Join us at the Santa Paula Art Museum on Saturday, May 16, 2026, for the premiere of A Woman’s Painted Journey, a solo exhibition by Ojai artist Pam Grau. A mixed media painter whose work is rooted in observation and memory, Grau recently began exploring digital and hybrid approaches after a serious health challenge caused by a toxic reaction to traditional art materials. What began as a necessity has since become a source of creative expansion.
Drawing inspiration from road trips, nature walks, and quiet moments of beauty, Grau blends hand-painted papers, scanned textures, and digital tools to create layered works that feel both tactile and atmospheric. Her work reflects a shift toward a lighter, more sustainable way of making and living.
Admission to the premiere party is $5 for SPAM members and $10 for non-members. A Woman’s Painted Journey will be on view from May 16, 2026, to September 13, 2026. The artworks will be available for purchase in original and limited-edition formats.
More About Pam Grau:
Pam Grau, the daughter of a former Disney animator and a graphic designer, was born to be an artist. She studied art history and studio art at Mills College in Oakland and Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. She later worked as a graphic designer while waiting for her big break, though marriage and motherhood shifted her focus.
In her late 30s, Grau began re-honing her skills and discovering her true voice. She started sculpting in 1995, re-examining and repurposing everyday objects, adding texture and depth to her work. In 2000, she joined the Orange County Center for Contemporary Art and eventually became Director of Exhibitions from 2005 to 2010, an experience that deepened her appreciation for artistic collaboration and community participation.
At age 55, Grau lost her father, went through a divorce, and battled breast cancer—all within a 12-month period. These experiences profoundly changed her perspective and artistic vision. During the pandemic, she began exploring printmaking, and digital drawing and painting using Procreate. Her current work is shaped by joy, gratitude, and a willingness to evolve.
Header image: Pink Clouds (Lake Casitas Series) by Pam Grau, 2025-2026, Digital collage, 14” x 14”, Original artwork and limited-edition prints available for purchase starting May 16, 2026.