Crafting connection:

Saddle making in Santa Margarita

Taught by her dad, Samantha Huston is making her mark on the Central Coast equestrian community

By Marlowe Hast

 Whether you’re a rider or not, it’s easy to imagine that a horse’s entire body moves anytime a part of it moves. Picture the shoulder moving forward and back, muscles along the spine shifting as the horse walks, trots, or lopes. The body curves and bends as the horse covers ground, especially on the trail with elevation changes, hills to climb, and canyons to descend.

Now imagine a saddle on the horse’s back. Most saddles are made with a rigid frame called a tree, which were (not surprisingly) traditionally made out of wood. In more recent decades, the wood was wrapped in fiberglass. Some trees today are made of other materials, including synthetics like polyethylene.

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Beato Embodied

With handcrafted chocolates and inspired tableware, the Mama of Dada is back in the spotlight at the Porch Gallery

By Misty Hall

Part of the allure of Ojai’s Porch Gallery is its juxtaposition of contemporary art housed in a historic Victorian building. An expansive porch wraps around the exterior, creating a welcoming space dotted with pink lounge chairs. This is not a cold and formal “look reverently and leave” type of gallery. It is inviting — intentionally so. Come on in, it seems to say. Stay awhile.

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Central Coast Blacksmith melds old-world skill with modern-day art

By Marlowe Hast

Photos by Hans Duss

The blacksmith trade dates back to 1500 BC. The craft has evolved dramatically since then, and pieces forged today in 2,000-degree heat have changed from simply utilitarian metalwork to works of art.

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Jewelry With Meaning

By Marlowe Hast

Sometimes when you step into an unfamiliar place, there’s a vibe, an energy, a magic to it — something that’s hard to describe, but undeniably there. That’s how you’ll feel entering Jes MaHarry’s shop in downtown Ojai. The renowned jeweler/artist and her family have put countless hours into revamping the flagship store, where every item, every light fixture, even the boards in the floor, tell a story that’s entirely MaHarry’s.

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2021 Fall Events

The Central Coast has a calendar full of fun activities and events to check out.

Due to COVID-19 all events are tentative and their dates are subject to change. We encourage you to call ahead or visit the event’s website!

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