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

Sorry for the double post but I just received notice that Kim McCarty is opening a show this Friday night at The Pasadena Museum of California Art called Liquid Los Angeles- Currents of Contemporary watercolor painting. Info Follows: Artists: Judie Bamber, Delia Brown, Carolyn Castaño, Cindy Craig, Shane Guffogg, Portia Hein, David Hockney, Kim McCarty, Monica Majoli, Aaron Morse, Laura Owens, Renée Petropoulos, and Sam Watters. "Liquid Los Angeles" will be held at the Pasadena Museum of California Art from February 26 through May 1, 2005.Pasadena...

24 February, 2005 /

For those of you reading about our weather from afar. Here is a quick shot of the HB Pier a couple of days ago. You get tornado's, we get water spouts. ...

24 February, 2005 /

I just got my Kim McCarty watercolor back from the framers and thought I would share it with you. I first discovered Kim's work at the International Paper show at The Hammer, which I feel was the first of their current run of great shows. Most recently she was featured in Art on Paper magazine's take on new contemporary watercolor. Kim McCarty is represented by cherrydelosreyes in LA and Briggs Robinson Gallery in NYC. Side-note: The only problem is Mrs. OC Art Blog doesn't like the work....

24 February, 2005 /

As someone who surfs, (it's required if you grow up in HB) I feel obligated to let you know about an opening that everybody should attend. Granny, otherwise known as Leroy Grannis opens a show of his groundbreaking surf photography at MB Fine Art on Saturday night. Do you think Catherine Opie will be there?? Details follow: Birth of a Culture: 60’s & 70’s Surf Photography by Leroy Grannis February 26 through March 30, 2005 Opening Reception: Saturday, February 26, 6pm-8pm MB FINE ART Contact, Benjamin Trigano Tel. 310.550.0050, fax, 310.550.0605 612...

22 February, 2005 /

Interesting article in the L.A. Times this morning. It seems that Laura Zucker is starting a new non-profit funded by the Broad Foundation called Arts + Culture LA. The mission of this new group will be to promote LA internationally and domestically as an outstanding arts destination. There was an Eli Broad sighting at artLA so maybe this new group will get on the bus and actually attempt to bring art buyers to LA. More to follow I'm sure. She does believe technology will play a...

22 February, 2005 /

Long time Santa Ana based painter Michael Maas opens a show this Saturday at Long Beach's Viento y Aqua Gallery. Viento y Aqua is owned by CSULB MFA Tom Miller and offers a variety of programs including art, music, poetry and especially coffee. Check it out. February 26--March 26, 2005 Reception for the Artist: Sat., Feb. 26, 6--9pm Viento y Agua Gallery is pleased to announce Summmer/Winter/Madonna/Alhambra, Michael Maas’ illusionistic paintings of rounded, repeating, interlocking shapes. These "biomorphic geo-abstract" pieces are primarily from his Alhambra series of works,...

22 February, 2005 /

I'd like to say thank you to all the people that braved the weather and came out tonight to the Saratoga Semblence opening at The Office. We were very surprised at the turnout and are excited that people are getting out there and supporting the local scene. Some photo's follow, click to enlarge Art fans. More art fans. Checking out Megan's sculpture. Hey, there's Jamie & Wendi of Wendi Grant Designs. Buy her jewelry. It kicks ass. Saratoga Semblence. Ali's new work. Megan's proposition. ...

19 February, 2005 /

Who knew there was so much art stuff to do in Orange County. This weekend is loaded with stuff to do so you don't have to drive to LA in the rain. So be brave and get out and see it all. I'm happy to report that the OC will be getting some Old School over at Sarah Bain Gallery this weekend. The Art of Dr. Suess opens tonight and will run until 10pm. All you new school illustrators should get out there and learn...

18 February, 2005 /

Rebecca Schoenkopf was busy this week. You can find her review of Beautiful Losers at OCMA here. She likes it all, Richardson and Templeton included (unlike Pagel). She also gives us a preview of this Saturday's opening at the OOTS warehouse here. Remember to bring your $5 Bucks...

17 February, 2005 /

For all the aspiring filmmakers out there (we are near LA). I would like to make you aware that Rat Powered Films is seeking films for upcoming events in 2005. Good Luck! The goal of Rat Powered Films is to establish our screenings and festivals, and to create a local environment that will nurture the growth of unique artistic visions in video and filmmaking and generate an audience for that work. We provide a forum for experimental works (narrative, documentary, and comedy to super 8...

17 February, 2005 /

Went down to Costa Mesa for lunch today to eat at one of my favorites Native Foods, and while there I discovered that a group of enterprising artists have turned some available space at The Camp into an art co-op. They work is varied and OC's own, Aaron Kraten is in this month's show. Go check it out. All the info can be found here. ...

17 February, 2005 /

Mark your calendar, this Saturday Saratoga Semblence featuring Ali Smith and Megan Bogonovich opens at The Office. The reception will run from 6-9pm and artist Noah Thomas will be doing a sound performance. Hope to see you there. ...

16 February, 2005 /

"Beautiful Losers is driven by a renegade optimism and street smart rebelliousness. Its best works are less topsy-turvy than the world they inhabit. Immanently reasonable they argue that when winning is as ugly as it is today, losing is a far better option: It leaves room for beauty, independent thinking and the freedom essential to both." - David Pagel Likes: Clare Rojas, Margaret Kilgallen, Thomas Campbell, Phil Frost Dislikes: Ed Templeton: "These tedious works rehearse cliches already worn thin." The whole article can be found here. ...

15 February, 2005 /