Newport Beach's first-ever Art Week kicks off Sunday, Aug. 9, with a free Pacific Symphony concert and builds to the 59th Annual Newport Beach Art Exhibition on Saturday, Aug. 15, where more than 300 original works by California artists will be on display and for sale at the Civic Center.
The exhibition, organized by the Newport Beach Arts Commission, runs noon to 5 p.m. at 100 Civic Center Drive. Admission is free.
Attendees can vote for their favorite piece throughout the afternoon. Julie Perlin Lee, executive director of Laguna Art Museum, will serve as guest juror, and the People's Choice Award winner will be announced at a 4 p.m. ceremony.
Local band BSide will play live music on the Civic Center grounds. Tacos and Company will sell Mexican food, and Tap Truck OC will pour beer and wine at a no-host bar restricted to guests 21 and older. Art in Motion will run painting and craft activities for kids.
Sherman Library and Gardens will lead docent tours identifying native California plants in Civic Center Park. Visitors can also pick up a brochure mapping all 20 outdoor public sculptures on display in the park, according to Patch.
Free parking is available in the Civic Center structure at 100 Civic Center Drive (enter via Avocado Avenue and Civic Center Drive only). Additional parking is across the street near 12 Corporate Plaza Drive.
City Manager Seimone Jurjis previewed the week in an Aug. 4 community letter, calling it "another first" for Newport Beach and noting the week "continues with exhibitions, performances, educational programs and community events hosted by local artists, businesses and nonprofit organizations throughout the city."
The Newport Beach Arts Foundation, which typically hosts its annual Art in the Park show, is sitting out its own event this year to support the Arts Commission's Art Week instead, according to the foundation's website.
Art Week calendar (Aug. 9–15)
Sunday, Aug. 9: Free Pacific Symphony concert, Civic Center Green, 6–7:30 p.m. (pre-concert activities at 5 p.m.). Bring chairs or blankets. Food trucks and kids' activities available.
Aug. 9–15: Newport Beach Historical Society "Then & Now" Photo Contest celebrating the city's 120th birthday. Free entry, cash prizes. Submit at newportbeachhistorical.org.
Aug. 9–15: Art Therapy OC daily children's art classes, 3–5 p.m., 432 32nd Street. $40 per person; tickets at arttherapyoc.com.
Sunday, Aug. 9 and Tuesday, Aug. 11: Backhausedance "Garden Flow Dancing with Nature" workshops, 1–2:30 p.m., Sherman Library & Gardens, 2647 East Coast Highway, Corona del Mar. Pre-register at thesherman.org.
Wednesday, Aug. 12: Artist Joan Gladstone celebrates Route 66's 100th birthday, 3 p.m., OASIS Senior Center, 801 Narcissus, Corona del Mar. Free.
Thursday, Aug. 13: Library Live Author Series with Tim Greiving on "John Williams: A Composer's Life," Witte Hall, 998 Avocado Avenue. $35 members/$40 non-members. (As we reported Aug. 6, Greiving will discuss the legendary composer's career.)
Friday, Aug. 14: Literary Tea with author Nicola Harrison, noon–3 p.m., The Resort at Pelican Hill. $95 plus tax and gratuity.
Friday, Aug. 14: Backhausedance workshop, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Sherman Library & Gardens.
Friday, Aug. 14: Free collaborative wildlife painting with Dr. Azi Sharif of Wildlife Jewels at Marina Park. (More in our earlier coverage.)
Saturday, Aug. 15: 59th Annual Newport Beach Art Exhibition, noon–5 p.m., Civic Center.
Saturday, Aug. 15: Kennedy Contemporary exhibition featuring Leslie Allen, Terri Froelich and Sharon Paster, 3–5 p.m., 323 Marine Avenue. Free.
Saturday, Aug. 15: Gallery Sonder exhibit and concert, 6 p.m. private viewing, 7 p.m. live performance by Taji, 3435 East Coast Highway, Corona del Mar. $15.
Full details are available on the city's Art Week page.
