Tickets Now On Sale for the 25th Orange County Arts Awards!
The Annual OC Arts Awards is a benefit evening that recognizes & celebrates the arts organizations, artists, and arts patrons in the OC community whose significant contributions during the past year, or over the course of a lifetime, have notably impacted the arts in Orange County. This celebratory event brings together the entire arts community for an uplifting evening that includes an honoree and sponsor reception and dinner, an awards ceremony and an after-party for all guests.
Our 2025 Honorees

Helena Modjeska Cultural Legacy Award – Artist
JORG DUBIN
Jorg has been an integral figure in Orange County’s artistic landscape for over five decades, maintaining a prolific career as a painter, sculptor, and mentor, and contributing to its cultural fabric through his multidisciplinary practice and dedication to fostering emerging talent. His artistic oeuvre involves multiple media from painting, ceramics, and site-specific sculpture, as well as film production design. Although many of his paintings contain social, political, or environmental content, he also created a series of paintings showing the transition of the former El Toro Marine Air Station after its closing and a September 11th site specific memorial, "Semper Memento" for the city of Laguna Beach. A more recent sculpture, the sixty-foot high “Mercury Falling,” can be found on the corner of the Skyloft apartment complex at the intersection of Main and Jamboree in the city of Irvine. Jorg Dubin was nominated by the Honarkar Foundation and by Sam Goldstein.

Helena Modjeska Cultural Legacy Award – Arts Patron
JARED MATHIS and the MOULTON FAMILY
Jared Mathis embodies the very essence of this award - demonstrating extraordinary commitment to the arts through generous financial support, dedicated leadership, and a visionary approach to preserving and advancing cultural institutions in Orange County. As CEO of Moulton Company, Jared is carrying on his family legacy of generosity and leadership, exemplified by his great grandmother Nellie Gail Moulton, an artist and arts patron, elevating Orange County’s cultural landscape in immeasurable ways. Jared Mathis was nominated by Laguna Art Museum, Laguna College of Art + Design, Laguna Playhouse, and Moulton Museum.

Special Award
RICHARD STEIN
Over the course of almost 40 years, Rick has been a leading figure in the Orange County arts community. He transformed the Laguna Playhouse into a major resident professional theatre over the course of more than 17 years as its Executive Director, where he produced more than 100 plays, directing several of them, including notable premieres. Afterwards, he led Arts Orange County as its President & CEO for nearly 17 years, until his retirement on June 30, 2025. Under his guidance, ArtsOC has become a trailblazer among nonprofit arts councils worldwide, augmenting its traditional arts agency programs and services with consulting services in the areas of cultural planning and public art management. These strengthened ArtsOC’s ability to serve as a vigorous advocate for the arts and arts education, resulting in a significant increase in resources for artists and arts organizations in our community. Additionally, while serving 12 years on the Board of California Arts Advocate, including three as President, Rick achieved major successes in restoring and increasing funding for the arts statewide.

Achievement Award – Outstanding Artist
BIN HE
Bin He is a highly respected and accomplished musician, composer, conductor, educator, and cultural ambassador. Born in China, he began his musical training at a young age and later attended the China Conservatory of Music, where he honed his skills and developed his unique style. After graduating, he began performing professionally and quickly gained recognition for his talent, performing in concerts and festivals around the world. Bin He has made significant contributions to the South Coast Chinese Orchestra, where he serves as conductor. The orchestra, established in 2017, is the only full Chinese orchestra in Orange County, California. His original musical "Legends" was presented by the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in October 2024, bringing to life the stories of Chinese folklore's most beloved characters: Mulan, Nezha, and the Monkey King. Bin He was nominated by Cheer Pan, Executive Director of Pan America Chinese Dance Alliance.

Achievement Award – Outstanding Arts Organization
ORANGE COUNTY CHILDREN’S THERAPEUTIC ARTS CENTER
For 25 years, OCCTAC has stood as a beacon of hope and empowerment within our community, committed to inclusivity and providing access to services for families facing physical, cognitive, language, social, and emotional challenges. Under the leadership of its visionary founder, Dr. Ana Jimenez Hami, OCCTAC combines the arts, academics, and creative therapies to empower and transform lives. The organization’s commitment to arts accessibility ensures that every child, regardless of ability or background, has the opportunity to participate in and benefit from the arts. In addition, the bilingual/bicultural staff leverages expertise and experience to meet the unique needs of the community at OCCTAC’s Santa Ana facility. Nominated by Marleena Barber, Executive Director of Orange County Arts and Disability.

Achievement Award – Outstanding Contribution to the Built Environment
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, FULLERTON – VISUAL ARTS COMPLEX
The visual arts complex modernization project, completed in 2024, includes two new buildings, major renovations to existing buildings and the addition of state-of-the-art creative spaces to train the next generation of artists and innovators. The complex boasts more than 85,000 square feet of new and renovated space, including classrooms for digital art concentrations; graduate art studios; upgraded lecture halls; new faculty offices; indoor and outdoor seating; and top-of-the-line facilities such as a green screen/motion capture room, a photography wing, a digital fabrication lab, and a drawing and painting room.

Achievement Award – Emerging Arts Leader
GENEVIEVE WILLIAMS
As the Director and Acting Curator of The Honarkar Foundation, a Laguna Beach art gallery, Genevieve has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering artistic excellence, community engagement, and accessibility within the arts, presenting ambitious, museum- quality exhibitions that highlight both historical and contemporary artists. Previously, she joined Peter Blake Gallery in 2015 and served as Director until 2022, playing a key role in advancing that esteemed gallery’s mission and expanding its influence, both locally and internationally, and executing over 80 solo and group exhibitions. Nominated by Peter Blake, owner of Peter Blake Gallery and 2013 Helena Modjeska Cultural Legacy Award Honoree, by Goran Matijasevic, University of California, Irvine Chief Executive Roundtable, and by Fiona Shen, Director of The Escalette Permanent Art Collection at Chapman University, Ed Steinfeld of Voice of Laguna Radio, Gerard Basil Stripling of Gerard Basil Studio.
Past Arts Awards Honorees
Since 2000, we've honored an incredible array of organizations and individuals who have had a legacy-level impact on the artistic and cultural landscape of Orange County
(Listed in Alphabetical Order)
Allen Adham, Michael Morhaime, and Frank Pearce (Artistic Visionary, 2010)
Wylie & Bette Aitken (Arts Patrons, 2015)
John Alexander (Artistic Visionary, 2003)
Jonelle Allen (Artist, 2021)
Roger Armstrong (Artist, 2003)
Bob Bassett (Artistic Visionary, 2006)
Martin Benson & David Emmes (Artistic Visionary, 2000)
Peter Blake (Artistic Visionary, 2013)
Rex Brandt (Artist, 2000)
Beth Burns (Artistic Visionary, 2004)
Mark Chamberlain (Artistic Visionary, 2014)
Arlene Cheng (Community Visionary, 2005)
Dean Corey (Artistic Visionary, 2011)
Sophie and Larry Cripe (Arts Patrons, 2022)
Dick Dale (Artist, 2010)
Claudia de la Cruz (Visionary Artist, 2023)
Tony DeLap (Artist, 2000)
Richard Doyle (Artist, 2009)
John Forsyte (Arts Visionary, 2016)
Robert Garfias (Artistic Visionary, 2022)
Rod Gilfry (Artist, 2011)
William Gillespie (Community Visionary, 2006)
Marie Gray (Artistic Visionary, 2009)
William Hall (Artist, 2005)
Don Ed Hardy (Artist, 2014)
Ramya Harishankar (Artist, 2007)
Mark and Janet Hilbert (Art Collectors, 2018)
Hans & Valerie Imhof (Patron, 2014)
Chuck Jones (Artist, 2001)
Damien and Yvonne Jordan (Arts Philanthropists, 2016)
Peter Keller (Artistic Visionary, 2013)
Dorothy & Donald Kennedy (Community Visionary, 2004)
Cherie Kerr (Artistic Visionary, 2019)
John Koshak (Artistic Visionary, 2008)
Don Laffoon & Victoria Bryan (Artistic Visionary, 2001)
Laguna Art Museum (Arts Organization, 2018)
Laguna Playhouse (Arts Organization, 2021)
Hal Landon Jr. (Artist, 2009)
James Luna (Artist, 2017)
Molly Lynch (Arts Visionary, 2017)
Phil & Mary Lyons (Community Visionary, 2008)
Greg MacGillvray (Artist, 2008)
Jerry Mandel (Visionary Arts Leader, 2019)
Eric Marienthal (Artist, 2010)
Mike McGee (Arts Visionary, 2016)
Donald McKayle (Artist, 2002)
Mission San Juan Capistrano (Community Visionary, 2011)
Judith O’Dea Morr (Artistic Visionary, 2002)
Marcelina Arroues Mulville (Community Visionary, 2000)
Marybelle & S. Paul Musco (Arts Philanthropist, 2013)
Mary Muth (Community Visionary, 2001)
Founders of the Newport Harbor Art Museum - Joan Irving Brandt, Thelma Chastain, Em Crary, Dorothe Curtis, Kay Farwell, Allene Hays, Judy Hurndall, Gloria Irvine, Jane Lawson, Betty Mickle, Flo Stoddard, Dottie Ahmanson Sullivan, and Betty Winckler (Community Visionary, 2000)
Tom & Marilyn Nielsen (Community Visionary, 2003)
Dwight Richard Odle (Artist, 2006)
Ralph Opacic (Artistic Visionary, 2007)
Orange County Community Foundation (Community Visionary, 2010)
Orange County Museum of Art (Longtime Southern California leader in presenting and preserving the art of our time, 2022)
Orange County Musicians Union Local 7, American Federation of Musicians (Visionary Arts Organization, 2023)
Douglas C. Rankin (Artistic Visionary, 2012)
Elaine Redfield (Community Visionary, 2000)
Relámpago del Cielo (Arts Organization, 2015)
Cathy Rigby (Artist, 2015)
Salwa Rizkalla (Artistic Visionary, 2014)
William & Barbara Roberts (Community Visionary, 2012)
Carol Saindon (Artist, 2018)
Jerry Samuelson (Community Visionary, 2009)
Floss Schumacher (Community Visionary, 2000)
Henry Segerstrom (Community Visionary, 2000)
Helen & Edward Shanbrom (Community Visionary, 2004)
Gordon Shaw (Community Visionary, 2005)
Joan Irvine Smith (Community Visionary, 2007)
Carl St.Clair (Artistic Visionary, 2009)
John & Elizabeth Stahr (Community Visionary, 2002)
The Harry & Grace Steele Foundation (Community Visionary, 2001)
Beulah Strickler (Community Visionary, 2013)
Tom Titus (Arts Journalist, 2021)
Paula Tomei (Community Visionary, 2018)
Elizabeth Turk (Artist, 2012)
Ernesto and Socorro Vasquez (Visionary Arts Patrons, 2019)
Carol Wilken (Community Visionary, 2010)
Jane Fujishige Yada (Visionary Arts Patron, 2023)
David Young (Community Visionary, 2004)
James Young (Artist, 2005)
Charlie & Ling Zhang (Arts Philanthropists, 2017)
Gloria Zigner (Community Visionary, 2012)
(Listed in Alphabetical Order)
Roberta & Howard Ahmanson (Patron, 2010)
John Alexander (Artist, 2000)
The All-American Boys Chorus (Arts Organization, 2011)
Anaheim Ballet (Organization, 2008)
Darrel Anderson (Volunteer, 2003)
Marsha Anderson (Volunteer, 2008)
Art & Creativity for Healing (Educator, 2003)
Arts & Learning Conservatory (Organization, 2014)
Assistance League of Irvine (Volunteer, 2007)
Backhausdance (Organization, 2012)
Ballet Pacifica (Organization, 2001, 2000)
Donald & Joan Beall (Patron, 2001)
Robert Becker (Artist, 2009)
Phyllis Berenbeim (Educator, 2000)
Suki Berg (Artist, 2008)
The Boeing Company (Patron, 2006)
Troy Botello (Educator, 2002)
Bowers Museum of Cultural Art (Organization, 2007, 2001)
City of Brea (Patron, 2008)
Brea, Blackstone 2017 (Outstanding Contribution to the Built Environment, 2018)
Brethren Christian Junior & Senior High School (Arts Organization, 2011)
Laurie Brown (Artist, 2002)
Austin Buffum (Educator, 2006)
Jerry Burchfield (Artist, 2001)
California State University, Fullerton Performing Arts Center (Built Environment, 2006)
William Camarago (Emerging Artist/Arts Leader, 2022)
Capistrano Unified School District (Educator, 2003)
Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, San Clemente (Arts Organization, 2017)
Beverly Chaffee (Educator, 2002)
The Chance Theater (Organization, 2009, 2004)
Child Creativity Lab (Arts Organization, 2023)
Children’s Museum at La Habra (Educator, 2001)
Joshua Colover (Artist, 2004)
Vesta Curry (Volunteer, 2002)
John & Sandy Daniels (Patron, 2002)
James Dinh (Artist/Arts Leader, 2019)
Jane & Jim Driscoll (Patron, 2008)
Leslie Feibleman (Volunteer, 2006)
Eliot Feld/Ballet Tech (Artist, 2000)
Festival Ballet Theatre (Organization, 2002)
Festival of Arts Laguna Beach (Organization, 2008)
FLIGHT at Tustin Legacy Murals (Public Art, 2021)
Paul Folino (Patron, 2003)
Robin Follman (Artist, 2008)
Robert Frelly (Artist, 2011)
JoAnn Fuerbringer (Educator, 2004)
Fullerton Museum Center (Organization, 2003)
Fullerton School District Foundation For the Arts (Volunteer, 2000)
Fulton Middle School (Educator, 2000)
Sarah Rafael Garcia (Emerging Arts Leader, 2018)
Garden Grove Unified School District (Educator, 2000)
Michael & Eleanor Gordon (Patron, 2005)
Grand Central Art Center (Organization, 2019, 2000)
Guilds of the Orange County Performing Arts Center (Volunteer, 2005)
Ramya Harishankar (Artist, 2003)
Kathleen Harris (Educator, 2005)
Martin Hubbard (Volunteer, 2001)
Huntington Beach Art Center (Organization, 2006)
Irvine Barclay Theatre (Organization, 2006, 2002)
Irvine Unified School District (Educator, 2008)
Janice Johnson (Volunteer, 2004)
Richard Kaufman (Artist, 2006)
Raymond Kobler (Artist, 2003)
Laguna Art Museum (Organization, 2002)
City of Laguna Beach (Patron, 2002)
Laguna College of Art & Design (Organization, 2013)
Laguna Dance Festival (Organization, 2015)
Laguna Playhouse (Organization, 2008, 2000)
Timothy Landauer (Artist, 2005)
Jan Landstrom (Volunteer, 2007)
The Legacy Project (Artist, 2007)
Chantrell M. Lewis (Emerging Artist/Arts Leader, 2023)
Phil & Mary Lyons (Patron, 2000)
Lyric Opera of Orange County (Emerging Arts Organization, 2022)
Madison Elementary School (Educator, 2003)
Jim & Suzanne Mellor (Patron, 2006)
Yevgeniya Mikhailik (Emerging Artist, 2016)
Todd Miller (Artist, 2010)
Mission Viejo High School (Educator, 2001)
Allen Moon (Impresario, 2016)
The Muckenthaler Cultural Center (Organization, 2010)
Paul & Marybelle Musco (Patron, 2006)
MUZEO (Built Environment, 2008)
National Choreographers Initiative (Organization, 2007)
City of Newport Beach (Public Art Program, 2014)
Newport Beach Film Festival (Organization, 2001)
New Swan Theater, UCI - Claire Trevor School of the Arts (Outstanding Contribution to the Built Environment, 2013)
Oanh Nguyen (Artist, 2007)
Noelle Corporate Communications (Patron, 2005)
Northwood High School Performing Arts Department (Educator, 2005)
Orange County Board of Supervisors (Special Award, 2021)
Orange County Center for Contemporary Art (Organization, 2001)
Orange County High School of the Arts Foundation (Volunteer, 2001)
Orange County Museum of Art (Organization, 2005)
Orange County Performing Arts Center (Built Environment, 2007)
Orange County Register (Patron, 2000)
Orange County Women's Chorus (Organziation, 2014)
Orange County Youth Symphony (Educator, 2005)
Pacific Chorale (Organization, 2002)
Pacific Symphony League (Volunteer, 2008)
Pacific Life Foundation (Patron, 2001)
Pacific Symphony (Organization, 2004, 2002, 2001)
PBS SoCal (Organization, 2016)
Brian Peterson (Emerging Artist, 2018)
Philharmonic Society of Orange County (Organization, 2000)
Committees of the Philharmonic Society (Volunteer, 2002)
Maurizzio Hector Pineda (Emerging Artist, 2021)
Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (Educator, 2001)
Patricia Poss (Patron, 2011)
Teri Ralston (Artist, 2002)
Jerry Rothman (Artist, 2004)
Marytza Rubio (Emerging Artist/Arts Leader, 2022)
Rude Guerrilla Productions (Organization, 2002)
Susan & Henry Samueli (Patron, 2004)
City of Santa Ana (Patron, 2002, 2000)
David Schramm (Volunteer, 2006)
Gregg Schwenk (Volunteer, 2004)
The Hal & Jeanette Segerstrom Family (Patron, 2009)
Helen Seigel (Educator, 2002)
Shakespeare Orange County (Organization, 2005)
Anne Shih (Volunteer, 2001)
Doris Shields (Volunteer, 2000)
Kevin Staniec (Emerging Arts Leader, 2017)
Soka Performing Arts Center (Built Environment, 2012)
South Coast Repertory (Organization, 2003)
South Coast Plaza (Patron, 2009)
South Orange County High School of the Arts (Educator, 2007)
STAGEStheatre (Organization, 2002)
Carl St.Clair (Special Recognition, 2019; Artist, 2001)
STOP-GAP (Organization, 2001)
Alan Terricciano (Artist, 2006)
Jim Thomas (Educator, 2004)
Catherine Thyen (Volunteer, 2005)
Peter Tiner (Educator, 2004)
Tom Titus (Artist, 2005)
Trio Céleste (Emerging Artists, 2017)
Richard Turner (Artist, 2001)
University of California, Irvine Arts Plaza (Built Environment, 2006)
Sister Madeleva Williams, C.S.J. (Artist, 2011)
Wells Fargo Bank (Patron, 2007)
Kurt Weston (Artist, 2010)
The Wooden Floor (Educator, 2010)
Andre Woodward (Artist, 2013)
Thank you to everyone who attended and supported the 2024 Arts Awards. Enjoy these pictures from the Festivities!
Click on image to view full-size. All pictures by Tony Lattimore Photography.
(Clockwise from Bottom L): Lynn Freeman, Ling Zhang, Charlie Zhang, Carol Choi, Kathy Ruvolo, David Dunford, Lisa Huang, John Forsyte, Jo Ellen Chatham, Doug Freeman
(Clockwise from Bottom L) Richard Ruszat, Bob Davis, Cheryll Ruszat, Susan Hori, Alison Stein, Rick Stein
(Clockwise from Bottom L) Bobbi Purcell, Patty Dreyfus, Mary Lyons, Casey Reitz, Donna Janes, Carol Saindon, John Alexander
(Clockwise from Bottom L): Hans Imhof, Judith Posnikoff, Dawn Reese, Abby Edmunds, Emily Rankin, Sally Anderson, Tom Rogers, Valerie Imhof
(Clockwise from Bottom L): Virginia Arce, Tiffany Ana López, Bob Romney, Sarah Strozza, Jaime DeJong, Fatima Rivzi-Flores, Jesse Colin Jackson, Sarah Rafael García
(Clockwise from Bottom L) Kyrea Eubanks, Kevyn Garcia, Craig Springer, Elizabeth Sun, Patrick Brien, Michelle Brouwer, Michael Lawler, L.T. Martinez
(Clockwise from Bottom L) Chris Ahola, Tony Huang, Cheer Pan, Isabel Dong, Peter Jia, Karen Ahola, Jennifer Hu, Katelyn Hu
(Clockwise from Bottom L) Renee Bodie, Anne Austin Pearce, Quyên Nguyen-Le, Christopher Schulz, Lisa Smith, Carin Rodgers-Bronstein
(Clockwise from Bottom L) Paula Tomei, Ryan Morse, Monica Olmos, Meagan Hayes, Terry Schomburg, Michael S. Laven, Irene Samadoff, Rick Smetanka, Cheri Smetanka, Hogi Kurniawan, Rhett Del Campo
(L to R): Rick Smetanka (representing Corporate Arts Patron Honoree Haskell & White,) Emerging Artist Honoree Quyên Nguyen-Le, Emerging Arts Leader Honoree Virginia Arce; Doug Freeman, Charlie Zhang, and David Dunford (representing Outstanding Arts Organization Honoree OC Music and Dance Center)
(L to R): ArtsOC President and CEO Rick Stein, Co-Emcee Cheer Pan (Pan America Chinese Dance Alliance,) Rick Smetanka (representing Corporate Arts Patron Honoree Haskell & White,) Emerging Artist Honoree Quyên Nguyen-Le, Emerging Arts Leader Honoree Virginia Arce; Doug Freeman, Charlie Zhang, and David Dunford (representing Outstanding Arts Organization Honoree OC Music and Dance Center)
Pacific Symphony concertmaster Dennis Kim performing during the ceremonies in honor of Carl St.Clair
Jane Yada (2023 Helena Modjeska Cultural Legacy Award honoree for arts patron) presents award to Carl St.Clair
(L to R) Andrea Becerra, Karla Fandel, Virginia Arce, Alisa Ochoa, Sarah Rafael Garcia, Laura Murphy
We Gratefully Acknowledge Our Arts Awards Sponsors
We gratefully acknowledge our sponsors whose support makes this celebration possible
VIP Reception Sponsor
Phil & Mary Lyons
After-Party Sponsors
Charlie & Ling Zhang
Maya Angelou Circle
Frida Kahlo Circle
Isamu Noguchi Circle
Susan K. Hori
Judith Posnikoff
Ernesto and Socorro Vasquez, Familia Vasquez Fund
August Wilson Circle
Ellen Breitman & Brien Amspoker
Crevier Family Foundation
Michael & Eleanor Gordon
Valerie & Hans Imhof
Tom Rogers & Sally Anderson
Linda & Tod White
James Luna Circle
Anaheim Ballet
Arts & Learning Conservatory
ArtsPR
Backhausdance
Diane Baker
Chapman University, College of Performing Arts
City of Costa Mesa
California State University, Fullerton, College of the Arts
Thúy Võ Đặng
John Evans
Festival Ballet Theatre
The Frida Cinema
William Hall and Bonnie Brittain Hall
Huntington Beach Art Center Foundation
Laguna College of Art + Design
Laguna Playhouse
Molly Lynch and Alan Andrews
Lyric Opera of Orange County
Goran Matijasevic
Media Arts Santa Ana
Harish Murthy & Ramya Harishankar
OC Fair and Event Center
OC Musicians Union
Orange County School of the Arts
Pacific Conservatory
Pacific Symphony
Philharmonic Society of Orange County
Pretend City Children's Museum
Relámpago del Cielo Grupo Folklórico
Karin Schnell
Schweickert & Company
Greg Solloway
South Coast Conservatory
South Coast Repertory
UCI Langson IMCA
Statuette Sponsors
Leona Aronoff-Sadacca — In honor of Carl St.Clair
Festival Ballet Theatre
Margaret Gates — In honor of Ellen K. Lee
Tim Shaw
Walter and Elizabeth Stahr - In honor of Carl St.Clair
Other Gifts
Marleena Barber
Dr. Marilyn Marquez Brock
Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens
Chance Theater
City of Irvine, Irvine Fine Arts Center
Sophie and Larry Cripe
Scott Fitzpatrick
Samuel Helm
Mary and William Langsdorf - in honor of Eliza Rubenstein
Tram Le
Catherine Lerner
Moulton Museum
Kevin Staniec
SoCal Ballet Scene
South Coast Dance Arts Alliance
Alexandria Thompson
Michael & Carole Wade