angeles Avenue and Church Street, the Center serves as a regional hub for the Arts and is home to theater, dance, music and the visual arts. It also serves as a community facility and is available for meetings, conferences and special events. The facility is owned and operated by the City of Simi Valley.”

“Since its founding, the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center’s mission has been to provide a multipurpose facility to present performances of music, theater, dance, film, lectures and popular entertainment as well as space for conferences, meetings, seminars, and workshops. SVCAC seeks to develop, support, and encourage cultural activities and educational programs to enhance the quality of life of the citizens of Simi Valley and surrounding communities. As part of this commitment, admission to SVCAC’s Galleries and Pop up Community Exhibits are always free.”

Visitor Information

“Admission to the Art Trek and Friends Showcase Group Exhibit is free and open to the public. This Exhibit is located at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, 3050 E. Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley, CA 93065.

Free admission to the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center’s Galleries and SVCAC sponsored Community Exhibits is made possible through the combined generosity of the City of Simi Valley, the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Foundation, local business partners, and donors.”

WHAT: Art Trek and Friends Showcase Group Exhibit – Opening Reception

WHERE: Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, 3050 E. Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley, CA 93065

WHEN: March 8, 2025

HOURS: 1 – 3 PM

COST: Admission to the Opening Reception is free of charge

INFO: For more information, visit www.simi-arts.org or call 805-583-7905

Posted on February 27, 2025 .

Lead Art Trek Teachers Paint Community Murals in Oxnard!

From late October 2024 to January 2025, our Oxnard and Hueneme Liaisons (Zoe, Maxine, Silvia, Gisselle, Mindy, and Tenchi) worked together to paint murals for Interface Children and Family Services in Downtown Oxnard. Painted on three walls leading to Interface’s therapy rooms, the Liaisons’ artwork brings “new energy, warmth, and beauty to the environment.”

Art Trek is beyond grateful for our Art Trek Liaison team, each of whom visits our staff in Oxnard to provide any support needed, guide our teachers through new lessons, and come together for community projects— all while teaching at their home schools and providing their own students with quality art lessons. Thank you!

View Interface’s Instagram post HERE!

Posted on February 20, 2025 .

Join us for $5 Friday: Unity in the Community!

Celebrate artistry around the world at this month’s $5 Friday! Bring friends and family of all ages (children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult) for art, friendship, food, and FUN!

$5 Friday: Unity in the Community!

Arrive any time between 5:30 PM and 9:00 PM

$5 Per person at the door. No pre-registration required!

All snacks for $1! Drinks are free!

Click the flyer below or visit our $5 Friday tab to learn more.

Posted on February 6, 2025 .

Ojai Interfaith Council honors Kate Russell!

Kate Russell is the adult supervisor for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day held in Libbey Park and Matilija Auditorium. Under her guidance, each year, from September to January, a team of high school students produces this event.”

“The Community Bridge Builder awards goes to residents in the 93023 or 93022 ZIP codes who:

• Create a more cohesive, inclusive, and equitable society, where people have the opportunity to thrive.

• Foster connections and relationships between diverse groups, organizations, or communities.

• Work to bridge gaps, build trust, and promote understanding and collaboration.

• Take positive action to create harmony and cooperation among individuals or groups.”

Congratulations, Kate!

Posted on October 9, 2024 .

Thank You Conejo Valley Auto Center!

Thank you to our friends at the Conejo Valley Auto Center for giving our Conejo Cottontails shiny new clear coats! Miss Poppy and Hoppy Poppy were the first Cottontails to enter their spray booth earlier this year, and Art Trek’s own Peace Bunny returned to the studio on September 4th with a fresh coat!

We would also like to thank our lead Satellite Teachers for sanding and repainting Peace Bunny’s coat over the summer.

Peace Bunny

You can visit Peace Bunny at the Art Trek Studio during hours of operation and community art nights!

Posted on September 4, 2024 .

Nan Young: Woman of the Year

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin featured our Executive Director, Nan Young, as one of the six women chosen as 2024 Women of the Year!

Nan Young has a life-long history of the arts and philanthropy. Nan's passion for the arts flourished in her teens and early adult years. Upon graduation from UC Santa Cruz, Nan taught high school English and Drama for ten years at Chadwick School in Palos Verdes and created new arts and humanities programs for the school’s Juniors and Seniors.

Nan moved her family to the Conejo Valley in 1990. Instead of returning to the classroom full time, she focused on her young children and volunteered in the school and community. The birth of Art Trek began there. Nan wanted her then 4-year-old daughter, who has cerebral palsy, to attend the same regular elementary school as her son. Due to the inaccessibility of the school, Nan struck a deal with the Ladera Elementary School principal. Nan promised to create an arts program in exchange for the school being modified for a walker. On a handshake, both events occurred almost immediately. The school received appropriate adaptations and Art Trek, a visual, literary, and performing arts program was created.

Congratulations Nan Young 🏆”

https://www.instagram.com/p/C9VNBkivLRk/

Posted on July 12, 2024 .

Tile Wall Installation at Ladera STARS Academy

On Wednesday, June 12th, our Art Trek staff installed a new tile wall for Ladera STARS Academy! All tiles were painted by Ladera students and teachers. The completed wall is now on their campus, along with their other fantastic tile walls!

Learn more about Art Trek Character Walls here!

Posted on June 13, 2024 .