‘Art in the Park’ brushes up

Art inspired by the beauty of Southern California’s landscaping is soon to be on display exactly where it belongs ? the outdoors.

Art in the Park, presented by the Newport Beach Arts Foundation and the Southern California Plein Air Painters Assn., will exhibit Saturday and Sunday at Grant Howald Park in Corona del Mar.

Impressionist and landscape works will be available for purchase and viewing.

“It’s going to be very beautiful because the artists will display their art on stand-up grids, each one under a tree,” said Lila Crespin, president of the Newport Beach Arts Foundation. “They will line up on either side of a lovely path at Grant Howald Park and people can wander up and down the path looking at the wonderful art.”

The exhibit will feature the works of 46 Southern California artists, who will be present at the showing.

“The artists will be right there so people will get to talk to them about their work,” Crespin said. “Whether they’re buying or just interested, people will be able to discuss the art with the artists.”

The artists are all pleased they can be a part of the event.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to give back, because we’ve lived off the landscaping around here,” said Kevin Davidson, president of the Southern California Plein Air Painters Assn. and one of the artists who will be featured at the exhibition. “I think this is the most unique area in the world, as far as painting ability goes, because there is a great wealth and variety here like nowhere else in the world.”

Corona del Mar resident Raymond Otis will be showing his landscapes and seascapes at the exhibition, which were inspired by the Newport Beach area. He was awarded as the first Artist Laureate of Newport Beach by the Newport Beach Arts Commission for his continued incorporation of the surroundings.

Art in the Park was first put together to help with fundraising for the Newport Beach Arts Foundation, which sponsors free art shows, park concerts and other such events in the community.

“The Southern California Plein Air Painters Assn. is giving us 30% of the sales they make,” Crespin said. “We do all the work and take all the funding, so all they have to do is come in and set up the beautiful art. It’s a joy for us to have them on board.”

The proceeds of the event will go back to the community, Crespin said, going toward more free art events in the future.

This exhibition, now only days away, has been in the works for years.

“I contacted them because I volunteered at an event they put on a few years ago with another Newport Beach Arts Foundation member,” Crespin said. “I asked them to save 2006 for us, and they did.”

Art in the Park is the Newport Beach Arts Foundation’s biggest fundraiser of the year. The foundation is made up of only 10 men and women volunteers, so Crespin said having such a large association team up with their cause is appreciated.

The Southern California Plein Air Painters Assn., made up of close to 300 members, was formed to build camaraderie among painters.

Davidson said the association’s plein air painting focuses on spontaneity and freshness, allowing for a more involved viewing experience.

The artists will be demonstrating their artwork during Art in the Park, working on new paintings for viewers to enjoy.

The whole family is welcome at this free exhibition, which will shown from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Water and snacks will be available for purchase.

“What you will see there is beautiful colors,” Crespin said. “The artists have achieved fabulous colors, and I think it will be a really lovely walk.”dpt.20-art-in-park-CPhotoInfoEN1T3U7820060720j2objqncCredit: Caption: (LA)”Tidal Rush (Little Corona)” by Greg LaRock.