What kind of works will I find at OCMA?
OCMA collects and presents art from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Our Special Exhibition and Permanent Collection Pavilions, Mezzanine Gallery, Avenue of the Arts Gallery, Landing Gallery, and Sculpture Terrace feature works pulled from OCMA’s permanent collection alongside a changing series of special exhibitions and new commissions.
How can I find out about the OCMA’s collection?
View the Collection pages here.
How do I find out about a specific work in the OCMA’s collection?
All questions regarding the collection should be sent to collection@ocma.art
Is the OCMA’s entire collection represented online?
No, the Collection Online currently features only a small selection of the OCMA’s overall holdings. Not all artists in the collection are represented, nor are all artworks by those artists featured on the site. We are regularly expanding the number of artworks online, however, so we encourage visitors to return frequently.
How can I view a work in the OCMA’s collection that is not on display?
Please contact collection@ocma.art for all scholarly inquires.
How can an institution or a curator request a loan from OCMA’s collection?
See Guidelines for Requesting Loans for an overview on our loan policy.
Where can I find a copy of OCMA’s Collection Management Policy?
See the Collections Management Policy.
Where can I find out about past exhibitions?
Information on exhibitions since 2000 are included in the Past Exhibitions pages.
Where can I find information regarding rights to reproduce works in the OCMA’s collection?
To request permissions and obtain an image held by OCMA, please contact us at collection@ocma.art
How can I let the OCMA’s curatorial staff know about my artwork?
If you would like OCMA’s curatorial staff to learn more about your work, please feel free to send written materials and reproductions only. We cannot accept original works of art. Due to the volume of correspondence we receive, we are not able to respond directly to each and every submission and we cannot assume responsibility for or guarantee the return of any materials that are submitted.
Materials may be sent to: Curatorial Department, OCMA, 3333 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 or emailed to curatorial@ocma.art
Can I submit materials for consideration for the California Biennial?
No, the California Biennial is a curated exhibition, and thus there is no formal submission process.
Does OCMA appraise or authenticate works of art?
No, the museum is unable to appraise or authenticate works of art. The following organizations may be able to assist you:
Art Dealers Association of America
American Society of Appraisers
Appraisers Association of America
International Foundation for Art Research (IFAR) – Authentication Research Service
How do I donate artwork or see if the museum is interested in purchasing works of art from my collection?
In order for the museum to consider the work, please send a letter or an email indicating your intention to offer the work as a gift or for sale, along with a reproduction of the piece, and detailed object information (artist, artist’s dates, title, work date, process, dimensions, edition number, insurance value, and preferred donor credit information for the gift).
Please send your letter to the Director of Exhibitions and Collections, OCMA, 3333 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 or email us at collection@ocma.art