A mi-grate end to banner season

It’s time for the motley crew of stunning banners that have graced light poles in Newport’s Nye Beach area all summer to migrate to new homes.

A kick-off party for the online banner auction will take place this Saturday, Nov. 1 at the Newport Visual Arts Center, where guests can view the banners in person. Bidding will open during the party and remain open until November 7.

Founded and coordinated by Veronica Lundell, the Nye Beach Banner Project allows seasoned and first-time artists to donate their time and talents in creating original works of art. The delightful, unique results are then displayed until the project donates the banners to Oregon Coast Council for the Arts to be auctioned off, with the proceeds supporting activities, camps, workshops and scholarships for local kids.

The association provides blank canvas banners for the artists, who are encouraged to depict some element of Nye Beach on one side — be it music, dance, acting, writing, art, architectural elements or natural elements — and on the other side, a quote that is thought-provoking, smile-inducing or simply “Nye Beach.”

Each year, artists are also encouraged to create their banner based on an additional, timely theme. This year, the project’s theme celebrates migration.

Banners can also be viewed until the close of bidding at the center during normal gallery hours.

Saturday’s event runs from noon to 5 pm at the Newport Visual Arts Center, located at 777 W Olive Street and open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 4 pm. For more information, go to coastarts.org or call 541-265-2787.