News Summary
Kathy Kehoe Bambeck, a resident of Newport Beach, is showcasing her eclectic artwork inspired by monarch butterflies at the Newport Beach Central Library Gallery. The exhibit features 22 original pieces along with her sketches and highlights her journey as an artist. Bambeck, recognized for her vibrant themes, has channeled her experiences during the pandemic into her art, particularly focusing on the lifecycle of monarch butterflies. Visitors are invited to explore her unique creations before the exhibit concludes.
Newport Beach Celebrates Local Artist Kathy Kehoe Bambeck’s Exhibit at Central Library
Newport Beach resident Kathy Kehoe Bambeck is showcasing her eclectic artwork inspired by monarch butterflies at the Newport Beach Central Library Gallery. The exhibit, titled Kathy Bambeck’s Jigsaw Puzzle Art: Acrylic, Gouache, & Ink Paintings, runs through August 22 and features 22 original pieces alongside a collection of her sketches.
Recognized for her diverse themes that span holiday celebrations, botanicals, and the beauty of nature, Bambeck has channeled her creativity into exploring the lifecycle of monarch butterflies. During the pandemic, she became particularly fascinated by these butterflies, which led her to plant a milkweed plant on her patio to nurture caterpillars, a crucial element of the monarchs’ life cycle.
Exhibit Highlights
The exhibit brings to life Bambeck’s passion for art through her jigsaw puzzle-themed creations. Some notable pieces include “Haunted Haven”, “Volleyball Beach”, “Birdhouse Beach”, “Butterfly Palette”, and “4th of July Beach”. One exceptional artwork, “A Monarch’s Life”, chronicles her experience of nurturing a monarch butterfly from egg to release during the lockdown, encapsulating the charm of this remarkable insect.
Alongside traditional paintings, Bambeck has ventured into art licensing. After overcoming pneumonia in 2016, which limited her physical activities, she recognized an opportunity to collaborate with a licensing company to showcase her work on various products. This endeavor has brought her images—especially those of birds, including her piece “Bucket Birds”—into homes through jigsaw puzzles, doormats, and garden flags.
Supporting Artistic Endeavors
The Newport Beach Central Library, with its Cultural Arts Assistant Camille Escareal-Garcia managing the gallery, plays a vital role in supporting local artists. The gallery accommodates a diverse range of two-dimensional artworks, including photography, painting, and mixed media, fostering a space for community engagement with the arts.
Background on Kathy Kehoe Bambeck
Bambeck has had a lifelong passion for art, recalling her first sketches at the age of five. Over the years, she has cultivated her artistic skills and has taken her work in various directions, including holiday-themed pieces and nature studies. Her unique ability to connect her artwork to the natural world has resonated with audiences, particularly those who are puzzle enthusiasts, given her licensing achievements that make her creations accessible as jigsaw puzzles.
This current exhibit not only displays her artistic journey but also emphasizes her dedication to nature and the environment, particularly through her exploration of monarch butterflies. Bambeck’s commitment to nurturing these creatures has added a personal touch to her artistic expression, allowing viewers to appreciate the beauty of nature in multiple forms.
Residents and visitors of Newport Beach are encouraged to visit the exhibit and experience the joyful and reflective nature of Kathy Kehoe Bambeck’s artwork before it concludes on August 22.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Artists’ Puzzle-Worthy Paintings at Newport Beach Library
- Wikipedia: Monarch Butterfly
- Los Angeles Times: Balboa Island Resident Opens Gallery
- Google Search: Monarch Butterfly Art
- Los Angeles Times: Newport Beach Library Art Exhibit
- Google Scholar: Butterfly Art
- Los Angeles Times: Community Artists in Newport Beach
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Puzzle Art
- Los Angeles Times: Kathy Bambeck Art
- Google News: Kathy Bambeck
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
