Nomad Gallery

Sorry we passed up buying Clark’s art the first time we visited, but went back on Ojai day this year to by a beautiful piece that’s now hanging in our home. The colors are spectacular and some of the scenes are just incredible. Certainly worth the visit if you are in Ojai.

This gallery is a must see for all those visiting Ojai! It contains a LOT of art, both by the artist and by African artists that she visits on her excursions. It really is breathtaking art and the proceeds from the sales of the African art goes back to the original artists through the Nomad Foundation — which she (the artist) has been running for over 20 years. The artist has set up a few co-​operatives to generate this art; then she brings it Ojai, sells it and takes the profit back to the Co-​Op.
Jenna C.‘s review was critical of her painting from her own photos, but in truth, the artist does a lot of painting in Africa (Niger mostly) and then leaves the paintings there, because the cost of shipping them out is too high. Furthermore, Jenna C. also assumes that the artist is ripping off African artisans. Nothing could be further from the truth. Most of the profit that she gets is rolled back into her foundation which helps the nomadic tribes out there. The foundation leads groups from the Rotary Foundation to help with everything from clean water to education to food.
In short, this gallery and the artist are awesome! Next time you’re in Ojai, drop in!

The consensus is the artist does a paint by number from photographs she takes. She is a good photographer. The Nomad name and original graphic were lifted from an unpaid Southern African artist. The amount she charges is many many times higher than the amount she pays the artists in Africa. This supports her international travel.
Overpriced.

If you are in town, you really need to go and check this place out–
The best Tuareg jewellry selection. Gorgeous art. The proprietress spends a large part of the year in Northern Africa working with nomadic tribes and your purchases here help the process.