To see previous videos of demos recorded for WVAG, click on the YouTube link below.
Dinner Demos are held at the Los Robles Greens - 299 S. Moorpark Rd, Thousand Oaks
Doors open at 5:30.
$32 for members and $39 for non members.
The last day to register is the Friday (5:00 PM) before the upcoming Dinner Demo.
Cancellations must be made no later than the Friday before the dinner demo to receive a refund. Contact Dennis Griffin
December 2, 2025
Dinner and Demo with Vadim Zanginian
Last day to register is Friday, November 28, at 5:00 PM
Born in 1965 in Armenia, Vadim Zanginian began painting from a young age. He pursued formal art training at the Erevan State Art and Theater College where he studied Russian academic traditions. After graduating in 1989, he quickly rose in the local art world, winning first prize for Best Advertisement Design at the Professional Advertising Design Competition in Erevan, Armenia in 1991. The following year he emigrated from Armenia to Los Angeles to complete his Master's degree in Fine Arts. Since 1994, Zanginian has worked as a graphic designer for major companies and individuals, including Guess, Harley Davidson, the Hard Rock Cafe, Cher, Paul McCartney, and The Moody Blues.
Zanginian currently works at the Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art as an instructor while simultaneously exhibiting and selling his work in fine art galleries in the United States and Canada.
January 6, 2026
Dinner and Demo with Ralph Waterhouse
Last day to register is Friday, January 2, 2026
Ralph's paintings have been described as having a feeling of serenity, which reflects his love of the natural environment.
After spending many years as a graphic designer Ralph decided to pursue his real love, painting the countryside and its wildlife. Painting became a full-time occupation in the early '70s when he moved to the English Lake District. Ralph lived there for many years and it has a special place in his heart, with its lakes, beautiful villages and mountains which evoke a feeling of peace. Ralph's wildlife paintings led to International recognition, including articles in leading magazines, a feature on BBC Television in England and One Man and Group Art Shows in England, West Germany and the USA.
In the late 1980s Ralph became inspired by the California Landscape and its beautiful light. He changed his focus from the very intimate environment of his Wildlife Paintings took a much broader vista encompassing the whole landscape.
The late afternoon and early morning sunlight are special qualities that Ralph loves to capture on canvas. He spends as much time painting "en plein-air" as possible, but works on his larger canvases in his studio. In the early 90's Ralph was asked by the British Consul in Los Angeles to present Margaret Thatcher with one of his paintings as a memory of her visit to California.
Ralph has exhibited in the national Oil Painters of America Exhibitions and one of his paintings was in an exhibition at the State Capitol Building. He was recently commissioned to paint several large murals, which will be prominently placed in the main branches and corporate offices of Santa Barbara Bank and Trust. In 2007, Ralph was also commissioned to paint and design Santa Barbara's historic Old Spanish Days Fiesta Poster, which has been a tradition and cultural celebration in Santa Barbara for over 75 years.
He has had articles in leading magazines won awards at various Art shows, and acted as a judge for Museum Art shows. His work is in many private collections throughout the world. Ralph is a founder member of the Santa Barbara Art Dealers Association and is currently Chairman of the California Art Club, Santa Barbara Chapter.
February 3, 2026
Dinner and Demo with Jem Atwater
Last day to register is Friday, Jan. 30, 2026
Jem is a Ventura-based oil painter specializing in traditional techniques with a contemporary sensibility. Inspired by the coastal beauty of California, Jem’s work captures the dynamic interplay of light, atmosphere, and movement, whether through plein air landscapes or thoughtfully composed studio pieces.
With a strong foundation in color theory and design, Jem not only creates evocative artworks but also shares her expertise through teaching. She teaches oil painting across Ventura County, including at the Santa Paula Art Museum, where she leads adult courses in Still Life, Seascape, and Pet Portraiture; VITA Art Center, where she teaches adult painting courses and runs an afterschool program for middle schoolers; and Raminfard School of Arts, where she provides private instruction emphasizing the fundamentals of fine art.
Her work has been featured in juried exhibitions and local art shows, reflecting a deep connection to Ventura’s creative community. In addition to painting, Jem is dedicated to organizing events that bring artists together, including collaborative exhibitions and live painting competitions.
March 3, 2026
Dinner and Demo with Steven Curry
Website: www.stevencurryarts.com
Studio Interview (video): Click here to watch
Last day to register is Friday, Februarty 27, 2026
Born in Millbrae, California, Steven spent the first 21 years of his life in the beautiful surroundings of Northern California. Both parents were practicing artists who nurtured Steven’s love of drawing and painting from an early age. In 1982, he obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Visual Communication from California State University, Long Beach working the first 6 years of his professional art career as a Graphic Designer in Los Angeles, CA.
From 1988 to 2003 Steven owned and operated the Curry Design Agency based in Santa Monica, California. CDA’s many prestigious clients included Nissan North America, Sony Pictures, and the Academy Awards. CDA’s significant impact on the graphic design industry is emphasized by having three graphic design projects selected to be archived in the collections of the United States’ Library of Congress. Other wards include a gold record via Capital Records. After more than 15 years of commercial success, Steven retired from his design agency to pursue his fine art passion full-time, choosing the Ojai Valley of California as home and inspiration.
Steve’s paintings capture the coastal cypress trees, the glorious colors of the sunset, and the shadow and light of the California landscape. He uses vintage frames from the tonal era as well as making his own frames depicting an earlier time.
April 7, 2026
Dinner and Demo with Shahin Mojtabai
Last day to register is Friday, April 3, 2026
Shahin Mojtabai
Shahin Mojtabai is a passionate realist painter, instructor, and founder of Shishkin Art Studio in Topanga Canyon. With over 14 years of experience, he now dedicates himself to teaching students of all ages (10 and up), focusing on realism and the art of observing everyday life with sensitivity rather than relying on innate talent. Named after Russian painter Ivan Shishkin, his studio welcomes anyone eager to learn, offering a supportive space where skill is cultivated through patience, practice, and personal insight. Known for his expressive teaching style and honest feedback, Mojtabai finds deep fulfillment in helping students experience artistic breakthroughs.
Reserve & Pay for your Dinner Demo
Members $32 and Guests $39.
Reservations are required and must be made OR cancelled no later than Friday (5:00 PM) prior to the event.
Dinner / Demos
Westlake Village Art Guild
The WVAG's monthly buffet dinner and art demos are held the first Tuesday of each month from September through June.
Location
West Ballroom
Los Robles Greens
299 S. Moorpark Road
Thousand Oaks, CA 91361
Schedule
5:30 PM Check-In Opens
6:00 PM Buffet Dinner
7:00 PM Demonstration
8:30 PM End
Great food, demos and friends at the WVAG Dinner Demos!
To see previous videos of demos recorded for WVAG, click on the YouTube link below.