The Newport Art Museum, along with event co-chairs Rupert Nesbitt, Victoria Rios and Brooke Roberts, invites artists and the general public to participate in its annual public art making and auction weekend, Wet Paint, Saturday, August 13 and Sunday, August 14, presented by Bridger Logistics, LLC. Hundreds of artworks created by regional artists of all ages on Saturday will be sold “still wet” in silent and live auctions Sunday at the Museum, 76 Bellevue Avenue, Newport.
Artists interested in making art for Wet Paint can register online at NewportArtMuseum.org or in person at the Museum, on Saturday, August 13, 8am – 10am, where they can pick up complimentary lunches and a Wet Paint t-shirt. Artists may submit up to two artworks in any medium. In the spirit of Wet Paint the Museum encourages artists to submit art created en plein air on Saturday morning or their most recent work. Wet Paint artwork must be delivered to the Museum no later than 3pm. The Museum’s Griswold House galleries will be closed to the public during the day on Saturday, as Wet Paint artwork is dropped off and installed.
Those interested in bidding on Wet Paint artwork should attend the Preview Party, held Saturday night,6:30 – 8:30pm, for the start of the silent auction. Bidders may register to bid and view the artwork in the Museum, and enjoy appetizers and a cash bar on the lawn. Silent auction bidding continues Sunday, 12 – 3pm. There will also be music, food and fun on the Museum’s lawn throughout the afternoon. A live auction, led by auctioneer Katie Jacobs of Christie’s, will begin Sunday at 4pm with a small selection of works juried into the live auction from the silent auction. A small selection of works will also be selected for an extended silent auction under the tent, where bidding will continue through the live auction. Proceeds benefit the Museum’s extensive education, exhibition and community outreach programs. Tickets to theSaturday Preview Party are free for participating Wet Paint artists and one guest; members $10, non-members $15. There is no admission to attend the auctions on Sunday.
Bidders who attend Saturday’s Preview Party will be able to “BUY IT NOW” for the piece they just have to have. Artists are given the option to “opt out” of the BUY IT NOW feature upon registering for Wet Paint. BUY IT NOW prices are set based on the artists’ previous Wet Paint sales history. BUY IT NOW is available Saturday night only, all other work will remain on the wall and in the auction until the end of the silent and live auctions.
Youth artists are welcome to participate with Wet Paint Art Boards. The boards, generously sponsored by Kristen Coates, are a standard-size 12″ x 12″ and can be picked up at the Museum August 9 – 12, 10am – 4pm, or during the morning of registration.
Schedule of Events
Saturday August 13
8:00 am to 10:00 am Artist registration in Griswold House
Noon to 3:00 pm Artwork intake and installation
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm Preview Reception/bidder registration begins
Sunday August 14
Noon to 3:00 pm Preview and silent bidding
4:00 pm to 5:00 pm Live Auction & Extended Silent Auction under the tent
5:00 pm Artwork pick-up and payment in Griswold
