The Hilbert Museum of California Art is the best museum in Orange County that you've never heard…read moreof. Even me, walking around recommending the place now, can barely remember its name. But still, since coming here for the first time only a couple of weeks ago I've recommended it multiple times. And now? Multiple + 1. Though you'll be asked, at entry, if you've made reservations, don't be daunted. Reservations are unnecessary and museum admittance is free of charge. Though the Hilbert had been on my radar earlier, I'd forgotten about it until noticing, at the Laguna Beach Festival of the Arts, that several artists had pieces acquired by the Hilbert, spurring me to visit. Housed in two separate buildings connected by a central plaza framed with an astounding Millard Sheets mosaic, the building you enter for check-in has a frequently changing (3 times annually) display. On this visit they featured the California Art Club's 115th Annual Gold Medal Exhibition. Outstanding in every respect, I couldn't help but notice how many artists were there touring the show and how many of the pieces were already sold. Yes, the works in this particular exhibit were for sale, much of it quite reasonably priced considering the astounding talent on display. The second building features exhibits from the Hilbert's permanent collection and there was nary a dud in this space either. In that this is a museum of California art, the collection includes a lot of Disney-adjacent artists but also, so much more. I particularly enjoyed the way they kept each of these exhibits relatively bite-sized, to enable a broad showing of their remarkable collection. Knowing that the Hilbert is free, excellent, and always mixing things up pretty much guarantees a return visit on every future trip to Southern California. If you like museums and are anywhere nearby this is a museum definitely worth making time for.

This was hands down one of the best out of nowhere experiences I had in a long time and it…read morecompletely blew my mind. Not just was it one of the coolest free things to do with a lot of content to be seen. I so glad I stopped in.

You know, I've worked at two different art museums, and I'm still not what you'd call an "art…read morebuff," ...I'm more of what's you'd call "a lot buff!" *rimshot* Thanks folks, I'll be here all week. Take my wife, please. Boy are my arms tired. I'm pretty sure Grand Central Art Center is my new fave part of downtown Santa Ana. It's part grad student studios/other exhibitions/sales galleries. And, let me tell you, this is one top notch art gallery. Coming from a non-art buff, that means a whole helluva lot, doesn't it? Well, it should - because if I, a person who thinks Damien Hirst is just complete bullshit, then it should mean something to you. I'd say 85% of the works in this gallery caught my attention - a much higher ratio that the rest of the galleries around here. They've got some cutting edge stuff, a lot of trendy stuff and a dash of traditional sorta stuff. The space is top notch too. I love the way the different galleries are setup. But wait...there's more. On this particular art walk night that I went, they had posters of their upcoming exhibitions. Don't you roll your eyes and say "so what." These posters were the best free posters I've ever seen. Printed on fine quality paper with awesome designs. Oh, and FREE. Duh. Thumbs Up: -Non boring art. -If you're lookin' to buy, there is art here you can actually afford. Well, not you, but you over there...you can afford it. -Next to just about everything cool in Downtown Santa Ana. -Free food and drink during art walk! Thumbs Down: -It may end up being my second favorite thing after I finally visit Lola Gaspar across the way.

During the OC Yelp Elite Event here in March, a fascinating piece of artwork caught my eye…read more And no, for those who were there, it was not the Hitler Head teapot. Yes, I agree. W.T.F. Anyways, the husband and I saw a really cool piece of art and inquired about it a few days after the event. The price was right but we had some difficulty actually buying it. Let's just say there was a lack of communication with the curator and it took both my husband and I multiple attempts to buy the piece...over a month later. Whatever. But I would like to add that Alyssa, the curatorial assistant, was very helpful once we were able to finally pick it up. The experience of buying the art was a headache, but I actually really like the gallery. They show very eclectic genres of art and a wide range of contemporary artists - from cult artist "Dark Vomit" (scary!) to Thomas Kinkade (even scarier!). But the stuff in between is really cool. Take an afternoon and go check it out. The Artists Village in Santa Ana is one of the cooler neighborhoods of OC and Grand Central Art Center is, by far, one of the better art centers.

What a cute little place for gift shopping. This place has a great selection of just odd stuff. it…read moreis cute and clean and the service is very nice. Most of the items are from Japan and they have stuff I had not seen before. They had a little Toto lighter which I loved as I have a Toto at home (it is a toilet, made in Japan and has a washlet.) They also have stickers and tee shirts and hats, they have lots of hats. I bought one for my son in law. The prices are fair for the area. We really did love the service. It is not a place I would go to often, but it is adorable and worth a visit. We had a great time there, just looking at all the stuff. It was not at all busy when we were there and check out was super easy. So, if you are nearby stop there. It is not a must see, but it is cute.

Love the store but service 0/5…read more My friend and I had stopped by this shop after taking pictures at Booth by Bryant to take a look around. This shop is very nicely organized and aesthetic, however, the lady at the cash register who might be the owner did not greet us or anything, and seemed very bothered by us just walking in. There are some colorful crates in the back part of the store that my friend wanted to take pictures with, so I asked the cashier first if it would be okay to do so, since I had noticed that she already looked upset, and she said "yes and thank you for asking first since some people don't even ask" and I had also purchased a $40 hat prior to asking. I take a few pictures of my friend and as we're looking at them some customers walk in and are taking a look around and we scooted to the corner so they can shop. As soon as they left the cashier comes up to us with so much attitude saying "you guys need to get out when customers come in, if you guys are doing this they can't shop." when we literally were no where in the way of the customers. The last thing my friend and I wanted was to make her upset, which is why we asked permission first and purchased an item so we could stay longer in the store. But, the lack of customer service and passive aggressive tone was what makes us not want to shop here anymore. A simple "if customers come in I would appreciate if you guys step aside for them to shop" (which we did either way) in the beginning when I first asked for permission would've been nice instead of telling us to "get out" after I had already purchased something.

This museum is a very neat experience! It is intended for adults, but our little ones had a great…read moretime here too! The whole place is decorated with art and it is very immersive! It's a bit difficult to find parking, but after that's settled, knock 3 times on the door and upon entry, you are greeted and signed in. We were greeted by Sabrina and Alyssa. They were friendly and welcoming and made sure that all of our questions were answered. The whole experience is neat because in such a small area, there are so many things to see, smell, and read! They have their own section of a gift shop as well. I can't wait until they expand their location and I'm so glad they our family had the opportunity to experience the Museum of Make Believe.

A hidden gem (quite literally) in Laguna Beach, the Museum of Make Believe truly lives up to the…read morewhimsy and magic it seeks to bestow upon its travelers. Highly recommend to anyone seeking a trip of puzzle-mystery with a nostalgic edge. Huge shoutout to Sabrina & Sylvan for guiding us along the way and their warm hospitality.

Very rarely do I get a deal in the OC on Goldstar on plays, so when I found one I wanted to see I…read moretook advantage. Theater is a little difficult to find as it is tucked back in what appeared to be somewhat of a depressed area (you could tell back in it's heyday the area was hoppin'). Street parking can also be difficult to find, and there is a parking structure nearby but not sure about the rates (Sun street metered parking is free all day). Theater itself is located in an art gallery, and it is very small and seating is congested (seats are also very uncomfortable like old style theater seating where you feel the springs pop out).

The area is growing so fast and the eateries are really turning out unique and creative dishes that…read moreyou cannot find elsewhere in Southern California...or the world. The Artist Village is an integral part of DTSA (Downtown Santa Ana) and full of Artsy and Delicious venues and events. This area is truly one unique place, a must stop and...."As Good as it Gets!"

How beautiful is this place! Had no idea it even existed…read more Great art pieces from local high school teens. Open and nice space. Limited parking but some surrounding parking lot close by.

I've never been inside so thought I'd pop in…read more The front desk person was really friendly There were two areas with what looked like local paintings in the exhibit The outside is very strange. It looks like a regular building and when I got to the door it didn't seem like it was open The outside could use a facelift

Helpful instructors, a relaxed atmosphere and a shelves of reference art books. Art class facility…read moreis large enough to have several art classes going on at the same time. Within a short distance you can walk over to the Art Warehouse, where you can pick up paint, canvasses, art boards, brushes, art instruction books, easels and so much more! It's the best of both worlds! If you are considering where to find art supplies or where to take classes, you should go check out the Art Warehouse and the Catalyst Studio. People have stopped by to observe classes prior to signing up!

Went & checked out the schedule for some art class. Small but cozy studio and they do offer varies…read moretypes & levels of classes. Prices are reasonable and they do have a live model for drawing classes too. Parking can be rough but I'm sure it works out. Some classes, supplies will be provided, some you have to bring your own or you can get it couple doors down. Staff is nice and very friendly, explained how it work very detailed and encouraged. Can't wait for the right class to sign up.

My happy place. I've been taking classes here 6 months in a row now. Here's why I continue to…read morechoose this place over others: - Along with a 2 hour guided session once a week, you get to come in during non-class hours to practice and make unlimited items throughout the month (which makes this studio's monthly class cost an AMAZING DEAL) - They provide all the clay and tools needed to succeed. No need to purchase anything unless you want to upgrade your game. - I've only taken classes with Emma and Tim (who are both stellar instructors), but I heard everyone else is great too. - As long as you provide a 48 hour notice, you can switch your class to another day of the week. - There's always parking available! - You can purchase tools and materials directly from the shop and pick it up on the shelf the next time you come in. Overall, this place is 10/10. The only "downside" is that it's a cone 10 reduction studio, but to some it might not matter!

I am so glad I got the classes at this studio, everyone is so welcoming and the studio is not only…read morespacious for everyone, the people there are so welcoming! Definitely considering the membership!