August is for artists at the Newport Art Museum

Museum Staff
·2 min read

On Saturday, Aug. 13, the Newport Art Museum’s campus will once again be transformed for Wet Paint; the largest and most inclusive outdoor gallery in Rhode Island. Artists of every age and experience level are invited to submit an original artwork to the silent auction. All artists will be ‘under the tent’ with an equal opportunity to attract the attention of devoted collectors. This is a wonderful opportunity to support the Museum and take home an original piece of artwork. Participation is free and open to all!

For 29 years, Wet Paint has brought people of all ages and artistic backgrounds together for a weekend celebration of Newport’s vibrant artistic community. This staple summertime event invites individuals to seek local inspiration, creating an original work of art each August to be donated for auction in support of the Newport Art Museum. It serves as an important benefit for the Museum, but also as an embodiment of its mission; to champion a provocative diversity of creative voices and experiences within its historic Newport setting, and sparking reflection, inspiration, discovery, and connection to our self, our community, and our world.

An oil painting of Newport Harbor at King Park in Newport by Jonathan McPhillips during Wet Paint 2012.
An oil painting of Newport Harbor at King Park in Newport by Jonathan McPhillips during Wet Paint 2012.

This year, artwork drop-off was extended, allowing artists to register online and drop-off their work the week leading up to the auction to allow participants to create in the best weather and providing more time for making one-of-a-kind art pieces.

Auction bidding, including works in the Young Artists’ tent, begins Saturday, the 13th at 1 p.m. Many pieces will be available for a premium BUY IT NOW price. Bidders have until 4 p.m. to bid on Youth Artwork, and until 6 p.m. in the adult artist auction.

And perhaps the best news: the Live Auction is back! A small selection of paintings, drawings, photographs, and 3D work will be up for bidding in a live auction under the tent at 4:30 p.m. led by Robin Starr of Skinner Auctioneers.

Wet Paint Auction Day is free and open to the public. All are welcome to bring their blanket and chairs to enjoy a picnic on the lawn. Food from Diego’s Newport, refreshments, and live music, will also be available. The Museum is grateful to the artists who generously donate their work, bidders who support the Museum and take home an original artwork, and to our generous sponsors: A1 Roofing and Construction, David & Carol Bazarsky, Hogan & Associates Real Estate, The Brenton Hotel, Petrovas Family Philanthropy Fund, Swift Morris Interiors, LLC, JPS Construction, Empire Tea & Coffee, BankNewport, Residential Properties, and Dwyer Insurance.

Whether you are established, young or an up-and-coming artist, or just enjoy art-making as a hobby, the Newport Art Museum strives to provide tools, classes, and events to celebrate the arts and community both locally and regionally. For more information about Museum programs, or to register for an event, please visit the Museum’s website newportartmuseum.org or call (401) 848-8200.

“At the Museum,” provided by the Newport Art Museum, appears each month in The Daily News and online at newportri.com. For more information, call 401-848-8200.

This article originally appeared on Newport Daily News: August is for artists at the Newport Art Museum