Family Field Trip: Orange County Museum of Art

Every now and then I start to wonder “Have done everything in Orange County? What else is left to explore?” And then I get hit over the head with a jewel of a place like OCMA. Oh and it is not like this place just opened or anything. Nope- it has been in existence MY WHOLE LIFE and I have never been. And I am gonna admit this right now…I never even heard of this place. I know- this just makes me an idiot. Especially since I have been driving my kids up to Los Angeles to go to the giant LA County Museum of Art for a culture fix…when OCMA was right in my backyard.

Doh.

So we went. First we got some ‘Understand Modern Art’ spray from the gift shop. (Yeah we do the gift shop FIRST.Hey life is short.)

Then we participated in making art for Charles Long’s “100 lbs of Clay” exhibit. Which is like a passive art piece. The artist basically brought a whole heck of clay and dropped it off and said ‘you want art? make your own’.

And I loved it. So did the boys.

Here are their pieces which were added to the collection.

But don’t worry, this place is FULL of amazing ‘pre-made’ art. Really wonderful works by very established artists.

I am rather fond of the Jack. Both of them.

They have new exhibit called “15 Minutes of Fame” which focuses on portrait photography thru the years. This is an extremely well currated grouping which includes photos taken by Andy Warhol, Ansel Adams and many many others. I particularly loved the pairing of portraits of artists placed next to one of their artworks. Brought a personal touch to both the artwork and the portrait. A juxtaposition I had not seen before.

Naturally my kids loved it all. If you haven’t taken your kids to a modern art museum I highly encourage you to do so. They are never too young and often they relate to the art in totally new ways. These museum visits are always followed by a flurry of creating when we get home. I am currently walking around a new ‘installation’ in my living room made of recycled materials (read cereal boxes from the pantry).

I heart art.

And OCMA does too.

Oh have I mentioned it is basically a stones throw from Fashion Island? Perfect place to visit before your next shopping/lunch day.

OCMA participates in Target Free Second Sundays (2nd Sunday of the Month). Yeah you heard me.

FREE.

What on earth are you waiting for?

Click here for OCMA site.