Orange Community Art Guild keeps local art scene alive
Collage by Easton Clark, Photo Editor
Old Towne Orange’s local spaces have become a growing network for artists through the Orange Community Art Guild (OGAC).
OGAC, established in Oct. 2024, is a nonprofit organization that utilizes art as a way to bring the community together. In these upcoming months, OGAC looks to present a number of new art pieces.
The organization supports local artists to be showcased across a number of familiar spaces such as Wine and Wax, Cafe Zocalo, The Potting Shed and more. Through the support of the arts, all profits and donations are put back into the community.
Founder and CEO of OCAG, Britt Samuels, is the heart of the organization. Samuels is a photographer, curator and also works for creative studio EyeNoMedia.
A percentage of earnings from OCAG is given to the artists, and the remaining is utilized for a number of efforts in the community, such as providing art workshops for the youth or hosting more art exhibitions.
At its core, OCAG aims to foster connections through creativity.
“Art, to me, always brings people together,” said Samuels. “It is so important; it motivates, and it keeps you going.”
Just 18 months into the founding of OCAG, there are many art pieces still to be showcased. Most recently, on Feb. 5 at the Saddleback College library, Samuels co-curated the art exhibition “2% Excellence in Black Artistry,” which is open now until Apr. 24.
In April, at Citrus City Grille, OCAG will be showcasing the photography of Orlando Suero. This year marks what would have been Suero’s 100th birthday. In honor, OCAG is presenting the work of Suero throughout the years, with some images never having been seen by the public.
Other plans in the works include an event where locals can meet with OCAG’s local artists such as Jesse Fragoso and Ruben Hernandez to discuss their art pieces.
A Prince Exhibit is also being planned with OCAG. This event will be a book release with Steve Parke, Prince’s photographer and art director of 14 years.
Samuel expressed the importance of art in our community, especially for students.
“Whether you create it or someone else, it is a good way to let your brain relax too. Have a coffee, go look at some art and just take it all in,” said Samuels.
OCAG also promotes its online marketplace, where the public can browse and purchase any of the local artists' work.
OCAG will continue to spread artistry with new installations and partnerships around Orange, encouraging artists to step forward to showcase their creativity and to express themselves.
“Art brings conversations, and without it, the world would be stale,” said Samuels.
Through OCAG’s installations, supporting local creatives and community engagement, the organization demonstrates that all art deserves to be seen, shared and experienced.