About Us 

Celebrating the Best of Modern Art

SAMOCA (San Angelico Museum of Contemporary Art) is an art museum with a focus on modern art from the last 75 years. Since its inception in 1973, the museum has been the leader of modern contemporary design. SAMOCA is located in the heart of Ventura, ninety miles north of Los Angeles in Southern California.

An Introduction

SAMOCA has been established in honor of Saint Angelico promoting the enrichment and nourishing of the arts. It is a creative mixture of visual and performing arts, alongside music and craft  suitable for the entire family. The museum focuses on unique talents and accomplishments of up-and-coming artists found within the diverse and daring California community and beyond.

Our collections are designed to highlight the importance of contemporary art within modern society. Important influences, such as pop, cinema, and current events, permeate our halls. Through our diverse collections, events, and with the support of our patrons and volunteers, the museum helps to promote the importance of modern art around the world.



Volunteer

Have an opinion on art? Become a museum docent!

Share your knowledge, love, and expertise with a grateful public. Our docents lead customized tours through the museum for groups of 10-15 visitors.

Other volunteer opportunities include regular garden clean-up days, staffing for Family Fun Saturdays, and occasional attendance or ticket taking at the SAMOCA lecture series.

Besides the satisfaction of sharing your knowledge and meeting new friends, we offer our volunteers heavily discounted memberships, coupons to the Caf, and other perks.  Contact us today to find out how you can help.




Our Director

Our museum director is Dr. Shannon Gottschalk, who has headed SAMOCA for 10 years. Dr. Gottschalk received her PhD in art history from UCLA in 1992. She joined the Getty Museum, curating the modern art collection, shortly after graduation. 

Dr. Gottschalk joined SAMOCA in 2002 as director. In that time, she has recognized and exhibited many new artists at SAMOCA, while continuing to show works from well-established artists in the field. 