Eighth Annual ‘Wild Side’ Art show set for Oct. 21

An outdoor (“plein air”) artist is pictured above at work. Courtesy photo

The works of 11 nationally recognized plein air artists will be featured on October 21 at the Catalina Island Conservancy’s 8th Annual Catalina: The Wild Side Art Show and Sale. The event supports the Conservancy’s conservation, education and recreation programs and showcases Catalina Island’s beauty with over 90 specially created paintings.

The event, which is the Conservancy’s second largest annual fundraising event, celebrates the long-standing tradition of plein air painting on Catalina Island. Each featured artist spends time on Catalina creating works from Avalon to Two Harbors and beyond – Catalina’s rugged wild side. Paintings are done in the plein air style – painting the outdoors while working with the natural light and outdoor elements.

This year’s artists whose work will be on display and available for purchase are Cindy Baron, Brian Blood, John Cosby, Don Demers, Kathleen Dunphy, Andy Evansen, Debra Huse, Laurie Kersey, Michael Obermeyer, Colin Page and Joe Paquet.

“For those who love Catalina Island, this art show is a unique way for them to show their support for the Conservancy’s conservation, education and recreation programs, while also supporting the arts and the tradition of plein air painting on Catalina Island,” says Victoria Seaver Dean, a Conservancy Board Member and Event Chair for the Catalina: The Wild Side Art Show and Sale. “Painting en plein air allows the artist to connect with a moment in nature and provides the Conservancy with a unique way of documenting and sharing the story of restoration efforts on Catalina Island.”

In addition to helping fund the Conservancy’s programs, proceeds from the art show also support the Conservancy’s permanent collection of plein air art. The collection, which showcases the Conservancy’s conservation efforts and progress in habitat restoration on the Island, will be displayed in rotating exhibits at the Trailhead – the Conservancy’s new visitor center opening later this year. This collection is the only exhibit of Catalina plein air art available for public viewing and free of charge on the Island.

The Catalina: The Wild Side Art Show and Sale will take place at Newport Harbor Yacht Club’s new facility and is open to the public. Attendees have the opportunity to interact with the artists, support the Conservancy’s work and take home their favorite view of Catalina Island if they choose to make a purchase. Pre-sale ticket are available online at the Conservancy’s website, www.catalinaconservancy.org.

Full details are as follows:

Date: Sunday, October 21, 2018

Time: 1:30-2:30 p.m. Priority Preview and Purchases

2:30-4:00 p.m. General Access

Place: Newport Harbor Yacht Club, in Newport Beach.