ARTISTS FIND LOCAL SHOW A GOOD DRAW.

Byline: Enrique Rivero Daily News Staff Writer

Oxnard artist Ed Meyrowitz takes his work to about 30 art shows each year, traveling the country in search of buyers for the three-dimensional figures he carves through the back of an acrylic sheet.

But there are few places that attract a more appreciative public than the annual ArtWalk, run by the Conejo Valley Art Museum.

``The ArtWalk is better than most shows. The people seem to be very sophisticated, they're interested in art and they purchase art,'' said Meyrowitz, 51, who previously exhibited stone and metal sculptures before turning to his unique acrylic medium seven years ago.

``Plus, the community isn't burned out on art shows. There are communities that have art shows constantly,'' he added. ``This show does get some of the best talent in the country.''

Meyrowitz is one of 161 artists exhibiting their work at ArtWalk '97, slated for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

The event will include paintings, drawings and graphics, sculptures and ceramics, photography, textiles, crafts, jewelry, and mixed media.

A record 235 applicants registered for this year's event, again being held on the lawn of Exxon Company at Hillcrest Drive and Wilbur Road, said ArtWalk coordinator Helen Sargent.

Source books for artists and crafters have rated the Thousand Oaks ArtWalk among the 100 best art shows of this type in the country, which probably accounts for the large crowds the free annual event traditionally draws, she said.

In fact, the museum information line has been ringing constantly with people calling with questions about the show, she said.

``I think it's a very high-quality show,'' Sargent said. ``It's a juried entry. We are careful with the applications and it just has a reputation for having high-quality art.''

First-, second- and third-prize ribbons will be given to works in each of the categories, she said. In addition, the Best of Show winner will receive a $500 cash award in lieu of exhibition space at the Conejo Valley Art Museum, she said.

The museum moved out of its space at the Janss Marketplace more than a year ago and has been looking for a permanent home since, Sargent said. All proceeds from the ArtWalk will go toward helping pay for a new location, she said.

Meyrowitz has sold up to a dozen of his pieces in one ArtWalk, averaging about $1,000 per piece. Far from creating a competitive atmosphere, the large number of high-quality artists stimulates sales, he said.

``When somebody goes to an art gallery, when it has the finest work, they're not hesitant about purchasing from the gallery,'' he said.

Another longtime ArtWalk exhibitor is Camarillo ceramic designer Csara Easton, owner of Rainy Day Clay Co. She has participated in the event for eight years.