Newport’s art is falling apart

NEWPORT BEACH ? A large lithograph of thistle blowing in the wind meets Jana Barbier everyday as she walks into her office in the city’s main library on Avocado Avenue.

Barbier, the city’s cultural arts and grants coordinator, loves the brown-colored print.

The piece, “Back Bay Thistle” by artist Lisa Marie Fellers, was purchased by the city in 1993, and it’s in pristine condition.

But a 1992 watercolor outside Barbier’s office by Ruth Hynds, titled “The Dory Fleet at McFadden Pier,” is askew.

The watercolor and the frame’s mat have slipped apart, making it drop to one side. The piece is one of many in the city that needrepair and cleaning, Barbier said.

At the last City Council meeting, during a study session on the proposed budget, Library Services Director Linda Katsouleas asked for $5,000 from the general fund to tend to the city’s large art collection.

“This was the first time ever that we asked for funds for the art,” Katsouleas said.

The funds she requested from the council will be used to professionally repair or clean the art. Over the years, the pieces have been cleaned by city employees.

The city owns about 100 pieces, and most are on display in various city buildings.

The city has acquired the art through the arts commission, the library’s foundation and donations.

“It’s all about preserving the art,” said arts commission member Arlene Cartozian.

The value of the pieces, which are mostly paintings with Newport Beach themes, vary from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand, Cartozian said.

The last time a piece was purchased was five years ago, she added. The city has been acquiring art since the commission was formed in 1972, she said.

The City Council is expected to approve the proposed budget at its Tuesday meeting.

In the past, the council has supported requests for funds for arts and cultural projects, Katsouleas said.

“I hope they support this request,” she said.dpt.26-art-C.1PhotoInfoCP1SBD5020060626j1cecencJAMIE FLANAGAN / DAILY PILOT(LA)Arlene Cartozian, vice chair of the Arts Commission, and Jana Barbier, cultural arts coordinator, hold a painting in need of repair.