Better known to the Irvine arts community than the broader public, the Irvine Fine Arts Center combines an impressive collection of art exhibition spaces with creator spaces – dedicated art studios for drawing and painting, printmaking, photography, jewelry making, ceramics, and culinary arts, each available through classes offered by the city, or a fee-based open studio program. Hosting multiple rotating exhibitions each year, the Fine Arts Center is home to the Irvine Annual, a juried exhibition of mixed media primarily featuring the works of Southern California artists; the space otherwise offers two exhibitions at once focusing on regional and/or national themes.
Parking at the Fine Arts Center is free and ample immediately outside its front doors, and is within walking distance of Heritage Park, its library and community center, as well as Irvine High School. Admission is free, and visitors can expect to spend around 30 minutes exploring the exhibitions – more if they explore or participate in the classes. The Center is notably operated by the same arts team responsible for the Great Park Gallery and Art at City Hall in Irvine.
