Catalina Island News

Catalina: The Wild Side Art Show Set for Oct. 26 in Balboa

2014-10-07
Catalina Island Conservancy

The art of 10 nationally recognized plein air painters, who have captured Catalina Island's conservation in their works, will be on display and for sale on Oct. 26 at Catalina: The Wild Side Art Show & Sale at the Newport Harbor Yacht Club in Balboa.

Sponsored by the Catalina Island Conservancy, this is the first year Catalina: The Wild Side will be held on the mainland. Now, in its fourth year, Catalina: The Wild Side will highlight new Catalina Island works of plein air artists Kenn Backhaus, Bye Bitney, John Budicin, John Cosby, Andy Evansen, Kim Lordier, Joe Paquet, Matt Smith, Kate Starling and Jesse Powell.

Plein air, a French term which means “in the open air,” is painting nature while being in nature. The artists participating in Catalina: The Wild Side Art Show & Sale are providing a rare and beautiful portrait of the Conservancy’s protection and restoration of the Island.

“This is an exceptional opportunity to preserve a rich visual history of the Island’s conservation for this generation and future generations to enjoy,” said Ann M. Muscat, PhD, Conservancy president and CEO. “We are fortunate to have such nationally acclaimed artists participating in our annual Wild Side Art Show & Sale.”

In a unique use of art for conservation’s sake, proceeds from the sales of the artworks benefit the Conservancy, including establishing a permanent collection of plein air art that documents the organization’s conservation efforts and progress in habitat restoration. Many of the paintings acquired during previous shows are on display for the public in the Conservancy’s Nature Center in Avalon Canyon. Here are the details about the event:

Date: Sunday, October 26
Time:  1:30-3:00 p.m. VIP Preview Reception. 3:00-5:30 p.m. Show & Sale
Place: Newport Harbor Yacht Club, 720 West Bay Avenue, Balboa, CA 92661

Tickets: VIP Reception & Show
$140 Conservancy Members
$150 General Admission

Art Show Only:
$40 Conservancy Members
$50 General Admission

Registration:  Visit our website or (562) 437-8555 ext. 239
Advanced registration is required for the VIP Reception and strongly recommended for the Art Show. Limited tickets will be available on-site for the show only at $65 each.

About the Conservancy
Formed in 1972, the Catalina Island Conservancy is one of California's oldest land trusts. Its mission is to be a responsible steward of its lands through a balance of conservation, education and recreation. Through its ongoing efforts, the Conservancy protects the magnificent natural and cultural heritage of Santa Catalina Island, stewarding approximately 42,000 acres of land and more than 60 miles of rugged shoreline. It provides an airport and 50 miles of biking and nearly 150 miles of hiking opportunities within its road and trail system. The Conservancy conducts educational outreach through two nature centers, its Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden and guided experiences in the Island’s rugged interior. Twenty miles from the mainland, the Island is a treasure trove of historical and archaeological sites. It also contains numerous rare and endangered animals and plants. The Island is home to 60 species – and counting – that are found only on Catalina. For additional information, please visit www.catalinaconservancy.org.