It’s been five years since the first ArtSense Gala was held at the construction site for what is now Orange County Museum of Art’s grand new home on the Segerstrom Center for the Arts campus. The soldout event raised more than $1 million, an achievement repeated every year since, drawing 300 fine art enthusiasts who file into the museum’s stunning, modern space, dressed to the nines and ready to support OCMA’s mission to provide world-class exhibitions, educational initiatives, free admission for all, and public programming like artist talks, workshops, and special performances. Set for Sept. 27, this year’s gala promises to keep that momentum going. For starters, it celebrates the work of renowned New York-based artist Fred Tomaselli. Raised in Santa Ana and with a bachelor’s degree in painting and drawing from Cal State Fullerton, his vibrant multimedia works captivate the viewer and beg for a closer study. It also honors Laurén and Trace Chalmers, whose philanthropic support has played a pivotal role in the museum’s efforts. And then there’s the theme: “Honoring the Past, Reimagining the Future.” The dress code? Future Bloom, a nod to Tomaselli’s art. And the chairs charged with bringing it all together are three dynamic, always fashionable power players: Analisa Ocana Albert, Lourdes Bottger Nark, and Jane Manolakas. We chatted with them about how art enriches their lives and asked them to serve as models for our annual fashion spread, with the museum as a marvelous backdrop.
JANE MANOLAKAS
Attorney and Clinical Social Worker
Personal style: Sophisticated casual
Favorite Fred Tomaselli work: “Untitled (bloom),” 2018
“The work is photogram based. Tomaselli took some leaves from his personal garden and placed them onto photo paper and exposed them to the light, which then developed into images of the leaves. He then painted flowers onto the overlapping gray leaves. His intention was for the work to convey that the craziness of the present does not diminish the beauty of nature which exists in the world.”
“When I see a great work of art, my initial response is one of awe and wonder at the ability of the artist to produce such a piece. I feel admiration and appreciation for the talent and commitment of the artist, and profound joy at the effect that the artwork has on me. … A great piece of art is a gift to all of us to enjoy and be inspired by in our daily lives.”
“Fashion exists as a form of wearable art and allows for the individual to express him or herself. Many fashion designers are influenced by different artists and art movements.”
LOURDES BOTTGER NARK
Former Fashion Boutique Owner
Personal style: Clean and timeless, and grounded in great lines, thoughtful tailoring, and an appreciation for quality
What she likes most about Fred Tomaselli’s work: The way he integrates organic materials with modern elements
“(Tomaselli’s) work is a visual metaphor for something both strange and soft, and the designs are fascinating.”
“OCMA is more than just a museum with beautiful art. It’s a cornerstone of our community, which connects us culturally and brings people together of every age and walk of life.”
“Fashion and art are both deeply personal. I see fashion as wearable art—it provokes emotion, tells a story, and offers another way to create beauty in the world.”
ANALISA OCANA ALBERT
Certified Yoga Instructor
Personal style: Elegant and classy, with a hint of sexiness and pop
Favorite Fred Tomaselli works: “Plum Tree,” 2025, and “Irwin’s Garden,” 2023
“They are both inspired by nature and gardens and the pure beauty of the flowers! I love the brightness, play on color, and the combination of acrylic, photo collage, and resin on wood panel. You can feel how the artist gets lost in the process of creating—and in many layers—something he loves.”
“A great work of art … oftentimes puts me into a meditative state, allowing me to fully appreciate the love the artist has poured into a particular piece. Art is pure love derived from the human spirit.”
“Fine art and fashion are both about self-expression. Fashion designers design their creations to express sensuality, style, excitement, power. Artists express their feelings either about the subject or how they themselves feel. (And both) allow others to express themselves.”
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