Check out the Newport Art seen

Check out Newport’s newest public art and celebrate with community members at the official launch of the Newport Art Seen public art initiative, taking place at the Newport Performing Arts Center on Thursday, July 24.

The event will include outdoor remarks from Mayor Jan Kaplan and City Councilor Cynthia Jacobi, followed by an indoor reception with light refreshments and music by the Lucky Gap String Band.

Newport Art Seen, a project from the Oregon Coast Council for the Arts and the Newport Public Arts Advisory Committee, is a rotating outdoor gallery of sculptural artwork, meant to enhance the city’s beauty. The first four works have now been installed on pedestals in Nye Beach, on Olive Street between Beach and Cliff. They include “Fossil II” by Lin McJunkin of Conway, Washington, “Welcome Dance” by Harold Linke of Lake Oswego; “Spiritsafe #14” by John Zylstra of Bellingham; and “Campsong” by Paul Reimer of British Columbia.

Sculptures will be rotated out biannually, giving residents and visitors the opportunity to view fresh artwork on a regular basis. All artists receive an honorarium for the installation of their work, and the pieces are for sale. The majority of the sale price supports the artist directly, while a small portion is given back to the community in support of public art.

“We’re excited to bring these works of art to Newport for the enjoyment of residents and visitors,” said Public Arts Committee Administrator Rachel Browning. “These four sculptures are just the beginning. In the future, we hope to also have artwork on pedestals near City Hall and on the bayfront.”

The Thursday, July 24, celebration begins at 5:30 pm at the Newport Performing Arts Center, located at 777 W Olive Street. For more information, go to coastarts.org or call 541-265-2787.