Pat Richards-Dodds began her art studies at Santa Monica High School, graduating in 1955.  At age 16 she was awarded a scholarship for life drawing to Chouinard Art School.  Her studies continued at the University of Washington and throughout her life at Ventura College and through private instruction.

Richards-Dodds professional art career began in 1978 with several one person exhibits.  In 1985 she became a member of the invitational professional arts organization, Studio 83.   Her work has been exhibited at Studio Channel Islands Art Center, The Los Angeles Art Association’s Gallery 805, the Hillcrest Center for the Arts, Community Memorial Hospital, the Museum of Ventura County, Buenaventura Art Association, The Crowne Plaza Hotel, as well as many other galleries and exhibits and in private collections.

Pat began her active participation in Ventura County art community in 1978 as a member of Buenaventura Art Association. In 1989 she entered a career in banking and continued her dedication to the arts by curating over 36 art exhibits at Ventura County National Bank. In 1998 she was one of small group of art leaders who founded Studio Channel Islands Art Center. Richard-Dodds served as the first chairperson of the Board of Directors, as well as co-chair for the Annual Seasons of Channel Islands galas and later, Art & All That Jazz.  In 2005 she was responsible for creating the SCI Award for Excellence, a yearly $1000 gift to an outstanding art student attending a Ventura County college or university.  Pat also served as SCI Director of Development, 2012-2013. She was recognized by the Ventura County Arts Council with the Arts Stars Award for Artist in the Community.

In 2014 Pat was invited to exhibit as one of the ten icons of Ventura artists at the Ventura Music Festival. In 2015 she was among the seven Southern California artists spotlighted in the New West Symphony’s presentation of Gustav Holst’s, The Planets. Her paintings were featured in Thousand Oaks, Santa Monica and Oxnard.

Richards-Dodds joined the Board of Directors of the New West Symphony in 2015. Her participation has opened new avenues of cooperation between NWS and Studio Channel Islands.  Pat has also been involved in creating opportunities for Studio Channel Islands artists to exhibit in the new wing of St. John’s/Pleasant Valley Hospital in Camarillo.

Pat’s current oil paintings represent her expressionistic style, focusing on the effects of the sun, the sea and incoming weather patterns.  Her recent work can be seen in Studio D3, Studio Channel Islands Art Center at 2222 Ventura Blvd, Camarillo, 93010 by appointment.

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

Studio Channel Islands
Los Angeles Art Association
Ojai Art Center
New West Symphony
San Luis Obispo Art Association
Carnegie Art Museum, Oxnard