OCCTAC Celebrates Outstanding Arts Organization Award at 25th Annual OC Arts Awards

Santa Ana, CA — September 29, 2025 — The Orange County Children’s Therapeutic Arts Center (OCCTAC) proudly celebrated receiving the Outstanding Arts Organization Award at the 25th Annual OC Arts Awards, presented by Arts Orange County. The event, held on September 19, 2025, at the Samueli Theater at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, brought together leaders, artists, and community members to honor the transformative power of the arts in Orange County.

Honorees for the 2025 OC Arts Awards, from left to right: Ana Jimenez-Hami (representing OCCTAC), Dean Arnold Holland, Jared Mathis of the Moulton family, Richard Stein, Bin He, Jorg Dubin, and Arts Orange County President/CEO Patrick Brien. Photos by Tony Lattimore Photography.

In her heartfelt acceptance speech, OCCTAC Founder and Executive Director Dr. Ana Jimenez-Hami thanked Arts Orange County and Arts & Disability for the recognition, celebrated the dedication of OCCTAC’s staff, and expressed gratitude to her family for their unwavering support. Dr. Ana shared inspiring success stories of OCCTAC students — from a child with selective mutism finding their voice through music, to a young adult with autism winning an international music award and performing in South Korea.

“For 25 years, we have witnessed how the arts have the power to heal, empower, and transform lives,” said Dr. Ana. “This award is a testament to the hard work of our staff, the dedication of our families, and the extraordinary resilience and creativity of the students we serve.” Watch Dr. Ana giving her acceptance speech at the event:

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About OCCTAC Founded in 2000, the Orange County Children’s Therapeutic Arts Center (OCCTAC) is the county’s leading provider of innovative arts, education, and therapy programs for low-income and special-needs families. Serving more than 7,000 children, 500 youth, and 200 adults annually, OCCTAC helps unlock potential, nurture creativity, and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

About Arts Orange County

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. To learn more, visit https://artsoc.org/.