From gallery walls to well-curated collections, art is woven into the sophisticated fabric of Coastal OC. Here’s your curated guide to the best places where discerning collectors and locals engage with local and contemporary art this season.
1. Gallery Sonder, Corona Del Mar
One of the area’s freshest contemporary spaces, Gallery Sonder curates immersive exhibitions with a focus on modern, bold, and conversation-starting works. Known for championing both emerging talent and established artists with a progressive edge, it’s a must-visit for collectors looking to add pieces with a strong visual and emotional impact. With an intimate yet refined atmosphere, the gallery offers private viewings and bespoke art advisory services.
2. Laguna Art Museum, Laguna Beach
The region’s longest-standing art institution, dedicated exclusively to California art from the 19th century to today.
Overlooking the cliffs of Laguna Beach, this museum features a powerful collection of historic and contemporary works that capture the evolution of California’s creative spirit. While not a gallery where you can purchase pieces, its exhibitions—like the annual California Cool Art Auction—offer an immersive experience for serious art lovers and collectors seeking inspiration and context.
3. Coastline Art Gallery, Newport Beach
A local favorite ranked among Tripadvisor’s top Newport Beach galleries, Coastline Art Gallery offers rotating exhibitions and events, including their notable “Ribba” shows with rooftop views and architecturally interesting gallery space.
4. Skelly Huse Art Gallery, Newport Beach
A contemporary standout in tripadvisor’s best-of list, Skelly Huse showcases refined figures, landscapes, and abstract compositions that resonate with sophisticated collectors. With its thoughtfully curated exhibitions and Newport Beach visibility, it sits at the intersection of style and substance.
5. LPAPA Gallery—Laguna Plein Air Painters Association, Laguna Beach
Host of the iconic Laguna Plein Air Painting Invitational in October, LPAPA also runs an active gallery showcasing leading plein air and landscape artists.
An influential local institution, LPAPA’s gallery is an essential stop for vintage Laguna-style painting—with educational programming and seasonal exhibitions rooted in the region’s artistic legacy.
6. Culterra & GW Contemporary, Laguna Beach
A rising presence in the Laguna Beach art scene, Taylor O’Sullivan’s CULTERRA blends fine art photography and curatorial style with earthy elegance. Known for her refined yet organic taste, O’Sullivan presents a photography pop up at GW Contemporary in Laguna Beach. The presentation is part of a collaborative season curated by gallery founder Genevieve Williams, showcasing contemporary artists from Australia, California, and beyond.
7. SCAPE (Southern California Art Projects & Exhibitions), Corona del Mar
SCAPE is not just a gallery—it’s an art advisory hub led by Jeannie Denholm, offering rotating exhibitions, on-site installations, and tailored art programs for local clients. Highly regarded for showcasing both emerging and mid-career artists, SCAPE specializes in pieces that endure. Their curated installations blend seamlessly into luxurious coastal homes and commercial spaces.
