Foundation Grant to Aid Museum Repair
Helping cover the cost of extensive seismic retrofitting and asbestos removal at the St. Thomas Aquinas Church, the Smith-Hobson Foundation has awarded a $15,000 grant to the Ojai Valley Museum.
The grant will beef up the museum’s building fund--a $450,000 account earmarked for upgrading the church, which became the historical museum’s new home in November, said museum trustee Paula Spellman.
The fund covers the renovation and expansion of the Spanish-style church at the corner of Ojai Avenue and Blanche Street, as well as aesthetic improvements, such as painting and lighting.
Until recently, the Ojai Valley Museum was located on Montgomery Street.
The Smith-Hobson Foundation, named after two prominent Ojai Valley families, supports and encourages local cultural and educational endeavors. The foundation’s annual giving is administered by the Ventura County Community Foundation.
Hours at the facility, located at 130 W. Ojai Ave., are noon to 4 p.m. on weekends.
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