Imagination is a powerful force that fuels creativity and innovation, especially for the arts. In Southern California there is a thriving and vibrant arts community known for its immense talent and diversity. Thanks to local organizations there are more opportunities than ever to grow and learn more about one’s craft.
Arts Orange County, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the arts, has long been at the forefront of promoting creativity and cultural enrichment in Orange County. One of their flagship events, Imagination Celebration, is a catalyst for artistic expression and exploration. This annual festival brings together artists, performers, and community members to celebrate the power of imagination.
Imagination Celebration is designed to recognize the importance of arts in classrooms and school education, as well as to introduce and encourage student and family participation in the artistic communities around them. Imagination Celebration is a diverse collection of free and low cost, family-friendly events in Orange County that runs from April 14 through May 27. It is presented by Arts Orange County in partnership with the Orange County Department of Education and this is the event’s 39th year running!
One of the flagship events of Imagination Celebration is the OC Día del Niño, a remarkable celebration of children that takes place at the newly renovated Hunt Library and Event Center in Fullerton. This free event features live performances by community groups and renowned professionals, including the Grammy Award-winning Lucky Band. Hands-on workshops for children and families are available throughout the day, providing interactive and educational experiences.
The other incredible event is the 48th Annual Orange County Arts and Disability Festival presented in partnership with Orange County Arts and Disability. The festival features day-long performances by children and adults with disabilities at Main Place Mall in Santa Ana, a mall-wide art exhibit by artists with disabilities, a resource fair, and arts workshops.
The Orange County Department of Education helps turn students into artists with the OCArts4All Exhibition. Held at South Coast Plaza’s Crate & Barrel Wing, the event showcases over 1,000 works of art created by children from all school districts in Orange County. This exhibition highlights the artistic talents and achievements of young individuals, fostering a sense of pride and appreciation for the arts.
“Parents often remark that they attended Imagination Celebration when they were young and that it is a thrill to be able to share the experience now with their own children,” said ArtsOC President and CEO Richard Stein.
A little known fact is that ArtsOC is designated by the Board of Supervisors of the County of Orange as the county’s official local arts agency. ArtsOC’s programs range from support of individual artists and large and small arts organizations to advocacy for arts and arts education at the local, regional, state and national levels. Be sure to head to SparkOC.com and search ‘Imagination Celebration’ to keep up to date on all of the events.
