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Enjoy the View: Where to See Art in Costa Mesa

January 29th, 2018

No matter the day or weather, one thing that we all can enjoy any day of the week is art. Those good times gazing away at beautiful pieces of artwork can easily happen right near your Baker Block apartment! From traditional museums, contemporary, interactive installations, and even murals, here are the best places to enjoy art in Costa Mesa.

Art Spot #1: Orange County Museum of Art

Filled with 3,000 works of modern and contemporary art, OCMA is an 11-minute drive from Baker Block. At the moment, OCMA is showing two exhibitions. The first by Shi Zhiying, whose exhibition consists of beautiful monochromatic paintings inspired by open waters and zen sand gardens. Then there is our favorite, Pivotal, an exhibition supporting and showcasing emerging artists. Both of these exhibitions end on February 25th, so check them out before they are gone. If you want to see work that showcases there regularly, you can do so any day of the week from 11 AM to 5 PM. If you plan on going on a Friday do know that they extend their hours until 8 PM. So head on over and enjoy all that OCMA has to offer day or night.

Art Spot #2: Facade Funhouse at The LAB

More of an interactive installation then a museum, Facade Funhouse is a pop-up photobooth funhouse. Located in The LAB, this interactive exhibit has seven spaces for you to play with. Jump into a room filled with confetti, leave your mark and write on the walls, or keep it mellow in the teddy bear corner. Unlike the other spots, Facade Funhouse is unique in that you can touch the art and, visiting Facade Funhouse only costs $10! So bring your friends and your phones and get ready to take a lot of Instagram photos.

Art Spot #3: Baker Block

Last but certainly not least is your very own Baker Block home. On the side of the building facing the 55 freeway is a massive mural painted by the one and only Shepard Fairey. A pioneer in the world of graffiti, Shepard Fairey was hired to paint something that would reflect what both Baker Block and Costa Mesa is all about. Titled Welcome Home, this mural is filled with vibrant reds, blues, and yellows.

For those of you who have yet to see this masterpiece, you will find all sorts of floral patterns, geometric lines, and symbols of nature. All of the themes that people identify with Costa Mesa can be found within this mural. From surf, skate, and art culture, this mural is truly a wonderous site. So, the next time you are stuck in traffic on the 55 freeway, whip out your smartphones and take a photo of the largest mural in all of Orange County.

 

There truly is so much to marvel at in the city of Costa Mesa. From museums to murals, living near Baker Block is a feast for the eyes.