Artistic expression has been an essential aspect of human existence, tracing its origins back to the earliest days of prehistoric times in our history. From ancient cave paintings to modern world art installations, art has acted as a medium for communication, self-expression, and introspection. Art provides insight into the culture of communities, revealing their technological advancements, aesthetic and religious preferences, and everyday life. Art can act as a historical record, conserving the narratives and viewpoints of individuals, communities, and entire societies as a whole. Examinin ..read more

Meet Artist Ada As an Afro-Latina woman, orphan and former foster child, Ada’s first experience with creativity was largely as a writer. Writing poetry helped Ada make meaning of her early childhood trauma which included the loss of her family, language, and culture as well as the displacement she experienced growing up in foster care. Since Ada’s early school experience with art didn’t encourage coloring outside the lines, she grew up not believing herself to be artistic. Despite this discouragement, Ada’s first flirtation with the Muse began in her teens, as a jealousy she secretly ha ..read more

On Feb. 12, 2024, we hosted “Crafting Kindness and Spreading Love: A Valentine’s and Random Acts of Kindness” with Supporting Artist Maryam Sedadi.  In the spirit of altruism and heartfelt gestures, we recently hosted an inspiring Instagram Live event hosted by Maryam Sedadi, known among her followers as @kimyacollection or the ‘Card Queen’. Maryam, an analog collage maker guided us through a session of crafting kindness cards – a fitting celebration for both Valentine’s Day and Random Acts of Kindness Day. Random Acts of Kindness Day has a history that stems back to the early 1980 ..read more

Meet Artist Samiran Samiran Sarkar, an impressionist painter specializing in watercolor and acrylic, explores nature and the built environment around him. Based in Kolkata, India Samiran’s paintings reflect his surroundings, specifically the Himalayas Mountain range. Samiran’s artwork of nearby landscapes is showcased in exhibitions, publications, and permanent collections across the world. After completing his B.V.A degree in Art from Kolkata University, Samiran pursued a career as a Creative Art Director, Illustrator, and Art instructor in various leading creative companies. Most recen ..read more

Meet Artist Blake Blake Zucker, age 31, began his artistic journey at age 5 years old, 3 years after being diagnosed with Autism. He did not have the words to express his inner self and boundless creativity, so he chose to communicate through art. Blake’s self-expression grew through art making, and he developed an enduring passion for ceramic pottery. He began exhibiting his art at age 6. Blake’s artworks have been featured in galleries, museums and shops in Italy, Australia, New York City, California, Florida, Ann Arbor and Detroit. Now a gallery represented artist, Blake Zucker exempl ..read more

On November 11, local Santa Ana nonprofit organization, The Art Spread, hosted ‘Artful Giving’, a day to honor Veterans, come together to enjoy all things art, and enjoy French cuisine at local restaurant, Roquette Cafe.  Fundraising is the gentle art of teaching the joy of giving. -Hank Rosso. As the leaves adopt their autumn hues, the season of gratitude ushers in a time for giving as the upcoming year draws closer to an end. Art represents a continuous exchange of giving and receiving, a symbiotic relationship where creators share their innermost thoughts and emotions, and viewe ..read more

Meet Artist Claudine Claudine is Filipina American living in Orange County, CA who, for over 27 years, has been creating pieces ranging from live sketches to acrylic paintings on canvas. She always felt compelled to create, from a toddler drawing on walls in her home in Manila, to an adult, painting murals in Costa Rica. Claudine graduated from University of California Irvine with a Bachelor in Studio Arts in 2011 but did not pursue a professional career in art. She was afraid because of society’s discouraging claims that there was no future or money in art. Instead, she built a personal ..read more

Meet Artist Oscar Oscar Jaíro Loeza was born in Michoacán, Mexico on September 17, 1989. At just 3 months old, he crossed the Mexico-United States border with his parents and two sisters. Oscar spent most of his childhood living in Orange County, where he was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy at 3 years old after having experienced knee pain and limping. His mother began using drawings and doodles to distract him from his disability, propelling his art journey. Because Muscular Dystrophy affects every muscle in the body, weakening it, the disease also began to compromise Oscar’s respirat ..read more

Meet Artist Demarquis Demarquis is a published playwright and gallery exhibited artist from Orlando, Florida. His expressionist style vividly shows the beauty of everyday life experienced by children and how these moments shape their future. Demarquis’ work has been displayed in juried shows from New York City to the London Spring Art Fair.  Four Sisters Gallery of Self-Taught Visionary Art in North Carolina Wesleyan University houses several of Demarquis’ paintings in its permanent collection. As an artist, Demarquis aspires to encourage others to pursue their dreams and not let an ..read more

On May 20, 2023, local Santa Ana nonprofit organization, The Art Spread, hosted ‘Healing Through Art’, an art fair that promoted mental health awareness through creative exercises. The Art Spread’s mission is to lead artists with adversity to success and build a supportive environment for everyone struggling with mental, physical, and societal challenges. At ‘Healing Through Art,’ the fair welcomed everyone to experience accessible art, complimentary food and drink, and creative, holistic approaches to issues facing the community. Guests were greeted with free art-&-wellness care pack ..read more