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Behind the Curtain: An Insider’s Look at The George Stuart Historical Figures®

At the Museum of Ventura County
Runs through September 2023

People argue about whether the Figures are works of art, historical objects, or maybe something else entirely. Mr. Stuart himself objects to both the titles of Artist and Historian. Investigate each Figure closely so that you can decide for yourself.

Exhibit extended: In February, visitors can see a new rotation of Figures, each with a detail magnified for an up-close look. Each Figure in this exhibit shows the comprehensive historical research and artistic details behind its creation.

To accurately capture the people in his monologues, Mr. Stuart completed intense historical research. Gathering all credible information he could find, Mr. Stuart studied paintings, autopsy reports, and tailors’ records. He once even convinced the Smithsonian to measure the thread count on Abraham Lincoln’s shawl to ensure accuracy.

Armed with that research, Mr. Stuart brought each character to life out of raw materials. Bits of wire, cotton batting, and clay transform into expressive beings. Filling in the unknowns with his artistic imagination, his obsessive attention to the smallest details from eyelashes to fingernails renders the end product eerily realistic. Each Figure in this exhibit shows the comprehensive historical research and artistic details behind its creation.

Made possible in part by the Fred W. Smith Gallery Fund and additional support from Bethe and Tim Sullivan in memory of Rosemarie Magness

Our Mission and Vision

Inspiring vibrant communities by connecting the past, present, and future. The Museum of Ventura County, through its collections, exhibits, educational programs and publications, celebrates the history, art, and culture of Ventura County and the Channel Islands.

Our Purpose

To promote interest in and understanding of the history of the Ventura County region; to collect and preserve archives, artifacts, art, and ephemera bearing on the history of the region; to document current regional events; and to create exhibits and programs that enlighten, educate, and engage the past, present, and future.

Our Partners

Major funding for the programs
at the Museum of Ventura County
is made possible by

City of Ventura

County of Ventura

Museum of Ventura County
100 East Main Street
Ventura, CA 93001
Directions

Thursday—Sunday
11am to 5pm

Phone: 805.653.0323

Research Library at the Museum
100 East Main Street
Ventura, CA 93001
Directions

Appointment Only
Wednesday—Friday • 11am to 5pm

For library assistance call
805-653-0323 ext 320
or email library@venturamuseum.org

Agriculture Museum
926 Railroad Avenue
Santa Paula, CA 93060
Directions

Thursday—Sunday
11am to 5pm

Phone: 805.525.3100

Albinger Archaeological Museum
113 E. Main Street
Ventura, CA 93001
Directions

Saturday
11am to 5pm

Phone: 805.658.4728

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The Museum of Ventura County
will be closed from
June 1, 2023 to June 21, 2023

so that we can prepare three NEW exhibits
and the Kick-off Celebration for the Ventura County’s 150th Anniversary.  

The Agriculture Museum at 926 Railroad Avenue, Santa Paula, CA 93060 will still be
OPEN Thursday – Sunday during these dates.

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