Save the Date!  Tuesday, March 14, 10 am - Creative Edge Lecture featuring U.S. Poet Laureate JUAN FELIPE HERRERA
Veterans Storytelling Project Expands in its Second Year

Following a successful inaugural effort last year, Arts Orange County, Chance Theatre and Veterans First  partnered again this year to gather veterans to share their stories of life in--and out--of the military.  For a second year, it is made possible through a grant from California Arts Council Veterans in the Arts Initiative, which seeks to increase equity, access, and opportunities for veterans to participate in quality arts programming that is sensitive and responsive to their unique experiences.  The autumn workshop culminated last night in a free performance to a capacity audience in the Chance Theater @ Bette Aitken theatre arts Center in Anaheim (above).  
In 2016-17, the project has been expanded through the addition of a new partner: Heroes Hall Veterans Museum at the OC Fair & Event Center, which just opened last Friday, Veterans Day and which will host the eight week spring workshop and showcase its participants's stories at the new facility.  
ArtsOC is continuing to raise matching funds for this project and invites contributions. 
"While the primary intent of this project is creative, not therapeutic, it nevertheless demonstrates the remarkable healing power of art," commented ArtsOC Executive Director Rick Stein.  "After six weeks of opening up about their experiences under the expert guidance of teaching artist and theatre director Karen O'Hanlon, the participants took to the stage to recount them to members of the public.  It was a cathartic and enlightening experience for all--and entertaining, in the best sense of the word."
This year's veterans included, above, from left:  Frank Barry USAF, Allen Schmitz USN, Martin Ventress USAF, Miguel Lerma USAF, Patrick Birman USA.  They spoke of their diverse service experiences, from the time of the Vietnam War through the war in Afghanistan, mixing stories from basic training to the front lines to their return home, sharing what motivated them to join the military, where it took them, and its impact upon their family life.
Veterans interested in participating in the spring workshop are encouraged to contact Karen O'Hanlon, the project director.  There is no fee to participate.
The Irvine Museum Collection Will Move to UC Irvine

From the Orange County Register:  " The Irvine Museum has donated its permanent collection to UC Irvine, with the agreement that the university will raise money for and build a new museum to exhibit the art on its campus within 15 years. The Irvine Museum focuses on California impressionist paintings from about 1890 to 1940. The free-admission museum is on the ground floor of Airport Tower, a 17-story, glass-walled office building near John Wayne Airport. Joan Irvine Smith, chairwoman of the museum's board, and her mother, Athalie Richardson Irvine Clarke, formed the Irvine Museum 1992 from their private collections. Rather than spend money on a new building, they opted to rent space to display the works, said James Irvine Swinden, president of the museum and Irvine Smith's son."   Read more of the OC Register article here.
View UC Irvine Press Release here.

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  Arts Orange County is supported in part through funds from
  
  
       
              
Picerne Foundation Offers Grant Opportunity for Senior Artists
The Picerne Family Foundation
Artist Outreach Project gives accomplished visual, performing and literary artists the opportunity to share their passion and expertise with the community.  Selected artists, age 55 and older, contribute to the community by providing educational, mentoring and/or therapeutic art experiences to underserved groups. These art experiences are intended to reach people of any age group who might not otherwise have opportunities to enjoy the benefits of quality arts programs. Artists applying for the grant propose the arts programming they wish to provide, identify the population they are interested in serving, and choose a local nonprofit to collaborate with. The program offers a stipend of $12,000 to selected artists for the full-year commitment.  Orange County artists are encouraged to apply. More details here.
Helena Modjeska Cultural Legacy Award honoree Mike McGee received his award from Susan K. Hori, founding Board member of Arts Orange County. View the photo album here.
ArtsOC By-Laws Amendment Approved
On October 19, Arts Orange County held its Annual Meeting. The By-Laws amendment regarding membership classification previously approved by the Board of Directors in August was approved by a quorum of the ArtsOC membership: 43 voted YES; 4 voted to ABSTAIN. There were no votes received in opposition to the amendment. Arts Orange County wishes to express its thanks to all the members who participated in the vote, and looks forward to continuing to provide excellent service to you and our entire arts community.  If you or your organization are not members of Arts Orange County, we encourage you to learn more about the benefits here.
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For information, contact Karen Ahola
Arts Orange County is the leader in building appreciation of, participation in and support for the arts and arts education throughout Orange County. 
It is a powerhouse in advancing Orange County's arts ecology, a trailblazer in advocating workforce development through arts education, a leader in building future audiences and a trendsetter in the world of nonprofit arts councils.

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Arts Orange County, 3730 South Susan Street, Suite 100, Santa Ana, CA 92704