The last 12 months were filled with significant changes to the cultural scene in Orange County. Several major arts institutions said goodbye to their leaders and started the challenging search for a successor – the biggest changing of the guard since 2018. Other arts groups welcomed new leaders. Talented chefs departed, at least temporarily. And we lost some of our most enduring and beloved artists and chroniclers of the arts in 2023. Let’s look at a few of the year’s biggest transitions.
Leaving
PHOTO 1: Amy Behrens. Photo courtesy of Casa Romantica. PHOTO 2: Andrew Brown. Photo courtesy of Pacific Chorale. PHOTO 3: Richard Bryant. Photo courtesy of Chapman University. PHOTO 4: Jerry Mandel. Photo courtesy of Irvine Barclay Theatre. PHOTO 5: Carlos Salgado. Photo courtesy of Taco Maria. PHOTO 6: Carl St.Clair. Photo courtesy of Pacific Symphony. PHOTO 7: Paula Tomei. Photo courtesy of South Coast Repretory
Amy Behrens: Behrens, executive director of Casa Romantica for almost four years, left in August for a new position, executive director and CEO of Maryhill Museum of Art in Goldendale, Washington.
Andrew Brown: After almost five years at the helm of the Pacific Chorale, Brown stepped down as the president and CEO at the end of October. He joined the chorale in October of 2018, having previously worked for 17 years with the Los Angeles Master Chorale where he started as an administrative assistant and eventually became the chief operating officer.
Richard Bryant: Bryant, the founding executive director of Chapman’s Musco Center for the Arts, is retiring. The university will honor him with a ceremony in January. Bryant’s long career included a stint as director of marketing and communications at the Orange County Performing Arts Center (now the Segerstrom Center for the Arts) from 1987-1996.
Jeffrey Frisch: After 26 years, Frisch left his position as coordinator of the John Wayne Airport (JWA) Arts Program. Frisch oversaw three separate rotating art exhibition calendars and an annual Orange County-wide student art contest.
Kate Hoffman: After nearly 23 years at helm of the Huntington Beach Art Center, Hoffman retired from her position as executive director on Dec. 31, 2023. During her time at HBAC, she maintained the center's reputation and role as a solid community art gallery.
Jerry Mandel: The president of Irvine Barclay Theatre will leave his position at the end of this year. Mandel will continue to support and advise the theater and will serve on its board of directors. Mandel is a veteran Orange County arts administrator. Prior to his appointment at the Barclay, he was president of the Orange County Performing Arts Center (now the Segerstrom Center for the Arts) from 1997 to 2006.
Michael Puglisi: The closing of DTSA’s Electric City Butcher in February at 4th Street Market after eight educational years meant Puglisi could focus on his other storefront in Claremont named Graze and Gather Meats. Items are still available online for those not wanting to make the drive. ECB’s presence in the community was valued for its commitment to transparency, quality and the responsible sourcing of meat.
Carlos Salgado: Leading the charge for Orange County’s Michelin-starred establishments plus accolades from L.A. Times, Salgado’s Taco Maria abruptly shuttered in July after Salgado opted not to renew his 10-year lease on the Alta California concept. His goal is to find a dining space larger than the 28 seats at The OC Mix, but no word on Taco Maria’s return has been communicated.
Carl St.Clair: The music director of Pacific Symphony will leave his longtime post, probably at the end of the 2023-24 season. A further contract extension could be necessary while a suitable successor is found for the position. St.Clair will continue his association with the symphony, although the nature of the relationship has not been revealed.