Grab a 40 in Newport

It seems like just yesterday that the Newport Visual Arts Center needed to have its shoe laces tied and carried around a Teddy bear. Now, the place where artists and fans of art gather to see and create is turning the big 4-0.

To celebrate this anniversary, the Coastal Arts Guild and American Easel are sponsoring the “40 x 40 Exhibition,” opening on Saturday, March 5 and running through March 27. 

What makes the show unique is that all of the artists started with the same base for their creations — an 8”x10” wood panel. Then, they all went to town creating their own unique works of art in a wide variety of mediums: from acrylic painting to mixed media to linoleum print to fabric collage.

Each artist donated to the project by purchasing their panel, and proceeds from the sales will help fund the newly reopened Clay Studio at the VAC.

The exhibit opens this Saturday, March 5, with a celebration of the artists and their work from 1 to 3 pm in the Upstairs Gallery. Vote for your favorite and see which pieces judges Sandy Roumagoux and Jason Holland chose for awards.

The Newport Visual Arts Center is located 777 NW Beach Drive and is open on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 4 pm. For more information, go to coastarts.org or call 541-265-6540.