Elements

"I always wanted to be an artist, but the artwork I envisioned were never in paint or pencil. They were shaped through fabric, thread, and yarn. In college, I began experimenting with nontraditional materials in weaving and basketry, seeking out surplus and scrap from recycle yards. That search revealed to me the overwhelming abundance of discarded materials in the world. My work grew from a desire to reinterpret traditional fiber arts using unconventional materials. When I learned about the plastic waste collecting in remote ocean gyres, my focus sharpened toward addressing the global crisis of plastic pollution. I now work almost exclusively with cast-off, surplus, and waste materials. Over the past 20 years, public awareness of plastic pollution has grown, yet the volume of new plastic entering the waste stream has not diminished, and effective solutions for cleanup remain elusive. By continuing to transform plastic trash into fiber art, I aim to confront this urgent issue and continue directing attention to a problem that cannot be ignored." 

-Julie Kornblum

Dama Gallery is excited to present the Fine Art Exhibition component of the Art + Ale Winter Art Fair, taking place on December 6, 2025, from 3–9 PM at our Ventura location. Returning for another season, the gallery will showcase a curated selection of artwork brought in specifically for the fair.

This season’s exhibition features an impressive array of contemporary work across multiple mediums, including painting, photography, fiber art, sculpture, and more. Each piece has been selected for its originality, technical skill, and the distinct vision of the artist, making this a rare opportunity for visitors to experience and collect works that are being exhibited for the very first time in the gallery.

The Fine Art Exhibition offers a dynamic environment where attendees can explore the creativity of emerging and established artists, encounter diverse perspectives, and engage directly with the artwork. From bold, high-impact paintings to intricate sculptural forms and visually striking photographs, the collection highlights the breadth and vibrancy of the local and regional art scene.

Dama Gallery’s presentation of this curated exhibition underscores the gallery’s dedication to supporting artists and fostering direct connections between creators and collectors. The Fine Art Exhibition transforms the gallery into a lively, immersive space that celebrates craftsmanship, imagination, and artistic innovation.

In addition to celebrating art, this season’s Art + Ale Winter Art Fair partners with the nonprofit City Impact, ensuring that the event also supports the community. The fair’s combination of curated artwork, craft beer, and social engagement exemplifies its broader mission: to create meaningful connections through art, culture, and local collaboration.