12/05/2007
A personal vision of art and music
A resident of Ventura and a visual artist and musician, John Parker has enjoyed a lifetime of music and fine art. In his third year of designing official art for the annual Ventura Music Festival, now entering its 14th season with "Appassionata," April 30 - May 10, Parker delights in bringing his personal vision of art and music to reflect the season's theme, which changes each year.

"John is extremely talented and has brought so much notoriety to the Ventura Music Festival through his vision of signature art," says Cheryl Heitmann, executive director of the Ventura Music Festival. "The art is always unique, yet recognized with a glance. One knows it represents the festival and that helps raise awareness of our efforts."

Committed to promoting the arts in Ventura, Parker was employed by the City of Ventura for a few years creating graphics for local events, including the Downtown Art Walk. Currently he serves on the board of directors at the San Buenaventura Artists Union Gallery.

Since the early 1990s, Parker has operated a design and illustration studio in the downtown area and is known locally for work as both a graphic designer and fine artist.

Inspired by music from the beginning, his early work encompassed illustrations for CD and album covers contracted by Sony Music, New York.

"I feel my art expresses rhythm and movement through figurative images, alive with a colorful energy," he says.

The festival art will be officially unveiled at an exclusive press event at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 6 at the Pierpont Inn in Ventura with 40 additional pieces created by local artists to celebrate the 2008 season.

Performers and concerts also will be announced by Ventura Music Festival Artistic Director Nuvi Mehta.

The 14th season of the Ventura Music Festival, themed "Appassionata," opens April 30 - May 10. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit the official website www.venturamusicfestival.org.