The Meaning of Life: A Self Portrait
An immersive exhibition by Jo Ann Block
Opening April 4
Studio Channel Islands
Old Town Camarillo 2222 E Ventura Blvd, Camarillo, CA
In this deeply personal installation, Jo Ann Block explores identity, memory, community, and the layered experiences that shape who we become. Through sculpture, video, and painting, the exhibition unfolds as a reflection on becoming, belonging, and living authentically.
The work examines identity and queer experience as lived realities — intimate, complex, and evolving — inviting viewers into a space of recognition, vulnerability, and shared humanity.
Opening Reception
Saturday, April 4 | 4–6 p.m.
2222 E Ventura Blvd., Camarillo
On view April 4 – May 30, 2026
More details, including special Guest Artist Events, coming soon.
Save the date.
#JoAnnBlock #QueerArt #LesbianArtist #InstallationArt #MixedMediaArtist #SoCalArt #OldTownCamarillo
LAST CALL!
Thank you to everyone who came out for our special screening of Last Call at Maud's at @sciartcenter .
Directed by Paris Poirier
Produced by Karen Kiss and Paris Poirier
Special thanks to Karin Quimby, Erika Harding, Krystofr Kaine
The Meaning of Life: A Self Portrait is a new body of work by Southern California–based artist Jo Ann Block, on view at Studio Channel Islands Art Center from April 4 through May 30, 2026.
Through sculpture, video, and painting, Block explores how meaning is shaped over time through personal choices, and self-reflection. The work examines identity, queer experience, sobriety and community using metaphor and materials to map a life that frequently doubles as a broader story of society.
The exhibition unfolds as a series of interconnected works that loosely follows the trajectory of the artist’s life, inviting viewers into spaces that are at once intimate and expansive. Together, these works ask how purpose is formed, how identity evolves, and what it means to live intentionally.
Join us for an intamite conversation exploring the stories and processes behind The Meaning of Life: A Self-Portrait 🪑🪑
Friday, April 17 at 2:30pm
Studio Channel Islands Art Center
As the documentary unfolds, the gallery becomes Maude’s itself, one of San Francisco's most beloved lesbian bars.
Join us for a FREE screening and immersive theatrical experience of Last Call at Maud's.
Saturday, April 25 at 7pm (SOLD OUT)
Sunday, April 26 at 2pm
Studio Channel Islands Art Center
🔗 RSVP is linked in bio.
Don’t miss Jo Ann Block’s tour de force exhibition, The Meaning of Life: A Self Portrait.
Feeling great after a phenomenal opening for my show last night. Great turnout. If you missed it the show runs until May 30 and two amazing guest artist events to come.
Studio Channel Islands
Old Town Camarillo 2222 E Ventura Blvd, Camarillo, CA
On view April 4 – May 30, 2026
#JoAnnBlock #QueerArt #LesbianArtist #InstallationArt #MixedMediaArtist SoCalArt OldTownCamarillo
A glimpse into opening night.
The Meaning of Life: A Self Portrait
On view through May 30
Studio Channel Islands
Old Town Camarillo
#JoAnnBlock #StudioChannelIslands #VenturaCountyArt
#ArtOpening #GalleryOpening #ArtEvent
#InstallationArt #ContemporaryArt #QueerArt
#ArtVideo #ArtInMotion #ExhibitionView
Thank you to everyone who came out for the opening of The Meaning of Life: A Self Portrait by Jo Ann Block.
It was a full house, with thoughtful conversations and a lot of time spent really sitting with the work. Exactly what this show invites.
If you missed opening night, the exhibition is on view through May 30 at Studio Channel Islands in Old Town Camarillo.
There is still time to experience it.
#JoAnnBlock #ContemporaryArt #InstallationArt #QueerArt #VenturaCountyArt
Happening today.
The Meaning of Life: A Self Portrait by Jo Ann Block opens this afternoon at Studio Channel Islands.
Opening Reception
4–6 p.m.
Old Town Camarillo
Join us.
#JoAnnBlock #StudioChannelIslands #CamarilloArt #VenturaCountyArt #ContemporaryArt #InstallationArt #ArtOpening #SoCalArt
Opening this Saturday.
The Meaning of Life: A Self Portrait
Jo Ann Block
Studio Channel Islands
Old Town Camarillo
Saturday, April 4
4–6 p.m.
A deeply personal, immersive exhibition exploring identity, community, and the experiences that shape a life.
We hope to see you there.
#JoAnnBlock #ContemporaryArt #InstallationArt #QueerArt #VenturaCountyArt
What brings us here.
The Meaning of Life: A Self Portrait
Jo Ann Block
Studio Channel Islands
Old Town Camarillo
An immersive exhibition exploring identity, memory, and the lived experience of being a queer woman.
Opening Reception
Saturday, April 4
4–6 p.m.
Join us.
#JoAnnBlock #ContemporaryArt #InstallationArt #QueerArt #VenturaCountyArt
What remains.
The Meaning of Life: A Self Portrait
Jo Ann Block
Opening April 4
Studio Channel Islands
Old Town Camarillo
#JoAnnBlock #ContemporaryArt #InstallationArt #QueerArt #VenturaCountyArt
