Hiding in Plain Sight | Sally Weber | Matrix | 1999©

Celebrating Ventura’s “Matrix” 25th Anniversary
Marking this artwork’s installation a quarter century ago at E.P. Foster LibraryLet’s

Let’s celebrate Ventura’s “Matrix” 25th anniversary
Please join us as we mark this artwork’s installation a quarter century ago at E.P. Foster Library, 651 E. Main St., Ventura, on Friday, November 15, 2024 at 6:30 pm. Questions? Call (805) 628-3274.

Ventura received its own “Matrix” created by renowned artist Sally Weber In 1999, the same year the first Matrix film came out with its heroes trying to free humanity from an artificial intelligence simulation prison with philosophical, religious, and spiritual ideas.

Something similar happens when you enter a library, specifically Ventura’s. Look very closely as you open the “transparent stained glass” doors—of perception—at the downtown library entrance and discover between strips of color miniscule images and patterns pulled from computer chips to art history and hidden micro-size words of poetry, prose and commentary by great spiritual and (futuristic) leaders from the mystic poet Rumi to science fiction legend Ray Bradbury,

The 25th anniversary event—organized by Kelly Coty (an enthusiastic interior designer) and sponsored by the Ventura County Library—will host the artist, Sally Weber, who will talk about the Matrix project, followed by a q & a. Matrix is owned by the City of Ventura Public Art Program, which commissioned the work for the library.

Kelly Coty has had a longtime flirtation with Ventura cemented by her discovery of Matrix. “I left California in 1991 and finally I’ve come home. Each year I brought my family to Ventura for vacation. I didn’t know until 2019 that Ventura had my heart, that’s when I set my eyes on moving here. This year I moved permanently, leaving my kids, grandkids and most of my clients was a feat. Starting over here professionally would be another. I knew in trying to establish myself here as a designer, I wanted to do more than just putting my hand out for work. I’ve discovered so much history and beauty here. One of my favorite discoveries was hiding in plain sight—Matrix!  I was lured by the transparent colors streaming outside the library. Upon closer inspection I discovered those wonderful quotes. I was falling in love!  I felt so called to this piece, I wanted to tell everyone about it! I reached out to the artist Sally Weber. Celebrating its 25th year anniversary is a true passion project for me.”