Mosaic artist Irina Charny's nature-inspired works now fill Sherman Library and Gardens in Corona del Mar.
The exhibition, called "Inspired By Nature," opened Aug. 29 and runs through Nov. 20 at the garden, located at 2647 East Coast Hwy. It is free with garden admission, according to Sherman Library and Gardens. Adult tickets cost $12, children ages 4–17 pay $5 and infants get in free.
Charny's mosaics depict flowers, butterflies, birds and landscapes, each assembled from individual fragments of glass, stone and found materials. All works are for sale.
The pieces are built from materials Charny has gathered from beaches, paths and studios around the world, according to the Visit Newport Beach event listing. A self-taught artist, Charny grew up in Russia, where she began making collages from broken glass, shells and rocks as a child. On her artist website, she describes working with mirror, pebbles, beads, buttons, wire, handmade ceramic pieces and broken plates alongside traditional mosaic tiles.
"I never return home empty handed from a walk on the beach or a trip," Charny writes on her website. "Beach glass, pebbles from a path on Hampstead Heath, broken glass from a studio in Seattle, a bit of bone found on the shore are special little bits that are inserted into each mosaic to give it a special, personal meaning."
Sherman Library and Gardens is in the middle of a $17 million revitalization, with construction expected to wrap up in late summer 2027. The entrance has temporarily moved to Dahlia Avenue, and some garden areas are closed during the work. The Newport Beach City Council recognized the garden with a proclamation naming it the "Cultural Hub" of Corona del Mar.
The garden is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. but will be closed Sunday, Sept. 13 and Oct. 18. The library gallery may close for classes or events; visitors can call (949) 673-2261, Ext. 304, to confirm availability.
Upcoming at Sherman Library and Gardens
- Friday, Sept. 11: Mixed Media Workshop: Colored Pencils, led by Erna van Dyk
- Sunday, Sept. 13: Hazeltine's Afternoon Tea
- Monday, Sept. 14: Mosaic Step Stone workshop with David Jarvinen, teaching participants to work with porcelain tiles
