News Summary
Arts Orange County celebrated its 25th anniversary with an awards ceremony at the Samueli Theater. The event recognized local artists and arts organizations while honoring their contributions to the community. Notable awards included the Helena Modjeska Cultural Legacy Award and honors for emerging leaders in the arts. The ceremony also featured impressive performances, emphasizing the importance of sustained support for arts education and creative expression in Orange County.
Costa Mesa Celebrates the Arts: A 25-Year Legacy Recognized
Arts Orange County marked its 25th anniversary with a celebratory awards ceremony at the Samueli Theater located at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. The independent nonprofit arts council, founded in 1995 by Bonnie Brittain Hall, has been a steadfast advocate for the arts and related education in Orange County. The annual ceremony honors local artists and arts organizations, showcasing their contributions and achievements.
The 25th Orange County Arts Awards acknowledged a broad array of talent within the creative community, with various performances interspersed throughout the event. The newly appointed president and CEO of Arts Orange County, Patrick Brien, alongside Tiffany Ana Lopez, dean of UC Irvine’s Claire Trevor School of the Arts, served as masters of ceremonies for the evening.
Recognitions and Awards
Among the significant honorees was Richard Stein, who received special recognition for his extensive career in the arts, including a notable 17-year term as the executive director of Laguna Playhouse. The awards also included the prestigious Helena Modjeska Cultural Legacy Award, which was presented to Laguna Beach artist Jorg Dubin, arts patrons Jared Mathis, and the Moulton Family for lifetime achievement in the arts.
Jorg Dubin is celebrated for his remarkable works, including “Mercury Falling” in Irvine and the “Semper Memento” Sept. 11 memorial in Laguna Beach. His acknowledgment emphasizes the importance of community recognition for artists after nearly 50 years of dedicated creation. Furthermore, Jared Mathis, who is recognized for his role on several boards, including the Laguna Hills City Council and Laguna College of Art + Design, addressed the importance of supporting the arts.
Genevieve Williams, founder of GW Contemporary gallery in Laguna Beach, was honored as an emerging arts leader, highlighting her decade-long efforts in organizing exhibitions that showcase local creativity.
Diverse Artistic Performances
The event featured an impressive range of performances, including an excerpt from “Legends,” an original musical composed by honored artist Bin He, showcasing multiple instruments. Additionally, Katherine Lingle captivated the audience with a solo dance piece that was beautifully accompanied by pianist Gialan Tonthat.
The esteemed California State University, Fullerton was recognized for its substantial $65 million investment in a new visual arts complex intended to enhance arts education covering various disciplines and encouraging artistic development within the community.
Moreover, the Orange County Children’s Therapeutic Arts Center was named the outstanding arts organization, celebrating its 25th anniversary, signifying its commitment to providing therapeutic arts programs that benefit children throughout the region.
A Legacy of Support for the Arts
The evening concluded with a demonstration of dance and vocal music, effectively illustrating the diverse talent present in the local arts scene. As Arts Orange County commemorates 25 years of advocacy and support for the arts, the awards ceremony served not only as a recognition of individual and organizational accomplishments but also as a reminder of the importance of continued support for arts education and creative expression within the community.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Costa Mesa Celebrates the Arts
- OC Register: Artist of the Year Winners
- Laguna Beach Independent: Arts OC to Honor Local Artist
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Arts
- Click Orlando: Orange County Awards for Arts
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
