Orange County has a wealth of art just waiting to be seen! One can easily view local art, historical artifacts or contemporary art within thirty minutes of campus.  

The Hilbert Museum of California Art has a wonderful collection of paintings that depict California scenery and culture. In addition to the regular collection of California art, they have several new exhibitions. These exhibits include a collection of Japanese woodblock prints, Pueblo pottery, and original animation production cells from Disney movies. Located 26 minutes from campus, this museum is nestled in the heart of Orange. chapman.edu/arts/hilbert-museum.aspx.

The Bowers Museum has a diverse collection of artifacts and art. Some highlights of their permanent collections include ancient Chinese art and artifacts, art of the Pacific Islands, artifacts of Orange County history and Californian art. Brooklyn Pietsch, a sophomore, said, "It's eye-opening to see what different cultures value and how that translates into the art they make." A new exhibit displays several Terra Cotta Warriors and over 100 newly uncovered artifacts from the famous Qin dynasty tomb. The Bowers Museum is a 23-minute drive from campus, and visitors must purchase tickets online. bowers.org.

The Laguna Art Museum presents a variety of artworks from Southern California's history. Their galleries contain early California art, California impressionism, California modernism and contemporary art. According to Sara Fletcher, Associate Professor of Studio Art, "Laguna Art Museum has diverse exhibits, and an easy time to visit is during the first Thursday of each month, during the Laguna Art Walk, when they have free admission and tend to have live music and docents." The Laguna Art Museum is 32 minutes from campus and within walking distance of the beach! lagunaartmuseum.org.

The Orange County Museum of Art, or OCMA, is a contemporary art museum. "The OCMA is definitely more modern! It's fresh, funky, and anything but boring. It definitely challenges what art can be, and it's unique to see modern sentiments reflected in art," Pietsch said. OCMA has ever-changing exhibits featuring art from living contemporary artists. Visitors enter the museum for free, as long as they reserve a ticket on the website. OCMA is twelve minutes away from campus and is located along the Avenue of the Arts. ocma.art.

The Jack and Shanaz Langson Institute and Museum of California has rotating exhibits throughout the year. The museum changes exhibits about every three months, and their newest one opens on Sat., Sept. 20. It features California landscape paintings and explores how California's natural landscapes have changed over time. Fletcher said, "This is an easy place to visit as the admission and parking are free, and right outside in the plaza is a small coffee shop where you can discuss or contemplate the art you just saw." This museum is 10 minutes away from campus and is perfect to visit in an afternoon. imca.uci.edu.

Tags: Visual Arts, Orange County

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