Celebrate Art in 2007. The Newport Beach Arts Commission is holding a one-day exhibition, reception and art sale at the Newport Beach Central Library on Saturday. The Spring 2007 Orange County artist juried event features original artwork from artists who live or have a business in Orange County.
This year, many of the artists will also be selling their work with partial proceeds going to support Newport Beach community arts programs. The public is encouraged to attend the exhibition and reception from 4 to 6 p.m., see the creative work, meet the artists, and perhaps buy a special piece from a local artist, all for a good cause. For more information, call (949) 644-3211, ext. 2154.
Who knows, the exhibition may just inspire you to develop your own artistic talent, or perhaps spark an interest in learning more about art. For the budding artist, the library offers a complete art section focused on the “how-to.” For the armchair critic and art history buff, here are some fabulous new titles to tempt your reading habit.
“Symbolism” by Rodolphe Rapetti: Written by the head curator of the Musees de France and professor at the Ecole du Louvre, this beautifully illustrated and photographed book will explain what symbolism is and how to recognize its beginnings in 19th century paintings. Symbolism as an art movement found expression in the literature of the period also, thus presenting a complete picture of this important era.“Van Gogh: Master Draughtsman” by Sjaar van Heugten: Experience the revolutionary style of Vincent Van Gogh from these inspired line drawings originally executed in pen and color as studies for his finished works in oil. Originally published to accompany a traveling exhibition of Van Gogh’s drawings, this book relives the townscapes, characters and rural life that motivated his themes and obsessions.“Color Design Workbook: A Real-World Guide to Using Color in Graphic Design” by Terry Lee Stone: What is color? Not just for the commercial artist, this title examines the psychological aspects of color, asking us to think about color composition, color meanings, how people see colors differently, color harmony and limitations. This is a fascinating study of a subject that literally colors our daily world.“Amphigorey Again” by Edward Gorey: Known to millions as a children’s illustrator and creator of the animated sequences introducing television’s PBS “Mystery” series, Edward Gorey wrote more than 100 stories, worked as a set and costume designer and won two Tony Awards. This black-and-white illustrated book contains previously uncollected works and two unpublished stories. Enter Gorey’s ironic and unsettling world containing off-beat, old-fashioned sensibilities.Love photography? Local author, photographer and creative visionary Laurie Mendenhall is exhibiting her 35-mm images at the Newport Beach Public Library during March and April. Unlike many modern photographers, she does not alter pictures using digital manipulation and presents her work as a “visual present tense.” Titled “Oddly Ordinary,” these photographs focus on what could be considered an abstract oddity within a familiar context.Want your photographs to tell a story? Look at this new book:
“Teun Hocks” by Teun Hocks: Using digital manipulation and definitely not local, this Dutch painter, photographer and performance artist begins his work by sketching his ideas, then transforming his designs using paint, props and lighting and finishes with photography. This is Chris Van Allsburg for grown-ups.
CHECK IT OUT is written by Newport Beach reference librarian Mary Ellen Bowman. Use your Newport Beach Public Library card to reserve these titles at www.newportbeachlibrary.org or call (949) 717-3800 and press 2.
