The Atrium Gallery is glowing a little brighter this season.
The “What’s Your Happy?” exhibit highlights the artistic skills of County of Ventura staff, retirees, and family members and is part of the County’s VibeWell initiative. The exhibit features artwork created by the very people who power our County government every day. From professional artists to first-time youth exhibitors, this year’s show is a vibrant reminder that creativity lives in tandem with our professional lives.
This exhibition invites participants to answer a simple but powerful question: What’s your happy? The answers are as diverse as our workforce: coastal sunsets, quiet gardens, family moments, beloved pets, and bold expressions of freedom and joy.
🏆 Best of Show
Watching Sunset, Anacapa Island – Gerardo Segismundo
This year’s Best of Show captures a breathtaking Ventura County treasure: Anacapa Island at sunset. The piece radiates calm and connection to place, reminding us how nature, reflection, and beauty often sit at the center of our happiness.
Professional Division
1st – Fine Garden – Maya Porche
2nd – Habits of Care – Claudia Pardo
3rd – Golden Shack – Matthew Kolodziejczyk
Honorable Mention – Rest – Sarah Fuller
Honorable Mention – Looking Out at God’s Beauty – Kristine Stratas
The Professional division demonstrates extraordinary technical skill and emotional depth. From lush garden scenes to contemplative moments of rest, these works explore care, reflection, and connection, to ourselves and the world around us.
Intermediate Division
1st – Mi Unico Amor – Mia Pacheco
2nd – Sitting by the Rocks – Mitchelle Manalo
3rd – Reflection – Ally Stallings-Toms
Honorable Mention – Porto – Jasmine Rodriguez
Honorable Mention – Indian Sunset – Susan Webb
In the Intermediate category, artists balance growing mastery with bold personal storytelling. Themes of love, serenity, travel, and natural beauty shine through these dynamic works.
Amateur Division
1st – Santa Paula Clocktower – Susan Alvarez
2nd – Surfer in the Wave – Albert Jobelle
3rd – 3 Toes. 2 Balls. 1 Happy Girl. – Amanda Bonavida
Honorable Mention – Harbor Glow from Cactus to Coast – Betsy Swanson Hollinger
Honorable Mention – Inca – Loren Machado
The Amateur division is pure joy, celebrating local landmarks, coastal energy, pets, playfulness, and cultural inspiration. These pieces beautifully reflect how creativity thrives at every skill level.
Teen Division
1st – Freedom/Joy – Bethany Ascencion
2nd – A Sunny Dream – Gloria Shorts
3rd – A Work in Progress – Jett Garcia
Honorable Mention – Garfield – Maximus Tarango
Honorable Mention – Muttsterpiece – Dominic Vallejo
The Teen division pulses with imagination and bold self-expression. Themes of identity, aspiration, humor, and creative experimentation take center stage, offering a glimpse into the next generation of Ventura County artists.
Youth Division
1st – Marina – Chloe Wang
2nd – Peace in the Pond – Emmalene Bednarz
3rd – Hot Buns – Grace Lubell Hoffman
Honorable Mention – Landscape – Coraline Villela
Honorable Mention – Wave at Sunset – Benjamin Goldstein
In the Youth category, we see unfiltered creativity and fearless color. These young artists remind us that happiness can be found in simple scenes, a peaceful pond, a sunset wave, or a moment imagined.
The What’s Your Happy? exhibit is more than an exhibition, it’s a celebration of wellness, belonging, and the creative spirit within the County of Ventura community. VibeWell exists to support the wellbeing of our staff and their families, and this show embodies that mission beautifully.
Creativity is wellness.
Connection is wellness.
Expression is wellness.
Whether you’re an exhibiting artist, a proud family member, or a visitor walking through the Atrium Gallery, this show invites you to pause and reflect:
What’s your happy?
We encourage County staff, retirees, and families to stop by the Atrium Gallery and experience the talent, heart, and imagination on display. You may just leave inspired to create something of your own. The exhibit will be on display in the Atrium Gallery in the Government Center Hall of Administration through
—
VibeWell Ventura County is about combining the transformative power of arts and culture with mental health awareness to create stronger, more connected communities across Ventura County. It’s a collaboration between the County of Ventura Arts & Culture and Ventura County Behavioral Health, funded through the Mental Health Services Act. We’re working with the local creative community to raise awareness of mental health conditions like stress, anxiety, and depression—making resources more accessible and reducing stigma around seeking support.