Murals & Roses

Hardeman Olivas Bell GatePainting by Marguerite Hardeman

General Information

Murals and Roses is a free art exhibit held annually on Mother’s Day at the Olivas Adobe. The exhibit showcases the historic Olivas Adobe Rose Garden and a series of colorful murals painted by renowned California muralist Marguerite Hardeman. Each year, up to fifteen of the murals are taken out of storage and displayed around the Olivas Adobe grounds in celebration of spring. Visitors can enjoy historic tours of the Olivas Adobe grounds and browse the site's unique gift shop.

This exhibit is presented by the Olivas Adobe Historical Interpreters.

Painting of a hillside overlooking downtown VenturaPainting by Marguerite Hardeman

Event Details

Sunday, May 14, 2022, 11am - 3pm 
Free

Join us on Mother’s Day from 11am to 3pm, as we open the Olivas Adobe grounds for visitors to enjoy this free, one-day historical al Fresco exhibit featuring art by Marguerite Hardeman. Wander the Olivas Adobe grounds, learn about this remarkable site from the Olivas Adobe Historical Interpreters, and stop to smell the roses in our fragrant rose garden, now in full bloom. 

It’s sure to be an afternoon filled with history, art, and beauty!

Painting of downtown Ventura with dirt roads and horsesPainting by Marguerite Hardeman

About the Artist

Renowned California muralist Marguerite Hardeman painted twenty-five murals depicting four centuries of Ventura history during the 1960s. The largest, a series of panels measuring 30-feet, shows Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo coming ashore to greet local Native Americans in 1542. Other pieces reflect California's Rancho Period and Rancho San Miguel.

Murals and Roses Brochure Cover

Resources