Newport Beach residents can pick up a paintbrush and help create two large collaborative artworks celebrating local marine life, coastal birds, and native plants at Marina Park on Friday, Aug. 14.
The free event, running 5 to 7 p.m. on the waterfront grass area at 1600 W. Balboa Blvd., is part of Newport Beach's inaugural Art Week and requires no art experience, according to Stu News Newport. Dr. Azi Sharif, founder of the Newport Beach-based nonprofit Wildlife Jewels, will lead the session, starting each canvas with an artist-composed foundation that participants then fill in with their own brushstrokes.
The two paintings will feature marine wildlife, coastal birds, pollinators, and native plants found around Newport Beach. Wildlife Jewels, a registered 501(c)(3) charity focused on wildlife protection and education, said participants will also learn about real local animals the organization has observed, photographed, and supported through rescue response.
The program is supported by the city of Newport Beach Cultural Arts Grant Program.
Space is limited. Registration is required at wildlifejewels.org/art-of-newport-beach-wildlife-connections.
Both first-time participants and those who attended previous Wildlife Jewels painting events are welcome.
Once completed, the two canvases will be displayed in a public community showcase this fall. A specific date and venue for that exhibition have not been announced.
Newport Beach Art Week runs Sunday, Aug. 9 through Saturday, Aug. 15 and is hosted by the Newport Beach Arts Commission, with support from the Newport Beach Arts Foundation.
Upcoming community events in Newport Beach:
- Friday, Aug. 14, 5–7 p.m.: Wildlife Jewels collaborative painting, Marina Park waterfront lawn, 1600 W. Balboa Blvd. Free; registration required.
- Aug. 9–15: Newport Beach Art Week, various locations citywide.
