Art and Culture Events in Orange County

2017 was the start of a renaissance in the OC’s art and literature scene. Evidence was the 1) the opening of 1888 Center (a cultural space that hosts a bookstore, a café, art exhibits, and literary programs, produces educational podcasts, and publishes novellas and short fiction) and 2) the launch of Boca de Oro Art & Literature Festival.

One year later, Boca de Oro is celebrating it’s 2nd annual event on March 3, 1888 Center is busier than ever and the once dormant Off Center Festival returned to life.

Boca de Oro is one day but what a big day it is! And it is all free! It features 10+ hours of continuous and simultaneous literary, arts and music events around the historic Calle De Cautro district and the Santa Ana Arts district. The event starts at 2pm. The Boca De Oro web site has the details and maps. Note that they have separate schedules for the literature events and the music & arts events, so read the web site carefully and print out a copy of the festival map.

The festival was formed through a partnership of way too many local organizations to list here, but please read about them. I find it so gratifying that these various local public and private bodies can come together and create such rich event.

Also happening that night is the monthly Downtown Santa Ana Artwalk. The Santa Ana Art Walk is edgier than what you will find in Laguna due to The Orange County Center for Contemporary Art (OCCCA), the hip galleries in The Santora Arts Building and The Grand Central Art Center. These are large venues displaying abundant works by young artists.

These events aren’t getting covered in the mainstream press, but I believe that is due to harsh economics of the journalistic environment. Don’t let the lack of coverage keep you in the dark. Tell your friends and enjoy OC’s fringe and traditional arts offerings.

The good news is there are so many events available. The bad news is you have to make some tough choices. You can’t attend these simultaneously.

 

Art.

Art walks in Fullerton (Friday) and Santa Ana (Saturday). The Santa Ana art walk is convenient because you can take in all of it without much walking.

First Fridays at Bixby Knolls has one sizeable art destination: The Expo Arts Center. Other than that, First Fridays is a lively block party spanning multiple blocks.

FREE: Opening reception at UCI Beall Center of Art and Technology on March 3.

 

Dance

March 4: Bolshoi Ballet’s Flames of Paris. Broadcast in high definition at select theaters. Fantastic, yet lesser known classical ballet. This ballet is often a showcase of technical artistry. Highly recommended and my Sunday destination.

 

Classical Music

March 2:

South Coast Symphony presents Young Stars.

FREE: Student Recital at The Colburn School.

Chapman University Orchestra.

 

March 3:

Orange Coast College Symphony. Theme: video games.

 

March 4:

FREE: Classical music every Sunday at The Nixon Library. Free parking, too.

Faculty Recital at CSULB.

Faculty Recital at Chapman University.

 

Flamenco

March 2 and 3: Free flamenco shows Tapas Restaurant.

Naranjita Flamenco Studio is holding a jeurga or party on March 5. A great way to experience how flamenco can be social and spontaneous.

March 4: El Encanto Flamenco show in San Pedro.

 

Theater

Hamlet starring Benedict Cumberbatch, broadcast in high definition in select theaters. This is a production of London’s Royal National Theater.

Orange County has several regional and college-affiliated theaters.  Prices range between $15 – $25. Playing this weekend:

Cal State Dominguez Hills: Before It Hits Home.

Cal State Fullerton: Taking Steps.

The Chance Theater: Violet.

GEM Theater: Bullets over Broadway.

Costa Mesa Playhouse: A New Brain.

Vanguard University: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.

Rose Center Theater: 42^nd Street.

Chapman University: Othello.

Chapman University: Desdemona, A Play About A Handkerchief.

Camino Real Playhouse: Villainy in the Vineyard

Modjeska Playhouse: Unscripted Murder Mystery!

Cabrillo Playhouse: Don’t Dress for Dinner.

Stages Theater: Crimes of the Heart.

 

Miscellaneous Culture

FREE: Boca de Oro, Orange County’s Arts and Lit Festival in downtown Santa Ana on March 3. This is a big deal and coincides with the Downtown Santa Ana art walk.

FREE: Caribbean Mardi Gras party at Bowers on March 4.

FREE: Lantern Festival at Argyros Plaza on March 4.

 

Jazz

Jazz is an American art form and it is high art to me. There are some crazy talented jazz musicians in this area. Most of these shows are free.

March 2:

Hot Club of Orange County at Carlos Mexican Restaurant. Hot Club specializes in my favorite genre: Gypsy jazz.

My other favorite genre: Female jazz vocalists and we get a trio of them at The Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club:  The Swing Kittens backed by The Swing Cats..  This is my Friday destination!

Ron Kobayashi Trio at Bayside. After his set, Ron brings in a bunch of friends for a jam.

The DixieDelics at Bourbon Street.

Jazz Legend vocalist Elena Gilliam at The Parks Bistro.

 

March 3:

Jazz at Florentines. Bossa Nova and blues are emphasized on this date.

Vocalist Amanda Castro at The Public House.

Larry Fresch Trio at Bayside.

Brazilian Jazz featuring Mari Nobre and Nobresil at Parks Bistro.

Vocalist Elizabeth Lamers at Bacchus Bistro.

 

March 4:

Vocalist Maureen O’Sullivan jazz brunch at Mozambique.

Vocalist Elizabeth Lamers at The Federal Bar in Long Beach AND at The Cellar in San Clemente.

The most beautiful things in life are free. Or they want to be and you won’t want to miss them.

Art.

Art and Chocolate Show in downtown LA. This is further away than my usual weekly listings, but it sounds like a unique event.

 

Dance

Kings of Dance at Musco on Feb 23.

UCI Dance Visions. Feb. 23 and Feb. 24. This is the prime annual production by the UCI Department of Dance.

Free: LA Dance Projects open studios (12:30pm) and FLAX (France-Los Angeles Exchange) evening performance (7:00pm). Both events are on Feb. 24.

 

Classical Music. Opera, too.

Feb. 23:

OCC Opera Magnifica at OCC. Scenes from beloved operas. Through Feb 25.

Independent Opera presents 3 comic contemporary works. Also on Feb. 24.

Feb 24:

The Metropolitan Opera’s La Boheme broadcast in high definition. At select theaters. I’ve attended the Bolshoi ballet via this delivery method and was delighted.

Laura Metcalf faculty recital at Irvine Valley College.

Piano Ensemble Festival at Fullerton College.

FREE: Marina Ensemble at The Colburn School. This is in downtown LA, but worth the drive, in my humble opinion.

A Touch of Europe Chamber Music at UCI Winifred Smith Hall.

Feb 25:

FREE: Classical music every Sunday at The Nixon Library. Free parking, too.

FREE: Newport Beach Library Musicales. Viklarbo Chamber Ensemble. Free parking, too.

FREE: Fullerton Friends of Music. Ying String Quartet. Free parking, too.

FREE: Baroque Music Festival in Orange.

Faculty recital at Irvine Valley College. Christine Dow, piano.

Cal State Fullerton Symphony Orchestra.

Culver City Symphony.

 

Film

Sometimes film is high art. Telling people you attended a film festival is always artful Monday morning conversation.

Huntington Beach Film Festival runs from Feb. 22 – Feb. 24. Most films are $5.

 

Theater

Orange County has several regional and college-affiliated theaters.  Prices range between $15 – $25. Playing this weekend:

Cal State Dominguez Hills: Before It Hits Home.

Cal State Fullerton: Taking Steps.

The Chance Theater: Violet.

GEM Theater: Bullets over Broadway.

Newport Theatre Arts Theater: The Octette Bridge Club.

Costa Mesa Playhouse: A New Brain.

Maverick Theater: Elvis ’68.

Vanguard University: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.

Golden West College: The Glass Menagerie.

Rose Center Theater: 42^nd Street.

Chapman University: Othello.

Chapman University: Desdemona, A Play About A Handkerchief.

Camino Real Playhouse: Villainy in the Vineyard

 

Contemporary and World Music

Jen Shyu at CSUF on Feb. 23 Read about her at https://www.jenshyu.com/.  This will be a compelling show. This is part of CSUF’s Music Across Borders series.

Moscow Contemporary Music Ensemble at CSUF on Feb. 24.

Loadbang at Chapman University on Feb. 24. Part of their New Horizons Concert Series.

Jazz

Jazz is an American art form and it is high art to me. There are some crazy talented jazz musicians in this area. Most of these shows are free.

Feb 23

Hot Club of Orange County at Carlos Mexican Restaurant. Hot club specializes in my favorite genre: Gypsy jazz.

Ron Kobayashi Trio at Bayside. After his set, Ron brings in a bunch of friends for a jam.

Vocalist Sylvia Rodriquez and The Savoy Six at The Sky Room

Vocalist Andrea Miller at The Parks Bistro.

Feb. 24

Vocalist Sylvia Rodriguez and The Rhythm Boys at The Exhibition Room.

Sax player Greg Vail at The Parks Bistro.

Trumpeter Ingrid Jensen at Saddleback College.

Vocalist Elizabeth Lamers at Bacchus Bistro.

Vocalist Amanda Castro at The Public House.

Larry Fresch Trio at Bayside.

Feb. 25

Vignes Rooftop Revival at Grand Central Market. An odd name, but they specialize in my favorite genre: Gypsy jazz.

Did you blow your all money on Valentine’s dinner, roses and chocolate? Never fear. You can surround yourself with free or inexpensive beauty this weekend. As always, check Goldstar for discounts.

Art

FREE: Lunar new year celebration (Asian music, dance, art and kids’ activities) at Bella Terra.

FREE: MFA opening reception at UCI.

Inexpensive: Art and Chocolate Show in downtown LA. This is further away than my usual weekly listings, but it sounds like a unique event.

 

Dance

No ballet this weekend, but if contemporary is your thing check out the inexpensive CSULB Contemporary Dance Concert.

 

Classical Music

Feb. 16:

Inexpensive: The Talich Quartet at CSUF. Only $10!

Feb 17:

FREE: Classical Crossroads chamber music in Torrance.

Inexpensive: Hutchins Consort in Santa Monica.

Inexpensive: Orange County Guitar Circle recital at Chapman University.

Inexpensive: Piano recital at CSUF.

 

Feb 18:

Inexpensive: Hutchins Consort in Newport Beach.

Inexpensive: CSUF Symphony Orchestra with The Talich Quartet.

FREE: Classical music every Sunday at The Nixon Library. Free parking, too.

Inexpensive: Felici Piano Trio at Whittier College.

Free: Rio Hondo Symphony in Whittier.

Free: Peninsula Symphony in Redondo Beach.

 

Theater

Orange County has several regional theaters.  Prices range between $15 – $25. Playing this weekend:

The Chance Theater: Violet.

Newport Theatre Arts Theater: The Octette Bridge Club.

Costa Mesa Playhouse: A New Brain.

Maverick Theater: Elvis ’68.

Vanguard University: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.

Golden West College: The Glass Menagerie.

Rose Center Theater: 42^nd Street.

Chapman University: Othello.

Chapman University: Desdemona, A Play About A Handkerchief.

Camino Real Playhouse: Villainy in the Vineyard

 

Jazz

Jazz is an American art form and it is high art to me. There are some crazy talented jazz musicians in this area. Most of these shows are free.

Feb 16:

Ron Kobayashi Trio at Bayside. After his set, Ron brings in a bunch of friends for a jam.

The Bradford Project at Bourbon Street.

Kei Akagi and Friends at UCI Winifred Smith Hall.

Elena Gilliam at The Parks Bistro.

Feb 17:

Elizabeth Lamers at Bacchus Bistro.

Amanda Castro at The Public House.

Fig Tree (Brazilian jazz) at The Parks Bistro.

Four big reasons to attend the LA Fine Print Show:

1. Admission is free!
2. You will see and touch hundreds of amazing works!
3. The California International Antiquarian Book Fair is two blocks away!
4. Pasadena and San Marino architecture is breathtaking!

There are other, less obvious but more compelling reasons to consider owning fine prints. The fine print is such a versatile, affordable art form. Anybody who is looking to own something historic and original should peruse these offerings.

Consider the following:

Affordable. Prices vary, but you will find an astonishing number of works for $50 – $400.

Size. Most fine prints range from paperback-sized to about 12 square inches. They will fit anywhere, including your hip Airstream trailer.

Original, Historic and Limited. You will encounter prints and styles from artists you recognize. Their beauty and importance are timeless.  The print runs don’t normally go higher than 200, so there is a natural limitation. They started as hand carvings by artists in media such as limestone, wood, wax, etc. and hand-fed singly through a press, often more than once depending on the colors. These were never mass produced and it shows.

Subject Matter.  Prints cover everything. Rather than take my word for it, check out the subject matter list from Annex Galleries, one of the event participants.

Color. The inks and dyes from the respective time periods were made to last and are brilliant. The same holds true with the monochrome wood cuts. Note how something like this just pops:

Original. Granted, everybody’s definition of original is different and there is no accounting for taste. I don’t care! I am opinionated on this subject and I must share this anecdote: Sometimes I enter an expensive home and notice an original Dali or Erté on the wall. I say to myself “this person buys their art at Martin Lawrence Gallery.”

Find and indulge your taste. Surround yourself with beauty. It is easier and more affordable than you think.

 

High art does not have to be high-priced. LA and OC are replete with free and low-cost quality arts events. The trick is finding them. What follows is a partial list for this weekend.

Art

Feb. 2: Free Fullerton Art Walk from 6:00pm to 10:00pm.
Feb. 3:  Free Santa Ana Art Walk from 7:00pm to 10:00pm

 

Opera

Feb. 2-4: Jules Massenet opera work at Fullerton College. Opera is expensive but not when you see selection portions at the college level. Prices are $10 – $5.

 

Classical Music

Feb. 4: Free classical music concerts every Sunday at the Nixon Library. Free parking, too!

Feb. 2 and 4: Free South Bay Chamber Music Society in Wilmington and in Rolling Hills Estates. The Saguaro Piano Trio is playing on these dates. They are fantastic! Do not miss them. I have paid $50 to see them.

Feb. 3: Free Northern Arizona Symphony Orchestra at SOKA. SOKA’s performing arts center is amazing and their campus is beautiful. Plus, the parking is free and that adds to the beauty.

Inexpensive recitals at CSULB (Feb 2.), CSUF (Feb. 2), Irvine Valley College (Feb 3.) and UCI (Feb. 3). These are performed by professors and the cost is $10 or less.

 

Ballet

On Feb. 4, a high-definition broadcast of The Bolshoi Ballet’s The Lady of The Camellias is playing at select theaters. Usually, price is $17. I’ve been to several of these. They are great events!

 

Theater

Orange County has several regional theaters.  Prices range between $15 – $25. The following theaters have shows this weekend:  The Costa Mesa Playhouse, STAGES Theatre, Modjeska Playhouse, The Cabrillo Playhouse, Newport Theatre Arts Center, The Maverick Theater, Concordia University, UCI Claire Trevor School and The Stage Door Repertory Theatre.

 

Culture

Feb. 4: Free celebration of the Asian lunar new year at The Bowers Museum. Includes music, dance and kids’ activities.

 

Jazz

Jazz is an art form born in America. I get to say that because this is my blog. There is abundant live jazz around OC this weekend. In most cases, there is no cover charge. A jazz singer I love is Elizabeth Lamers. She is playing at Bacchus on Feb. 3 and The Cellar on Feb. 4. Highly recommended.

There is also jazz at Bayside (Feb. 2 and 3), The Parks Bistro (Feb. 2 and 3), Boathouse Collective (Feb. 2) and Ziing’s Bistro (Feb. 3). Mozambique has a jazz brunch on Feb. 4.

High art does not have to be high-priced. Most weekends in LA and OC are replete with free and low-cost quality arts events. The trick is finding them. What follows is a partial list.

Art

Jan. 28: Free museum day throughout the southland, also known as the Annual Museum Free For All. OCMA and MOLAA participate (Bowers does not). Note that The Hilbert at Chapman U, The UCI Art Gallery and The CSU-Fullerton Begovich galleries are always free.

Classical Music

Jan. 28: Free classical music every Sunday at The Nixon Library. Free parking, too.

Jan. 28: Free Newport Beach Musicales once a month at the Newport Beach Library. Free parking, too.

Jan. 28: Chamber music at Fullerton Friends of Music. Almost free. Fullerton Friends of Music is a non-profit and requests a donation. I’ve seen the quality ensembles that FFM brings in. Very much worth it!

Jan. 27: Symphony Irvine in Laguna Niguel. Almost free. Symphony Irvine is a non-profit and requests a donation.

Jan 28: Colburn KOVA Quartet at SOKA University. Not free, but affordable at $16 – $20. This is an ensemble from one of the country’s best music schools. SOKA has a state of the art theater with 100% great seats, free parking and a beautiful campus. The result is an inexpensive event you will always remember.

Theater

Orange County has several regional theaters and most of them have a production this weekend.  Prices range between $15 – $25. Check out the productions at STAGES Theatre, Modjeska Playhouse, The Cabrillo Playhouse, Newport Theatre Arts Center, The Maverick Theater, Westminster Community Playhouse and The Stage Door Repertory Theatre. 

Film

Sometimes film is high art. Telling people you attended a film festival is always artful Monday morning conversation.

Jan. 26 – 68: Irvine Film Festival at The Triangle (formerly Triangle Square). Admission is $10 per screening. That is less than you would pay for a regular movie.

Jazz

Jazz is an American art form and it is high art to me. There are some crazy talented jazz musicians in this area. This weekend, check out:

Jan. 27: Will Brahm Trio at The Boathouse Collective. Free!

Jan. 27: Vocalist Sylvia Rodriquez and the Rhythm Boys at The Exhibition Room. I don’t believe there is a cover charge, but there may be a drink minimum. Sylvia is worth it! She swings The Great American Songbook!

Jan. 27: Vocalist Amanda Castro at The Public House in Fullerton. I don’t believe there is a cover charge, but there may be a drink minimum.

Jan. 26: JazzReach presents Duke Ellington at The Irvine Barclay. Not free, but a real bargain considering the price ($20), the ensemble and the theater.

 

Did I miss anything noteworthy? Please let me know!

American Contemporary Ballet’s Nutcracker is an experience like you’ve never had.

ACB’s marketing is coy about the immersive experience of their show and for good reason. I won’t spill any of their secrets. You have to attend the show to find out, but I can tell you the following:

• Kids get closeup and individual attention. You can see their sense of wonder. They looked like kids from Norman Rockwell prints.
• The music septet is spectacular. Not really a surprise, as ACB always puts emphasis on quality music. The surprise is hearing Nutcracker in this format.
• There is a pre-show. Several types of performers greet the audience as they enter the ‘suite.’
• The audience is seated in a creative winter setting. It looks like a winter Neverland. Dancers whiz by the audience members like winter fairies.

I may post some photos after the series concludes. Or maybe not. This could be a secret worth keeping for another year.

I am a ballet fanatic, so I will always opt for the Nutcracker with the best dancing. In other words, the priciest option. That option may not be for you. Perhaps  you require a venue where you can have a nearby holiday experience with the kids and still have money remaining for dinner. I love my nephews, but $110 ballet tickets for them would’ve been a waste!  Most kids aren’t dance critics, but seeing fun costumes and characters on stage will excite for the season.

What follows is a list of local Nutcrackers and what I believe they offer. I included the list price. Check Goldstar for deals. Most of these are Goldstar.

Don’t forget that there will be a high-definition broadcast of The Bolshoi performing The Nutcracker on December 17. These events are thrilling,  are affordable (around $17) and play at several movie theaters.

Orange County

American Ballet Theater at Segerstrom Center for The Arts

Priciest option ($119 – $29) but awesome dancers, awesome live orchestra and always great costumes. Thankfully, Segerstrom lists which principal dancers will be in each show. This is your chance to get your little girls to see Misty Copeland. There are also some other fantastic ABT dancers such as Daniil Simkin. He defies gravity!

 

Festival Ballet at the Irvine Barclay Theater

Mid-priced at $45. Festival Ballet gives me some local pride. Their young dancers are impressive. The Barclay is small, so all the seats are good. Also, The Festival Ballet brings in celeb dancers from other companies. Maria Kochetcova performs on Dec. 17.  She is anti-gravitational, similar to Daniil Simkin. Also, Irina Drovovenko, star of TV shows The Americans and Flesh and Bone, performs on Dec. 20 – 21. The only downside: no live orchestra.

 

Anaheim Ballet with the Irvine Symphony at City National Grove of Anaheim Theater

Lower priced at $25 – $17. I have not seen The Anaheim Ballet, but some of my dance friends say it is respectable. Live orchestra.

 

Tustin Dance Center at Plummer Auditorium (Fullerton)

Lowest priced at $17 – $11 from a local dance studio. No other info.

 

Ballet Repertory Theatre of Huntington Beach at Golden West College Main Stage

Second lowest priced at $19 – $15 from a local dance studio. No other info.

 

Sunrise Ballet at the Servite Theater (Anaheim)

Low priced at $20 from a local dance studio. No other info.

 

Laguna Ballet at The McKinney Theater

Low priced  at $26 – $22 from a local dance studio. No other info.

 

Coast City Ballet at Huntington Beach Historical Theater

Low priced at $25 from a local dance studio. No other info.

 

Maple Conservatory Ballet at Portola High School (Irvine)

Low priced at $30 – $24 from a local dance studio. No other info.

 

Los Angeles County

American Contemporary Ballet in Downtown LA

Pricey at $105 – $40. This is the ensemble to see if you are a big dance fan want to experience something new. I’ve written before about the unique experience of an ACB show. You are inches away from the stage, the live music is fantastic, the show is educational, the studio has a loft vibe about it and there is an artist reception after the show. The downside: This is not the full show – it is 60 minutes in length.

 

Miami City Ballet at The Music Center

The priciest option at $125 – $34. Live orchestra (plus parking). This ensemble is big on the B-word: Balanchine, so we can expect some sharp choreography. They also claim new costumes, new sets and a world premiere. The premier may be the sets/costumes or perhaps it is the first time The Miami City Ballet does the Balanchine choreography.  The Music Center offers all the nearby architecture that will dazzle the kids and the out-of-town guests. There is also plenty of convenient dining on the grounds and a big courtyard where the kids can run around.

 

Los Angeles Ballet at various locations

Pricey at $84 ($119 with live orchestra). Los Angeles Ballet is respectable. I’ve enjoyed their performances

 

Moscow Ballet at the Wiltern

Second priciest option at $123 – $66. I am embarrassed. I have not heard about The Moscow Ballet. Their web page is effusive about the sets and special effects. In my snobby way, I think that Russians maintain a high standard when it comes to ballet, so I would take a gamble on it. No mention of a live orchestra. Of course, The Wiltern is an Art Deco masterpiece.

 

Long Beach Ballet at Long Beach Performing Arts Center, Terrace Theater

Less expensive than some at $75 – $35. Full orchestra. Other than that, I know nothing about this ensemble or the venue.

 

Debbie Allen Dance Academy Hot Chocolate Nutcracker at The Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center

Expensive at $110 – $50. This sounds like something to see if you are bored of Nutcracker. A mashup.  That’s all I know.

 

Westside Academy of Ballet at The Broad Stage

Reasonable at $45. I haven’t seen them but I know that they have great instructors.

 

San Pedro Ballet at The Warner Grand Annex

Reasonable at $29 – $19 from a local dance studio. No other info except that they discovered Misty Copeland.

 

Palos Verdes Ballet at The Norris Pavilion for the Performing Arts

Reasonable at $35 – $25. Reasonable at $34 – $24. Local studio claims their dancers earn scholarships to name-brand companies.

 

South Bay Ballet at The Marsee Auditorium

Reasonable at $34 – $24. Local studio claims their dancers go on to name-brand companies.

Diana Ghoukassian has one of the most interesting and original art collections that you will find in the southland. This is due to her unique approach, her crusade to rescue art from the landfill and her instincts on what is beautiful.

Diana, who goes by the moniker Diana G, considers herself an art salvager. She says “I am not an art speculator. I look for art that moves me, not for name brand artists. For me, art and money are not related. I don’t mind selling inexpensive art as long as it is intrinsically beautiful.” Indeed, her sources are estate sales, garage sales and consignments rather than the usual art world destinations. Her typical source is looking to downsize or clear out some space. “I can’t bear the thought of beautiful objects getting thrown out,” says Diana G.  “I rescue them.”

The typical gallery owner researches artists before buying. Diana G, as an instinctive buyer, takes the opposite approach. As she puts it, “I don’t know about the artist I’ve purchased until I get to my computer and do some research. I love finding out who the artists are. I get such a sense of excitement when I discover these works have histories.” Of course, some of her acquisitions will remain mysteries in terms of artist and provenance, but they are still worthy of our attention.

 

The Hidden Gallery

Diana’s Finds opened five years ago on the ground floor of the iconic Atrium Building in Irvine. Her gallery is immaculate and does not look like the result of salvage purchases. You are forgiven for not knowing of it since it is not visible from the street. She is open by appointment, and I can attest that she responds quickly to emails and phone calls. You really must drop by if you are interested in original art or looking for a consignee.

Owning a gallery, especially one with a challenging location, was not Diana G’s goal. It became a necessity given the 2000+ works she acquired over 27 years. It was her own time to downsize.

She has about 80 works on display and about 100 works posted on Artprice.com. She would like to post more but Artprice.com only accepts works by listed artists. Plus, there is that time-intensive process of uploading the works (photography, cropping, cataloging, etc.), which is challenging for a sole proprietor who also has a family life. Despite her modest presence on Artprice, the site is influential, and her works have appeal. She receives 200 + views a day and has shipped internationally. At the time of this writing, Diana G was prepping a shipment to Qatar.

 

Art as a Family Mission

Adjacent to the gallery is Bistango Restaurant. This is no coincidence. Diana’s husband, John G, founded Bistango 30 years ago. The Ghoukassians’ original vision for Bistango was to showcase fine art. They hired Venice-based architect Michael Carapetian to design the restaurant for that mission. Bistango continues to accomplish that mission to this day. At any given time, they have 100+ works by 10+ artists on display.  Bistango rotates their artists every quarter and announces the new exhibits with free opening receptions. Diana rotates her gallery collection in synch with these Bistango events and opens her doors to the reception attendees. Bistango showcased 138 exhibitions of 2200+ internationally-based artists since 1987. Curating these exhibits since the beginning is art consultant Antoinette Sullivan.

 

Art as a Second Act

John G’s escape from Iran and his American restaurant successes are impressive stories and were covered in the  Orange County media. What is also impressive is Diana G’s acquisition trajectory upon her arrival to the USA. Prior to her arrival, she was educating herself and whetting her appetite. She consumed art books, attended art history classes at university and attended museums and galleries in Europe. She had no time for collecting during her child rearing years in France. Furthermore, Paris prices were exorbitant. Nevertheless, she managed to acquire her first big winner in Paris: a work by Theo Tobiasse. It remains on display in her home 30+ years later.  Once she arrived in the USA, she hiked her art collecting to warp speed. Simple math tells us that she acquired about 75 works per year since her arrival.

 

“I paint with my lens”

Diana G creates. “I paint with my lens” is her motto. She is an award-winning photographer with works displayed over the years at Orange County Center for Contemporary Art (OCCCA), Newport Beach Art Center, UCI and the Orange County Fair. Her approach to photography is similar to her approach to art: She looks for what moves her. She says “All my shots are impulsive. I find the extraordinary in ordinary things.” She does not stage her shots and she does little in terms of retouching. Many of her shots are snapped from a moving vehicle. As she puts it, “imperfections are very much part of my art.”

She had no photography training and she has no photographer influences. It happened organically due to her circumstances. There were no books on photography in Iran and little photography to view aside from official portraits. Despite her prodigious consumption of art books and classes in Europe and Iran, none of them addressed photography. Once she arrived in the USA, she started snapping like crazy. (over 50,000 photographs so far!) Eventually she was able procure a large collection of photography books.

You can see some of her work at her gallery and on her Instagram account. “My camera and I are inseparable” she says. That is easy to believe given 50,000 photographs.

Part of the Real Story

I started this blog so I could spread the news about the abundant arts events and venues in the area. Soon I was struck by the resourceful, community-minded, creative people I was meeting along the way. They have a do-it-yourself, entrepreneurial spirit that make these things happen. Diana G is one of those people. They are the real story about the arts in Orange County.