Each week, Arts Orange County and Culture OC deliver you this look at the stories and events happening in our arts and cultural community.

Winter Fantasy

The Sawdust Art Festival creates a unique winter wonderland in Laguna Beach with its annual holiday fair and marketplace, running weekends now through mid-December MORE

Paula Tomei to Step Down as SCR's Managing Director

Paula Tomei, South Coast Repertory’s longtime managing director, will step down in August 2024. The announcement was released today. Tomei, 66, has been with Orange County’s most prominent theater company for 44 of its 60 seasons, the last 30 in her present position.

“It takes a couple of years to sort through something like this," Tomei said of her decision. "For probably three years I’ve been focused on what the timing would be and talking to board leadership along the way."

The decision actually took longer than Tomei had planned, which she said is a good thing. "What's cool for me is that I’m actually here a little longer than I thought I would be. It's the 60th season and I’m here for it. I’m here to help produce the world premiere of the musical version of 'Prelude to a Kiss.' (The play made its world premiere at SCR in 1988.) There’s a lot of exciting work we’re doing this season. I get to be a part of that."

Where to Find a Hassle-Free Thanksgiving in Orange County

Here’s where to go when you want to be a guest at your own dinner party.

New Bowers Museum President Aims to Reach Out to Local Communities

The hiring of a full-time, senior curator is Seán O’Harrow’s top priority.

Each week, we recommend a variety of events and experiences from the listings at SparkOC.com, our free website for Orange County's arts and cultural community.

OC Jewish Arts Festival

The Merage Jewish Community Center of Orange County carries on its 30-year tradition of celebrating history, food, music, and art arising out of Jewish culture MORE

Tustin Art League Member Show

Celebrate and support local artists at this free group exhibition at the Tustin Area Senior Center Gallery MORE

Casa Kids: Journeys to the Past

San Clemente's Casa Romantica plays host to Jacque Nunez's entertaining and enlightening indigenous performers to teach the next generation about the history and traditions of the first people to call this place home MORE

Start, Start Again

A unique new exhibit at OCMA juxtaposes a landmark drawing series from Richard Jackson against a clay installation by Charles Long to dynamically explore the creative process MORE