05 Feb Gallery Spotlight: Unveil Gallery
The OC Art Blog had a chance to ask Unveil Gallery co-founder Lorraine Han some questions about their space and program. Located in an office park in Irvine. Unveil Gallery is a contemporary art gallery co-founded by Lorraine and Dan Yang. Their mission is a diverse platform that focuses on contemporary art, women, and community culture. Unveil aims to provide a space for young or emerging artists who are bold in their creativity and willing to explore new artistic languages. Committed to fostering cross-cultural dialogue between different communities, languages, and cultures, the founders believe that art has the power to transcend language barriers and cultural differences, creating a space for people to connect and engage with one another. Without further ado let’s meet Lorraine Han.
Why don’t we start by having you tell us a bit about your art background and how Unveil Gallery came about?
My name is Lorraine Han, and I’m the co-founder and director of Unveil Gallery. The gallery was founded in 2023 by Dan Yang and me, brought together by a shared passion for contemporary art.
Irvine is a city known for its meticulous urban planning, family-friendly atmosphere, and thriving cultural diversity. Yet, at the time, there wasn’t a dedicated contemporary art gallery—at least, not one that we were aware of. Over an afternoon tea, Dan and I found ourselves reflecting on our roles in the art world. As an independent art advisor, I had been guiding collectors—both emerging and seasoned—through the complexities of the art scene, helping them discover pieces that resonate on a personal level. Dan, on the other hand, had been deeply immersed in art education and painting, nurturing creativity within the community.
Despite our individual backgrounds, we both felt uncertain about how we could continue fostering a connection with contemporary art in Irvine. Then, almost on a whim, I asked, “Why don’t we open an art gallery ourselves?” Dan was momentarily stunned but quickly embraced the idea. And just like that, Unveil Gallery was born—a space dedicated to bringing contemporary art to Irvine and creating a dialogue between artists, collectors, and the community.
How would you describe your program and/or curatorial vision? What is the local/regional/national mix of artists you show?
At Unveil Gallery, our mission is centered on fostering community engagement and meaningful dialogue through contemporary art. We are dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices, introducing fresh perspectives, and creating an inclusive space where art is not only observed but experienced, questioned, and deeply engaged with. Our curatorial vision emphasizes accessibility, exploration, and connection—because we believe art should challenge, inspire, and resonate with audiences on multiple levels.
In just over a year, Unveil Gallery has curated eight exhibitions, featuring artists across diverse disciplines and backgrounds. Our program maintains a thoughtful balance between local, regional, national, and international perspectives. We have collaborated with artists deeply rooted in the Orange County community, such as Alisa Ochoa, Lauren Goldenberg Longoria, and Greg Eberhardt, as well as those actively shaping the Los Angeles art scene, including Alex Paik, Sebastian Loo, Angelica Lorenzi, Lou Yezi, Mimi Ding, Xu Shuai and Catherine Menard. Nationally, we have showcased artists such as Guo Shuling, Rebecca Shmuluvitz, LaRissa Rogers, Dai Yuhua and will soon be showing works by Chicago artist Christopher Cosnowski and Philadelphia based artist Mary Henderson, bringing a broader conversation into our space.
On an international scale, we have collaborated with several Chinese artists, including Liu Bing, Huang Zhen, Hou Zhuowu, Xue Fei, and Wang Weijue, fostering cross-cultural exchange and expanding the dialogue between global and local artistic practices. Given our background and Irvine’s sizable Asian community—where around 43% of the population identifies as Asian—we are deeply committed to supporting Asian artists whenever possible. At the same time, our vision extends beyond any specific cultural or regional focus. Unveil Gallery strives to cultivate a diverse range of artistic voices and perspectives that reflect the depth and complexity of contemporary art today.
Can you tell our readers why you chose Orange County as the location for your gallery rather than Los Angeles for example?
Orange County has a rich yet often overlooked history when it comes to the arts. While it may not have the same level of global recognition as Los Angeles, it has long been home to a thriving creative community. Institutions like the Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA) has played pivotal role in shaping the local contemporary art scene, but there has traditionally been a gap when it comes to contemporary art spaces that foster experimental and thought-provoking dialogues.
When we decided to open Unveil Gallery, we saw an opportunity to contribute to Orange County’s evolving cultural landscape. Irvine, in particular, is a city known for its innovation, diversity, and highly engaged community, yet there were few spaces dedicated to contemporary art. We felt it was important to create a platform where artists—especially emerging and underrepresented voices—could showcase their work and engage in meaningful conversations with the local community.
While Los Angeles has an established and saturated art market, Orange County offers something different—a chance to cultivate a deeper connection between artists and audiences in a setting that is still developing its contemporary art identity. By creating a space that champions dialogue, education, and accessibility, we hope to inspire a new generation of art lovers and collectors, ultimately enriching the cultural fabric of the region.
What do you imagine will be some of the positives of being located in Orange County? Do you imagine any difficulties?
Being in Orange County presents a unique set of advantages that we’re excited to embrace. First and foremost, the region is home to a highly educated and culturally diverse community, many of whom have a deep appreciation for the arts but may not always have direct access to contemporary art experiences. Unlike Los Angeles, where the art scene can feel saturated and fast-paced, Orange County offers the opportunity to foster deeper, more personal connections between artists, collectors, and audiences. There’s a sense of curiosity here—a willingness to engage with new ideas—which makes it a fertile ground for meaningful artistic conversations.
Additionally, the lifestyle and infrastructure of Orange County allow us to create a more intentional, welcoming space for art engagement. People here value community, and by positioning ourselves as one of the hubs for contemporary art, we can contribute to shaping a more dynamic and accessible cultural ecosystem.
Of course, there are challenges as well. One of the biggest is the fact that contemporary art is still an emerging scene here. Unlike Los Angeles, where audiences are accustomed to engaging with experimental and conceptual works, we have the task of building awareness and fostering an appreciation for contemporary practices. There’s also the logistical aspect—Orange County is more spread out, and without the dense gallery districts that exist in LA, it requires extra effort to cultivate a dedicated art-going audience.
That said, we see these challenges as opportunities. The fact that contemporary art spaces are still growing here means there’s room to innovate and shape the conversation in a meaningful way. It’s not just about bringing art to Orange County—it’s about building a community around it, making contemporary art an integral part of the cultural dialogue. And that’s something we’re excited to be a part of.
Do you have plans to participate in any art fairs this coming year? Do you feel art fairs are an important?
As a young art space, our primary focus remains on curating and developing our main exhibition program. We believe that building a strong foundation within our gallery space allows us to foster deeper connections with our artists and community.
That being said, art fairs are an important extension of our mission. They provide an incredible platform to introduce our artists to a wider audience and connect with collectors, curators, and institutions beyond Orange County. Participating in these fairs allows us to expand our reach, engage in new dialogues, and bring greater visibility to the artists we represent. While it takes careful planning and effort to balance both, we see art fairs as a strategic way to complement our programming and grow our presence in the broader contemporary art landscape.
Switching gears, what advice do you have for artists based in OC who have yet to find gallery representation? How should they focus on marketing their artwork?
Beyond dedicating time to their art practice, it’s crucial for artists to actively engage with the art community and build visibility for their work. Maintaining a well balanced social media presence is one of the most effective ways to showcase artwork, connect with potential collectors, and stay on the radar of curators and galleries. Consistently sharing work, process insights, and exhibition updates can help build an audience and create opportunities for discovery.
That being said, social media should complement—not replace—in-person engagement. I always encourage artists to set aside time to attend gallery openings, artist talks, and industry events. These moments provide invaluable opportunities to meet fellow artists, curators, and gallerists in a more organic setting. Building relationships within the art community is just as important as refining one’s practice. Many collaborations and opportunities come from genuine connections rather than cold submissions.
Do you have any advice concerning etiquette that artists should adhere to when communicating to galleries? Should artists resist the urge to contact an art dealer out of the blue, or is a certain amount of boldness OK?
That’s a really interesting question, and I think every gallerist has a different perspective when it comes to artists reaching out to promote their work. For us, we respect every artist who has the courage to share their art, whether through email or in person. However, a thoughtful approach is key.
While a certain amount of boldness is necessary in the art world, it should always be paired with professionalism and an understanding of the gallery’s program. Cold emails aren’t necessarily discouraged, but they are far more effective when they are well-researched and personalized. A brief, concise message with a link to an artist’s portfolio is much more impactful than a generic mass email.
That said, the best way to get on a gallery’s radar is through organic engagement. Attending openings, meeting fellow artists, and participating in group exhibitions can create more natural connections.
We are excited to see what you have in store for the Orange County scene this coming year. In closing, is there anything you would like to say about your gallery or any future exhibitions we should look out for?
We’re incredibly grateful for the unwavering support from our artists, friends, and community members who have been with us since day one. Unveil Gallery wouldn’t be what it is without the people who believe in our vision and continue to engage with our exhibitions and programs.
As we move forward, we remain committed to curating thought-provoking shows that spark dialogue, invite discussion, and encourage the exchange of ideas. Our goal is to create a space where contemporary art is not just seen but experienced—where artists and audiences alike can connect on a deeper level.
Looking ahead, we are excited to present our upcoming group exhibition, Daydream, opening on February 15th. We will be showcasing works by seven artists for this group show: Ann Liu, Christopher Cosnowski, Li Nianxin, Hou Jianan, Mary Henderson, Tian Yuanyuan, and Wang Weijue. This show delves into the intersection of personal and collective illusions, societal pressures, and consumerism in today’s world. Exploring themes of escapism, Daydream reflects on how dreams and daydreams serve as temporary relief from the stresses of modern life. Through a multidisciplinary approach, the exhibition navigates complex emotional landscapes—longing, identity, and the profound impact of societal constructs on the individual.
The opening reception will take place on February 15th from 3-6 PM.
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