Various Small Fires (VSF) founder Esther Kim Varet opened a new gallery space, VSF OC, in Tustin, Orange County, in April 2025. The inaugural exhibition, “The Orange Curtain,” features Southern California contemporary artists Edwin Arzeta, Jackie Castillo, and Marcel Alcalá, all born and raised in Orange County. Curated by Varet, the show explores the cultural and political divide between Orange County and Los Angeles, and runs through May 31. The opening drew local art leaders, collectors, and families, including Heidi Zuckerman, CEO of the Orange County Museum of Art.
The opening matters because it marks VSF’s expansion into Orange County, building on its existing locations in Hollywood, Seoul, and Dallas. The exhibition highlights emerging artists with national and international profiles, while Varet’s stated commitment to inclusive, community-focused spaces—including support for undocumented and LGBTQ+ individuals—aligns with her candidacy for California’s 40th Congressional District in 2026. The show also underscores Orange County’s cultural legacy and its often-overlooked influence on the broader Southern California art scene.