News Summary
The Newport Beach Civic Center hosted the annual Art in the Park, celebrating its 20th anniversary with over 2,000 visitors and more than 100 artists showcasing their work. The event featured live music, food, and a wine pavilion. Funds raised support local arts initiatives and community engagement, highlighting the importance of art in enriching the cultural landscape. Notable artists included Edgar Allan Toh, JoJo Collins, and Ruth Ibaraki, all contributing to a festive atmosphere. The event continues to provide opportunities for local artists and strengthen community ties.
Newport Beach Celebrates 20 Years of Art in the Park with Over 100 Artists and 2,000 Visitors
The Newport Beach Civic Center hosted the annual Art in the Park event last Saturday, attracting over 2,000 visitors and featuring more than 100 Southern California artists displaying their creations. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the event, organized by the Newport Beach Arts Foundation, which serves as the primary funding source for the Foundation’s initiatives.
The event ran from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and included a variety of activities for attendees, such as live music and food options. Visitors could also enjoy a pavilion that served wine and beer, creating a festive atmosphere that encouraged community engagement. The Newport Beach Arts Foundation uses the funds raised from this event to support school tours and acquire significant works for the Newport Beach Sculpture Exhibit, aiming to promote and broaden cultural activities within the community.
Featured Artists and Their Work
Among the artists showcasing their work was Huntington Beach resident Edgar Allan Toh. He starred his collection with paintings that depict Parisian life, describing his artwork as “snapshots of an experience.” Toh draws inspiration from his travels, specifically a visit to Paris where he captured social scenes around Place Colette after rain.
Another notable artist at the event was JoJo Collins from Mission Viejo. Collins approaches her artistry with seriousness and commitment, continuously learning and experimenting with her craft. She creates collages using mixed media, characterized by bold colors and layered textures, often working with acrylics.
Ruth Ibaraki, a retiree from Manhattan Beach who has taken up pottery as a second career, also displayed her work at the event. Ibaraki runs her business, Klyo Pottery, which emphasizes functional, handcrafted pottery that features a rustic and simple style. She highlighted the challenges involved in pottery making, particularly the importance of timing to avoid defects in her pieces.
Community Impact and Future Opportunities
The Newport Beach Arts Foundation plays a crucial role in strengthening the cultural landscape of the community through events like Art in the Park. In addition to raising funds, the event enhances interaction among artists and local residents, fostering a sense of community. Artists interested in participating in future events can apply through August 26.
Since its inception, Art in the Park has become a cornerstone of Newport Beach’s cultural activities, providing opportunities to local artists and enriching the community’s appreciation for the arts. With its robust attendance and diverse array of artistic showcases, the event continues to make a significant impact.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Art in the Park Event
- Newport Beach Independent: 20th Annual Art in the Park
- Los Angeles Times: Newport Beach Art Exhibit
- Newport Beach Independent: Applications for Art in the Park
- Los Angeles Times: Back Bay Plein Air Art Festival
- Wikipedia: Newport Beach
- Google Search: Newport Beach Art in the Park
- Google Scholar: Newport Beach arts
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Newport Beach
- Google News: Art Events in Newport Beach
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.
