O.C.’s Artists Village Offers Inside Look at Creative Spark

Santa Ana’s Artists Village, in the heart of downtown, provides an insider’s tour of the creative process at more than 50 studios and galleries.

The village is anchored by six buildings: the Santora Arts Building, Cal State Fullerton’s Grand Central Art Center, the Orange County Center for Contemporary Art, the Arc artist group in the Gildmacher Building, and the Spurgeon Building.

On the first Saturday of each month, artists, galleries and local businesses coordinate an open house that usually includes live entertainment and visits to galleries, art studios and artsy gift shops. Cafes and restaurants stay open later than usual, and the Rude Guerrilla Theater Company offers shows at the Empire Theater.

It’s a rare opportunity to see professional and emerging artists’ finished works as well as works in progress.

* Grand Central Art Center, 125 N. Broadway. Tuesdays through Sundays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (715) 567-7233.

* Santora Arts Building, 207 N. Broadway. Studio visits by appointment. (714) 571-4229.

* The Arc, 316 W. 4th St. Studio visits by appointment. (714) 542-2232.

* Orange County Center for Contemporary Art, 117 N. Sycamore St. Wednesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (714) 667-1517.

* Spurgeon Building, 206 W. 4th St. Studio visits by appointment. (714) 541-5114.