The Wild Side art show, a benefit for Catalina Island Conservancy, returns to Newport Harbor Yacht Club

NEWPORT BEACH — Painters have the ability to capture the most intricate details of a place and tell its story. Catalina Island Conservancy has reached out to the nation’s most recognized plein air artists to create more than 90 special paintings for annual Catalina: The Wild Side Art Show and Sale. Each painting will illustrate the Conservancy’s efforts in conservation from habitat restoration to Trailhead, the new visitor’s center opening later in the year.

The Wild Side art show, now in its eighth year, is the Conservancy’s second largest fundraising event and takes place on Sunday, Oct. 21. Plein air style focuses on painting the landscape of the great outdoors using natural lighting. Each artist spent time on the island, from Avalon to Two Harbors, to paint Catalina’s rugged terrain and exquisite wildlife.

Artists who will be contributing this year will be Cindy Baron, Brian Blood, John Cosby, Don Demers, Kathleen Dunphy, Andy Evansen, Debra Huse, Laurie Kersey, Michael Obermeyer, Colin Page and Joe Paquet. Paintings from these artists will be on display at the event, hosted by Newport Harbor Yacht Club, and will be available for purchase to aid Catalina Island Conservancy’s programs.

Victoria Seaver Dean, a Conservancy board member and event chair for the event, stated in a release: “Continuing this tradition of plein air painting on the Island provides the Conservancy a unique way of documenting their restoration efforts over time. By joining us at the show, you have the opportunity to add to or start your plein air collection while knowing that the proceeds from the sales benefit not only the artist, but also the Conservancy’s conservation, education and recreation programs.”

Attendees will have the chance to not only view the newest additions of plein air paintings, but will also be able to view the Conservancy’s permanent collection.

This event will take place from 2:30-4 p.m. Priority viewings and purchases will take place at 1:30-2:30 p.m. Early bird tickets will cost $125 per person until Sept. 15. To make a reservation, visit the website at catalinaconservancy.org or call 562-437-8555 ext. 1239.

Newport Harbor Yacht Club is located at 720 W. Bay Ave.

Find out more about this spectacular event or viewing the painting collection at catalinaconservancy.org.