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

Today I went over to OCMA to check out the recent show Disorderly Conduct: Recent Art in Tumultuous Times. I searched and searched but could find no disorder. But kudos to this exhibit for capturing what's been going on in art since 9-11 and beyond. Boredom. Slick. Soulless. All this after catching this little piece on NPR this morning. You have to listen to this. At the end of the piece Henriette Huldisch co-Curator of this years biennial vomits a bit of art speak about the...

22 March, 2008 /

Just recently I was musing on my other blog that I was thinking a lot about NYC and low and behold I get a call from my friend Ed Giardina that he's giving a talk at NYU and was wondering if I wanted to tag along. Well that cinched it, I'm going. I'll have a chance to go here and here and here. Heck, I might even go to a fair or two. If anybody knows anything else we should do please let me...

20 March, 2008 /

It seems there's a bit of controversy in Boyle Heights over the planned mural by Long Beach based artist Sandow Birk. At first glance Sandow did seem a surprising choice for the mural and the location, but after digesting the story a bit I think a little controversy in public art is a good thing, because we all know that most public art is complete crap. Exhibit A...

20 March, 2008 /

Have no fear artists, the future is yours! Tomorrow I'll be attending a luncheon put on by Arts Orange County that will feature Dan Pink author of the recent book Whole New Mind. I've been a fan of Mr. Pink's since he wrote the book Free Agent Nation so I'm looking forward to this talk. In his new book he makes the argument that "the workplace terrain is changing yet again, and power will inevitably shift to people who possess strong right brain qualities." Looks good for...

18 March, 2008 /

This Thursday night from 7-8:30 pm Diana Ferrone Gallery opens a show of new work by Suzan Woodruff. You'll find Suzan's work on the March/April cover of art Ltd. Check it out. ...

17 March, 2008 /

The new Santa Ana based Digital Media Center will have it's first opening tomorrow night (Tues) from 6-9pm. The inaugural exhibit will feature 15 pieces from local digital artists including Jeff Alu, Rex Bruce, Pete Jackson and others. For more information about the DMC go here. ...

17 March, 2008 /

There's actually a few options this weekend if you want to get out about. Here's this weeks list: sanc-tu-ary opens @ J. Flynn Et Tu, Brute? opens at The Box There's also an Art Walk at the Santiago Art District in Santa Ana. Check it out. ...

13 March, 2008 /

Ran over to Cypress College last night for the Intersections/Alvin Gregorio opening. Here's some pics: Stephen Tompkins Juan Thorp & Brent Harada Juan Thorp P. Williams Cherri Wood Chris Ryniak Mike Park Alvin Gregorio       Painter Claire Daschbach in front of Kiel Johnson   Paul Paiement with Thinkspace's Andrew Hosner ...

13 March, 2008 /

Please mark your calendars and leave Saturday May 31st open. The fine folks at OCCCA have agreed to host a Symposium that I'm in process of putting together. This first symposium of it's kind will be bringing together Orange County based art critic's, academics, gallerists and collectors to discuss the "state of our scene". Some recent panel confirmations include Richard Chang art writer for the OC Register and Tyler Stallings formerly of the Laguna Art Museum and now with UCI's Sweeney Art Gallery. I expect a lively...

12 March, 2008 /

Tomorrow night (Wed.) from 6-8pm Intersections opens at Cypress College. They will also be hosting Alvin Gregorio in the project space. See you there. ...

11 March, 2008 /

Congrats are in order for UCI alum Mario Ybarra Jr. for his inclusion in this years Whitney Biennial. Since I know everybody's thinking it, I'll let Johnny Rotten verbalize it: "Ever get the feeling you've been cheated?” - Johnny Rotten ...

11 March, 2008 /

The legend and power of the Peter Blake mafia continues to grow in the puff piece by Daniella Walsh in this month's Riviera. Peter deserves a lot of credit for what he's been able to pull off down there in Laguna but I might take issue with a couple of statements in the piece. Primarily the use of "cutting-edge" to describe the stable of artists. All very, very talented artists but cutting edge? Compared to? And the statement that Peter is bringing artists down from...

10 March, 2008 /

I'm in Vegas currently staying at the Wynn. He sure likes his art. He has some nice copies all over the place. We are in the Warhol room. Speaking of Vegas, don't miss the opening at the Laguna Art Museum this weekend. Should be a good one. Here's a couple pics:   ...

06 March, 2008 /

You get an early OC Weekend because I'm headed to Vegas for work and then Mrs. OC Art Blog will be joining me for a weekend of poker tournaments. We don't really care how we do against everybody else, it's all about home bragging rights. When I have more time I'll tell you the story of when we came in 1st & 2nd in a tourney and she wouldn't chop. She made me play it all the way to the end. (I won!). Anyway, now...

04 March, 2008 /