Newport Art Museum will host its annual Wet Paint fundraising event on Aug. 9 from noon to 4 p.m., bringing back traditions that organizers say respond to community feedback.
The event, now in its 32nd year, will feature live art demonstrations, silent and live auctions, food trucks, and children’s activities across the museum’s historic campus at 76 Bellevue Ave.
“In listening to our artists and our community, we’ve heard and responded to the call to bring back the core tenets and most memorable moments of Wet Paint,” said Danielle Ogden, artistic director at Newport Art Museum. “This year, we’re leaning into that—embracing what makes Wet Paint so special, from outdoor ‘plein air’ painting and live demonstrations to reviving the thrilling live auction.”
The event serves as a major fundraiser for the museum’s exhibitions and educational programs. Artists of all skill levels can donate artwork up to 36 inches by 36 inches by 36 inches for the auction.
Two preparatory events will precede the main celebration: plein air painting at Sachuest Point on July 23 from 5 to 7 p.m., and a family art workshop on the museum lawn Aug. 1 from 2 to 5 p.m.
These activities, inspired by artist-founder Helena Sturtevant’s love of outdoor painting, transform Newport into what organizers call an “open-air studio” in the weeks leading up to Wet Paint.
A preview party will be held Aug. 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. Participating artists receive exclusive merchandise and two tickets to the preview event.
The event is sponsored by local businesses including A1 Roofing, Arnold Art, Bank Newport, Brick Alley Pub, Centreville Bank, Flo’s Clamshack, Gardiner House, Maquette, Kimberly Pucci, Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling, Portsmouth Ace Hardware, Red Parrot, The Reef and Wally’s Weiners.
Artists and bidders can register at www.wetpaint25.givesmart.com. For more information, contact Emilia Sywolski at esywolski@newportartmuseum.org or visit www.newportartmuseum.org.
Founded in 1912 as the Art Association of Newport, the Newport Art Museum showcases classic and contemporary art and offers programming for visitors and residents.
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