This is so square

Thanks to a solid partnership between the Coastal Arts Guild and American Easel, 45 new works on wood panels will be on display at the second annual “45 x 45: Celebrating Creativity” show opening this Friday, June 2 at the Newport Visual Arts Center.

An opening reception for this and two other exhibits will be held on Friday from 5 to 9 pm.

Wine and light refreshments will be served and visitors will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite piece. At 5:30 pm, an award ceremony will reveal which pieces were selected by official judges.

This unique show features brand new, multidisciplinary works of art from 45 community artists. Each begins with identical 10” x 10” wood panels as their base, but what they do from that point is entirely up to them. The show will feature a variety of mediums — from acrylics to mixed media, fabric collage, linoleum print and more.

Not only visually beautiful, the exhibition also does something beautiful — it provides funding for art center needs. Artists purchased their base panels, and that money will fund building improvements. The sale of completed pieces, however, will benefit artists directly and fully. When a visitor purchases a completed panel from the exhibition, 100 percent of the price will go directly to its creator.

“The 45 x 45 show gives artists an opportunity to share the vast variety of their mediums and styles with the public while simultaneously supporting improvements at the Visual Arts Center,” director Chasse Davidson said. “We’re grateful to the Coastal Arts Guild and feel fortunate to have their support. Their volunteer contributions help keep our galleries accessible to the public, and their monthly Tea & Talk provides a platform of introduction for visiting artists.”

“45 x 45” runs through July 29 at the Newport Visual Arts Center, located at 777 NW Beach Drive, available to view Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 4 pm. For more information, go to coastarts.org or call 541-265-6540.