The OC Art Blog was created in 2004 as a way to build community and promote the marginalized but dynamic Orange County art scene.

I started The Office in 2003 to give a voice to OC based contemporary artists who I thought needed to be seen. While I ran the space I'd interface with many artists and curators. I'd often hear horror stories about primadonna artists and their crazy demands etc. Quite honestly my experience as whole was very positive but one particular artist stands out. Her name is Jenna Gallemore. I met Jenna when she was 16 and I knew then she had talent. She was, even...

10 December, 2007 /

As a Xmas shopping public service announcement. I want to let everybody know that my good friend Wendi of Wendi Grant Jewelry Designs is having a trunk show tomorrow (Tues.) at Sydney Michelle on Balboa Island. She will be in store from 4-9pm and you'll be able to get some great stuff for whoever might be on your shopping list. Tell her Chris sent you and I'm sure that will get you zilch. ...

10 December, 2007 /

I'm in a poetry mood. For all of you about to face your particular family situation during the holidays. I offer this one by Thomas Smith: Housewarming In my dream I'm the first to arrive at the old home from church. Wind and night had forced through the cracks, I pushed inside, turned on lamps, lit a fire in the stove. Frozen oak logs stung my fingers; it was good pain, my hands reddening on the icy broom-handle as i swept away snow. On Christmas Eve, I prepared a warm place for my mother and father,...

06 December, 2007 /

  This Saturday night Courting Allusion featuring Alison Foshee and Sara Simon opens at @Space Gallery. The opening will run from 5-9pm and I hope to see you there. ...

05 December, 2007 /

Haven't posted a poem in a while so here you go. A favorite by former OC'er Derrick Brown: ARMSTRONG  The night the moon cracked open A voice came from within. The moon turned to the astronaut and said to him 'Please stay. Please stay' The astronaut looked back at the moon Said "I'd love to stay but I can't stay with you I am sorry to report that I must leave For when I'm here with you I cannot breathe" ...

05 December, 2007 /

The art fair to rule all art fairs ABMB is about to kick off. I will not be attending, as usual my Agoraphobia usually kicks in the first weekend in Dec. and then leaves for the rest of the year. Weird. Anyways here's a link to ArtInfo. They usually do a pretty good job of updating the happenings for those interested. ...

04 December, 2007 /

Ran all over town on Saturday night. First stop was Chinatown to go see my friends in FS. Then ran down to Santa Ana to catch the Bob Pece show and watch David Lee give some money to the winners of the Santa Ana Business Council Art Grant. Then off to J. Flynn for the Ornament Show. Fun was had by all and here are some pics: Fringe Chris Csikszentmihalyi & Edmund Ming-Yipkwong from MIT's Media Lab They're maple seed pods falling in the pattern...

02 December, 2007 /

It's first Saturday again so that means Santa Ana will be the place to be, along with the Ornament Show at J. Flynn. Things to do include: The Santiago Bird Project will have it's book release party at Grand Central Art Center.  Really looking forward to the Bob Pece show at the Memphis Backroom Gallery. You'll be able to get your nude on at spaceonspurgeon's Naked: Figuratively Speaking show. The LA Assemblage Group opens at OCCCA Hope to see you out and about. Enjoy. ...

29 November, 2007 /

I don't normally post music stuff but I have been listening to the new Feist album non-stop since Chloe Flores turned me on to it while installing the final show at The Office. I thought I'd share. Enjoy: ...

29 November, 2007 /

Thought I'd let you all know about some additions to the blogroll. In the OC related sites please welcome: Suzanne from Emphasis Mine. It's seems Suzanne and I grew up in the same general area/era judging by this post and this post over at OCthen. I'd also like to welcome my friend James' blog Tri'phop Universe. He is younger and has much more energy then me so enjoy his frequent and informative posts on all things art & culture. I'd also like to welcome Greer's OC to the site....

29 November, 2007 /

This Saturday night the Ashley Eckenweiler curated Ornament Show Tree Trimmings II opens at J Flynn Gallery. The opening will run from 7 to 10pm. I will be there spreading some holiday cheer (that means standing in some corner) and will hope to see you there too. Lots of great artists participating. ...

27 November, 2007 /

Wanted to let you all know about a few OC related art events coming up in the LA area that will feature some of our better OC based artists. On Thursday night Mt. SAC College will open a retrospective of sorts for OC based artists Tyler Stallings & Naida Osline. This will be a great show by a couple of great OC based artists. Don't miss it. On Sat. night OC based instigators Finishing School open a new project titled Hegemonic Hybrids at Chinatown's Fringe...

27 November, 2007 /

I'm back from the great white north. I hope everybody had a nice holiday. I sure did. Here's a few pics from the trip and some of the highlights. Regular posting should resume shortly. The Vancouver Dance Biennial was going on while we were in town and we had the opportunity to catch a couple of performances. Amazing. The Vancouver Art Gallery was showing a Georgia O'Keeffe retrospective along with a couple of other very solid shows. We were very impressed with the space. Whistler...

25 November, 2007 /