1st Conejo Cottontails Bicycle Tour
Cottontail Sighting: A Cycling Adventure through the Conejo Valley!
Check out some fun photos of Kathleen and her friends biking around the Conejo Valley to find 7 of our Cottontails.
What a fun adventure!
The Unveiling of "Venti" at the Thousand Oaks Inn
On July 28, 2020, Venti, one of the newest Conejo Cottontails was unveiled in front of the Thousand Oaks Inn. Venti was commissioned by the Inn and painted by local artist John Galan.
This cottontail was designed to depict the nature, history and life of the Conejo Valley. From the lions, tigers and bears that once lived at Jungleland in Thousand Oaks to the rolling hills of the Santa Monica Mountains.
Check out the video below to see the making of “Venti”!
Drive by this masterpiece today and snap a photo!
Thousand Oaks Inn
75 W Thousand Oaks Boulevard
Thousand Oaks, California 91360
Visiting the Conejo Cottontails!
One local family is on a mission to visit all 20 Conejo Cottontails! They recently visited 17 of our 20 public works of art!
Check out the fun photos below.
And thank you to Kelly for the photos! We love to share pictures our community members visiting the cottontails.
The Unveiling of "Rosie" at Westlake City Hall
On September 4, 2019, Rosie was officially welcomed to her forever home at Westlake City Hall. The funding for Rosie came from the City's commitment to public art. The proceeds from the sale of Rosie are being used to bring an arts program to the seniors of Westlake Village. Rosie was created by artist Judy Koenig.
The Dedication Celebration was preceded by a Shibori Banner making activity facilitated by Art Trek. The colorful banners were a fitting embellishment to the festive atmosphere. At the unveiling, Mayor Ned Davis quipped about famous rabbits in history including Peter Cottontail, Bugs Bunny, and the Trix Rabbit to name a few. Mayor Pro Tem, Kelly Honig spoke about the importance of public art and expressed her delight in seeing Rosie each time she entered the City Hall Building.
Throwback Thursday: The Unveiling of the Conejo Cottontail at The Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village
On Wednesday, June 26th, 2019 we unveiled our newest Conejo Cottontail sculpture at The Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village. This cottontail drew from inspiration of the four seasons and brought to life by local artist, Jenny Manno.
Artist Statement Below:
“I’d like to thank Art Trek and the Four Seasons for this opportunity.
When Nan Young, asked me to be the artist for the Four Seasons community rabbit project, I jumped at the chance. The rest of the day I walked around thinking THE FOUR SEASONS!! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT??! By that afternoon it turned into… THE FOUR SEASONS, CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!!?? It hit me like a ton of bricks!! I had some VERY large shoes to fill! Thank goodness I had 8 months to make that happen.
I knew right away that I was going to paint the background a GORGEOUS retro turquoise color… which, may or may not also be the same color as my kitchen and my bedroom. Sorry honey!! It also HAD TO HAVE the FOUR SEASONS represented on it. The trick was, ALL four seasons had to be visible from all sides. THIS WAS NOT EASY!
In the 8 months to follow it went through two major repaints, many late night painting sessions in my living room as well as several trips to the chiropractor….
Finally!!! I was making headway!!
Then tragedy struck-BORDERLINE
I knew that I had to somehow represent and pay tribute to those that lost their lives on that day.
The bees became that symbol. They represent LIFE, STRENGTH AND ENDURANCE. I couldn’t think of a better way to tell the world that as a community, Thousand Oaks would heal and survive.
Fast forward 11 months from the day Nan asked me to be a part of this community project to us standing here today at the unveiling. I have learned a lot about myself during this journey. I discovered that I too am a lot like those bees. For that alone I will be forever grateful for this opportunity.” - Jenny Manno
Watch the CRPD Cottontail go on adventures!
We currently have many Conejo Cottontails on display in our local community, but only one special rabbit gets to travel from place to place. This cottontail was designed and painted by local artist, Sheila Fein for the Conejo Recreation and Park District. Sheila included various aspects of what the Conejo Recreation and Park district is all about, from setting up yoga classes at a local park to a group hike in Wildwood park to Paradise Falls, this Cottontail has it all. There are so many adventures to go on and we needed an adventurous cottontail to take on the excitement! Follow Conejo Recreation and Park District on social media to follow are friend on all the adventures!! Links below.
Twitter - @ConejoRPD
Facebook - @ConejoRPD
Instagram - @ConejoRPD
Website - CRPD.org
This Friday we Unveil our first ever Conejo Cottontail
Cottontail Unveiling: Los Angeles RAMS
Thursday, September 7
3:00pm-5:00pm
The Promenade in Westlake Village
BRING FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO ENJOY THE UNVEILING OF OUR NEWEST CONEJO COTTONTAIL: "TOUCHDOWN" FOR THE LOS ANGELES RAMS. THE CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE WESTLAKE PROMENADE TOMORROW AFTERNOON FROM 3-5PM. COME ON BY AND ENJOY FOOD TRUCKS, FOOTBALL AND AN AMAZING WORK OF ART TO BRIGHTEN YOUR DAY. THIS COLORFUL-SPORTY COTTONTAIL WAS DESIGNED AND PAINTED BY ELIZA DAY GREEN, ARTIST AND TEXTILE DESIGNER FROM LOS ANGELES.
Cottontail Sneak Peek!
Artist Spotlight: Sheila Fein
Sheila Fein
Artist
"I am an illustrator and a fine artist. I vacillate between the two on a daily basis.
As a fine artist I create works on canvas, cardboard, and fine paper with acrylic paint, oil, oil pastels, pastels, colored pencil, ink markers, and the airbrush. My work is in private collections across the US and abroad. I love to have solo art shows as well as curate shows with other artists. Day-to-day I teach art to private students as well as run two figurative drawing workshops called People Sketchers (Hillcrest Center for the Arts) and Imaginings Sketch (Artist Studio). This is where I practice drawing the human figure and let my imagination fly. From fantasy portraits, to fantasy pop art, I combine the literal with my imagined world to create my imagery.
The techniques I have learned as a fine artist make my job as an illustrator and a digital artist, very exciting. There is nothing I love more than bringing a story or an object to life. Painting the Bunny was an amazing experience and I loved adding people, places, local color and animals to the Bunny creating a roadmap of Conejo Park life.
As an original New Yorker transplanted to the Santa Monica Mountains of LA, I feel I have a unique perspective. I have raised four amazing daughters with my husband and now I am Gami to two active grandsons. There is never a dull moment or a time I am without inspiration.
Whether, I am creating a painting for the joy of creating or using my craft to illustrate a book, I seek to work without the critic on my shoulder. Following the voice inside has led me to this wonderful and fulfilling dual career. " - Sheila Fein
Cottontail in Progress: Andrée B. Carter
Andrée B. Carter
Artist
"My painting is equally about color, mark making, and improvisation. The work is not so much about process as about finding out what results from process.
Color has the irresistible drawing power of chocolate or opiates. It is so seductive that I can begin a composition with colors I don’t particularly like. Gradually I move into greater control of my elements. After laying down an allover ground I use an irregular grid to make hundreds, sometimes thousands of little marks on each canvas until the surface is completely covered. The grid derives from the black-and-white tile floor in the kitchen and dining room of my Italian grandparents’ sugar cane plantation in Louisiana. There is no narrative attached to this association, but it does drive my painting.
Once I lay out the grid I lose myself in the process. I apply layers and layers of gesso, acrylic, and oil over collaged elements. By weaving the pigments and textures together I integrate the surface. Layers thus appear indistinguishable from one another. The process can be compared to one or more musicians combining notes and instruments in an improvised performance.
Subtraction plays as big a role in my process as addition does. If I am not satisfied with the integration of colors and textures at a certain point, I will destroy the layers by tearing off parts of the surface, giving up the grid marks, sanding off or painting over certain areas. It doesn’t matter how much I destroy or add; I am only satisfied until I feel the work resonating the way I want it to."
–Andrée B. Carter
CLICK HERE to visit Andrée B. Carters' website!
New Conejo Cottontail at The Stonehaus in Westlake Village, CA
Congratulations to artist, Ann Krasner! Her Conejo Cottontail - Art of the Tango, is now placed at The Stonehaus in Westlake Village, CA. Stop by and enjoy a gourmet meal and sip on custom roasted coffee as you take in the gorgeous scenery.
Visit our artists page to learn more about the artist, Ann Krasner! Or simply visit annkrasner.com
A new home for one of our Cottontails!
A big THANK YOU to Everyone who donated to bring a Conejo Cottontail to the Cancer Support Community in Thousand Oaks, CA.
We can't wait to place a beautifully decorated cottontail at it's new home!
Supporters
CREATE STUDIO
KH
CYVENIO BIOSYSTEMS, INC.
BOBBIE'S SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS
THE KOUBA FAMILY
ARMSTRONG GARDEN CENTERS
RECREATION CONNECTION
PICKLES DELI
UNIFIED ASSOCIATION OF CONEJO TEACHERS
LA REINA HIGH SCHOOL & MIDDLE SCHOOL
CONEJO SIMI MOORPARK ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
GREAT HARVEST BREAD CO.
RP BARRICADE INC.
RUSTIC WOOD ACCENTS
PETER & GERRI WENDEL
THRIVE DANCE CENTER
CLINICAS DEL CAMINO REAL, INC.
CATE & EDDY HARTENSTEIN
AMERICAN HERITAGE LANDSCAPE
SILVIA BERG
DANIEL & PEGEEN STEWART
KYLER & JEZEBELLE SMITH
CBC FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
PELOSO PHOTOGRAPHY
TINCHER, DDS
SHELTER HOPE PET SHOP
SIDE STREET CAFE
COHEN BEGUN & DECK, LLP
REID'S GIFT, INC.
ALDERMAN BUSHE' INTERIORS
Q SUSHI
STORM-LARSEN & COMPANY, INC.
OLD TOWN TEMECULA WALKING TOURS
PACIFIC FESTIVAL BALLET
S. LUNDBERG
RONALD & ELKE BLOCK
PILATES PLUS WV
PAT & WALT JOHNSON
GALERIE 888
Congratulations to Wendy Jann & Jennifer Sutman!
Everyone at Conejo Public Art, Art Trek and Arts Council of the Conejo Valley would like to congratulate Wendy Jann and Jennifer Sutman on their Conejo Cottontail sculpture being placed at The Shoppes in Westlake Village this past Friday.
The sculpture is entitled Conglio al Tramonto "Rabbit at Sunset", a fresco style collaboration between Jann and Sutman. Intertwining their artistic skills to create a stunning piece of public art for the community.
This Friday! August 5th
Artist Spotlight: Wendy Jann & Jennifer Sutman
Wendy Jann - left, Jennifer Sutman - right
After long time friends and tennis partners, Wendy Jann and Jennifer Sutman learned of the Conejo Cottontails project, they quickly decided to work together. They pooled their talents with Jen's keen eye for color and Wendy's skill in plaster. The two determined to decorate their cottontail in lime plaster in the Fresco style of the Old Masters while capturing the colors and beauty found in the sunsets and terrain of the Conejo Valley.
The next time you see a cottontail nibbling at your flowers with the glow of the sunset on his back, they hope you think of their sculpture, "Coniglio al Tramonto" (Rabbit in the Sunset).
Conejo's on KCLU!
We had a special guest at the Art Trek studio last week! KCLU news director, Lance Orozco stopped by to interview our director, Nan Young about the Conejo Public Art Project - Conejo Cottontails! One of our featured artists and maker of the original cottontail maquette, Cate Hartenstein, was also at the studio working on her groovy Cottontail Sculpture!
Tune in tomorrow morning to listen to the interview on KCLU!
7:45am & 8:45am
88.3 FM Ventura County
102.3 FM Santa Barbara
Listen Online at KCLU.ORG
photos by Steve Teeple
Sneak Peek of Cottontail by Fran Engel
Inspired by Sunny Southern California!
more images coming soon!
Artist Notification
Thank you to everyone who entered to participate in the Conejo Cottontails Conejo Pubic Art Project. All the artists from the first round have been notified. Be on the look-out for Cottontails invading the valley in 2016.
Artist Spotlight : Hessam Abrishami
Hessam brought his artistic interpretive view to the cottontail project. Hessam’s Conejo Cottontail was inspired by the evolving nature of animals.
- Modern sensibilities have made animals more human like. Pets and animals world-wide are trained to perform and humor us with tricks like circus animals. We expect them to evolve with us like fast paced machines and technology. As we anthropomorphize them, dress them, train them for our convenience we pull them with us in a more human direction that is less humane - pulling them away from their true animal nature.
