Experience art in action! As part of the current exhibition “Celebrating Nature: Paintings by Allied Artists of the Santa Monica Mountains,” Allied Artists members Marian Fortunati and Laura Wambsgans will bring their oil painting processes to life inside the Museum on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 2 PM. Watch these talented artists create vibrant landscapes right before your eyes, and enjoy the chance to ask questions and chat with them as they work. The demonstration is included with regular museum admission, which is $4 for adults, $3 for seniors, and free for SPAM members, students, and children. Reservations are not required.

About Marian Fortunati:

Marian Fortunati is a SoCal native and enjoyed a long career as a teacher and principal in Los Angeles. She now paints full-time and enjoys first-hand adventures and exploring new vistas. She uses her oil paints to create interesting experiments with texture and color. Marian is an active member of Oil Painters of America, Allied Artists of the Santa Monica Mountains and Seashore, California Art Club, and PAC6.

About Laura Wambsgans:

Laura Wambsgans began painting the landscape after working as a sculptor for two decades and as managing director of a major recording studio. A participant in many national plein air events since 1986, Laura strives to capture the effect of light on the land through color and paint quality. Her work has been exhibited nationally, including the Riverside Museum, Bakersfield Museum, Lancaster Museum, Museum of Ventura County, and Santa Paula Art Museum. Laura is an active member of Oil Painters of America, Allied Artists of the Santa Monica Mountains and Seashore, California Art Club, and PAC6.

“Celebrating Nature” is on view now through November 9, 2025. Click here to learn more.

Header image: Detail of “Malibu Creek View” by Laura Wambsgans, 2025, Oil on linen, 24 x 20 inches, Sold.