The Santa Paula Art Museum's current exhibition, Local Clay, pairs two of Ventura County’s most unconventional female sculptors, Marianne McGrath and Cheryl Ann Thomas. Both women are local artists working predominantly in clay, but in very distinct ways. McGrath, an assistant professor of art at California State University Channel Islands, juxtaposes the earthen medium of clay with industrial materials like reclaimed wood to create works that speak of rural landscapes lost to suburban sprawl. Thomas, who began her ceramic practice at age 60 in her garage with a small kiln, embraces the nature of accident and allows her clay to collapse and create chance forms during firing.

On Thursday, August 30, at 2:00pm, the two artists will give a joint talk and tour of their dual exhibition. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for seniors, and free for students and museum members.