This month’s Field Notes is dedicated to one of our favorite libraries in the Orange County. The Sherman Library and Gardens. It is an incredible 2.2 acres community in the heart of Corona del Mar. Explore the site over a lunch at the 608 Dahlia restaurant. Shop at the gift store which supports the 501c3 non-profit.

The Sherman is a cultural center which includes a historical research library, botanical garden, and art collection. For decades, Sherman Library & Gardens has been a source of beauty and education. We have collaborated with the Sherman Library since 2013. They educate the community about the incredible history of the Southwest. You can take an art class or attend a lecture.
Artist of the Month
“I must have flowers, always, and always.”
― Claude Monet

Book of the Month
“It’s no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then.”
– Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland was written by Lewis Carroll in 1865. It is a whimsical tale which follows Alice as she tumbles down a rabbit hole into a world of curious creatures, riddles, and adventures. Alice in Wonderland has remained a cultural phenomenon, inspiring films, art, and literary analyses for over 150 years. The story is a celebration of curiosity and imagination. Alice’s encounters with the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, and the Queen of Hearts which have been captured in beautiful illustrations in book format. Enjoy the book in hardcover or online this Valentine’s Day. We will be celebrating this classic with tea and crumpets.
Visit California has a list of the must-see things every month. The Arts & Culture list has the best museums and cultural centers throughout the state.

Soka University is opening the Spring 2025 Art Gallery Exhibitions titled, “Cynthia Ona Innis: Fixing on a Horizon” and “Don Ryan: Lipstick/Waterline” from February 13 – August 28, 2025. The Founders Gallery is open Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Join us at the Opening Reception on Thursday, February 13, 2025 from 5:30 – 7:30 PM. The Founders Gallery has a wonderful series of exhibitions that are open to the public. We recommend that you visit the gallery while you attend the Performing Arts Center.

The 54th Annual Festival of Whales celebration will take place March 7-9, 2025. We are excited for the third annual Dana Point Non-Profit Symposium on Friday, May 23, 2025. It will be held at the Community Center with the city of Dana Point and Arts Ambassadors. Our speakers will include our OneOC partners. We have non-profit resources from prior years. Please explore these materials. The OneOC toolkit covers from event planning to grant writing.

ArtsOC Spring Mixer will be held on Thursday, March 20th from 4:30-6:30p.m. at the Orange County Music and Dance Building in Irvine. The event is free, but registration is required. Please reach out to Karen Ahola at kahola@artsoc.org to RSVP. “Since 1995, Arts Orange County (ArtsOC) has been building an appreciation of, participation in, and support for the arts and arts education throughout Orange County.”

Orange County Archives in Action is a group dedicated to bringing together libraries, special collections, museums, cultural heritage institutions and community members to highlight the known and unknown stories of Orange County. Orange County Archives Bazaar will be held on Sunday, March 16, 2025 at the Great Park in Hangar 244. The addess is 8000 Great Park Blvd. Irvine, CA. 92618.

The Orange County Docents League will be hosting the spring conference on Monday, April 28, 2025 at The Holocaust Education Center of Orange County. The training will be from 9:30a.m.-1:30pm. Registration details with lunch options to follow. The center is located at 2240 University Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660. The theme is: Once Upon a Time: Docents Enriching Tours Through Storytelling. Thank you for the ongoing partnership with Arts Orange County!