HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-08-2026 City Arts Commission Meeting AgendaCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
CITY ARTS COMMISSION AGENDA
Newport Beach Central Library - Small Conference Room
1000 Avocado Avenue, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Thursday, January 8, 2026 - 5:00 PM
City Arts Commission Members:
Heather Ignatin, Chair
Vanessa Moore, Vice Chair
David Anastos, Commissioner
John Blom, Commissioner
Cory Glass, Commissioner
Tiare Meegan, Commissioner
Laurel Tippett, Commissioner
Staff Members:
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
Rebecca Lightfoot, Library Services Manager
Camille Escareal-Garcia, Cultural Arts Assistant
The City Arts Commission meeting is subject to the Ralph M. Brown Act. Among other things, the Brown Act requires
that the City Arts Commission agenda be posted at least seventy-two (72) hours in advance of each regular meeting and
that the public be allowed to comment on agenda items before the Commission and items not on the agenda but are
within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Arts Commission. The Chair may limit public comments to a reasonable
amount of time, generally three (3) minutes per person.
The public can submit questions and comments in writing for the City Arts Commission to consider. Please send them
by email to the Library Services Department at ArtsCommission@newportbeachca.gov by Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at
5:00 p.m. to give the City Arts Commissioners time to consider your comments. All emails will be made part of the
record.
The City of Newport Beach’s goal is to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all respects. If, as an
attendee or a participant at this meeting, you will need special assistance beyond what is normally provided, we will
attempt to accommodate you in every reasonable manner. Please contact Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director, at
least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the meeting to inform us of your particular needs and to determine if accommodation
is feasible at (949) 717-3801 or mhartson@newportbeachca.gov.
NOTICE REGARDING PRESENTATIONS REQUIRING USE OF CITY EQUIPMENT
Any presentation requiring the use of the City of Newport Beach’s equipment must be submitted to the Library Services
Department 24 hours prior to the scheduled meeting.
I.CALL MEETING TO ORDER
II.ROLL CALL
III.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
IV.NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
The City provides a yellow sign-in card to assist in the preparation of the minutes. The
completion of the card is not required in order to address the City Arts Commission. If the
optional sign-in card has been completed, it should be placed in the tray provided.
The City Arts Commission of Newport Beach welcomes and encourages community
participation. Public comments are generally limited to three (3) minutes per person to allow
everyone to speak. Written comments are encouraged as well. The City Arts Commission has
the discretion to extend or shorten the time limit on agenda or non-agenda items. As a
courtesy, please turn cell phones off or set them in the silent mode.
January 8, 2026
Page 2
City Arts Commission Meeting
V.CONSENT CALENDAR
All matters listed under CONSENT CALENDAR are considered to be routine and will all be
enacted by one motion in the form listed below. City Arts Commissioners have received
detailed staff reports on each of the items recommending an action. There will be no separate
discussion of these items prior to the time the City Arts Commission votes on the motion
unless members of the City Arts Commission request specific items to be discussed and/or
removed from the Consent Calendar for separate action. Members of the public who wish to
discuss a Consent Calendar item should come forward to the lectern upon invitation by the
Chair.
A.Consent Calendar Items
Minutes of the December 11, 2025, City Arts Commission Meeting1.
Draft of the 12-11-2025 Meeting Minutes
Financial Report2.
Review of financial information.
January Financial Report
VI.CURRENT BUSINESS
A.Items for Review and Possible Action
Spin Art at Mayor's Egg Race3.
Staff recommend the City Arts Commission review and approve the Music and Live
Entertainment Ad Hoc Subcommittee's recommendation to provide a Spin Art
Activity at the 11th Annual Mayor's Egg Race.
Mayor's Egg Race Staff Report
2025 Student Art Exhibition Winners4.
Staff recommend the City Arts Commission approve the winning submissions of the
2025 Student Art Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee.
Student Art Exhibition Winners Staff Report
Attachment A
Summer Concerts on the Civic Green and Fall Concert at Marina Park5.
Staff recommend the City Arts Commission review and approve the Music and Live
Entertainment Ad Hoc Subcommittee's recommendations of two bands, a Pacific
Symphony performance, and one alternate band for the summer concert series on
the Civic Center Green, as well as review and approve a band and an alternate for
the Fall concert at Marina Park.
Summer Concerts and Marina Park Concert Staff Report
Attachment A
January 8, 2026
Page 3
City Arts Commission Meeting
Cultural Arts Activities6.
Monthly review of cultural arts activities from the Library Administrative Office for
upcoming Library and City arts events and services.
December Activities Staff Report
B.Monthly Reports
Art in Public Places Ad Hoc Subcommittee7.
Commissioner Anastos, Commissioner Meegan
Art Week Ad Hoc Subcommittee8.
Chair Ignatin, Vice Chair Moore, Commissioner Tippett
Music and Live Entertainment Ad Hoc Subcommittee9.
Chair Ignatin, Vice Chair Moore
Cultural Arts Grants Ad Hoc Subcommittee10.
Vice Chair Moore, Commissioner Meegan
Newport Beach Art Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee11.
Chair Ignatin, Vice Chair Moore
Public Relations and Marketing Ad Hoc Subcommittee12.
Chair Ignatin, Vice Chair Moore
Sculpture Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee13.
Chair Ignatin, Commissioner Blom
Student Art Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee14.
Commissioner Anastos, Commissioner Meegan, Commissioner Tippett
General Plan Update Ad Hoc Subcommittee15.
Chair Ignatin, Vice Chair Moore, Commissioner Blom
January 8, 2026
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City Arts Commission Meeting
Newport Beach Arts Foundation Liaison16.
Vice Chair Moore
Historical Resources Liaison17.
Commissioner Blom
VII.CITY ARTS COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH MEMBERS
WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION, ACTION OR
REPORT (NON-DISCUSSION ITEM).
VIII.PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Public comments are invited on non-agenda items generally considered to be within the subject
matter jurisdiction of the City Arts Commission. Speakers must limit comments to three (3)
minutes. Before speaking, we invite, but do not require, you to state your name for the record.
The City Arts Commission has the discretion to extend or shorten the speakers’ time limit on
agenda or non-agenda items, provided the time limit adjustment is applied equally to all
speakers. As a courtesy, please turn cell phones off or set them in the silent mode.
IX.ADJOURNMENT
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
CITY ARTS COMMISSION MINUTES
Newport Beach Civic Center – Council Chambers
100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach 92660
Thursday, December 11, 2025 – 5:00 PM
City Arts Commission Members:
Heather Ignatin, Chair
Vanessa Moore, Vice Chair
David Anastos, Commissioner
John Blom, Commissioner
Cory Glass, Commissioner
Tiare Meegan, Commissioner
Laurel Tippett, Commissioner
Staff Members:
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
Rebecca Lightfoot, Library Services Manager
Camille Escareal-Garcia, Cultural Arts Assistant
DRAFT
I.CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Chair Heather Ignatin called the City Arts Commission Regular Meeting to order at
5:00 P.M.
II.ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present:Chair Heather Ignatin Vice Chair Vanessa Moore
Commissioner David Anastos Commissioner John Blom Commissioner Cory Glass Commissioner Tiare Meegan Commissioner Laurel Tippett
Commissioners Absent: None
Staff Present: Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director Rebecca Lightfoot, Library Services Manager Camille Escareal-Garcia, Cultural Arts Assistant
III.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chair Ignatin led the Pledge of Allegiance.
IV.NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
The Notice to the Public was read, explaining the public comment procedures and
requesting that cell phones be turned off or set to silent mode.
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City Arts Commission Meeting December 11, 2025
Page 2 V.CONSENT CALENDAR
A.Consent Calendar Items
1.Minutes of the November 13, 2025, City Arts Commission Meeting
2.Financial Report
Review of financial information.
Chair Ignatin asked for comments on the consent calendar items, which included the
minutes from the November 13, 2025, meeting and the financial report. No comments were
made by the Commissioners.
There was no public comment on the consent calendar.
Motion by Chair Ignatin, seconded by Commissioner Glass, to approve the consent
calendar. Motion carried unanimously (7-0-0-0).
VI.CURRENT BUSINESS
A.Items for Review and Possible Action
Historian Laureate William Lobdell
The position of Historian Laureate was created by Resolution No. 2025-24 at the May 27, 2025, Council Meeting. At the August 26, 2025, Council meeting, the Council unanimously appointed William (Bill) Lobdell as the first Newport Beach Historian Laureate.
William "Bill" Lobdell, Newport Beach's first Historian Laureate, gave a presentation on the
history of Newport Beach. He explained that his interest in Newport Beach history began
during COVID, combining his experience as a former Daily Pilot editor with his passion for
history. His podcast "Newport Beach in the Rear View Mirror" and social media videos have
garnered over 6.5 million views, helping to connect younger generations with the city's
history.
Mr. Lobdell engaged commissioners with a history quiz and provided fascinating
information about Newport Beach's development, including that:
●Newport Bay didn't exist before the 1800s
●The Santa Ana River's course change created the peninsula in just a few decades
●The harbor entrance was extremely dangerous, with 25 drownings in five yearsduring the 1910s
●The city incorporated in 1906 specifically to obtain a liquor license when Orange
County was dry
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City Arts Commission Meeting December 11, 2025
Page 3 ●The red car trolley system was crucial to the city's development, running until1953
Commissioners expressed interest in Mr. Lobdell's research methods, which primarily
involve examining old newspapers and primary sources rather than relying on potentially
inaccurate historical accounts that have been passed down. Commissioner Glass, a third-
generation Newport Beach resident, asked about the status of historical document
archiving in the city. Mr. Lobdell acknowledged that historical preservation efforts could be
improved and suggested that Sherman Library could serve as a centralized repository for
historical materials currently scattered across various organizations.
This was a receive and file item with no formal action taken.
3.Phase X Sculpture Exhibition Online Public Poll Results
Staff recommend that the City Arts Commission review the results of the online public
poll and approve ten sculptures and three to five alternates to recommend to CityCouncil for final approval.
ArtsOC Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Patrick Brien, presented the results of the Phase X
Sculpture Exhibition online public poll, which ran from October 15 to December 5, 2025.
The poll received 230 voters who cast over 1,700 eligible votes. Eighteen voters and 98
votes were disqualified for being from outside Newport Beach.
The presentation highlighted the top 10 sculptures by public vote, with Catherine Daley’s
Cosmos: Starry Starry Night ranking first in both the public poll and the jury rankings. Mr.
Brien noted significant discrepancies between some jury rankings and public votes. He
recommended selecting at least four alternates to account for potential unavailability of
winning sculptures.
Commissioner Blom raised concerns about the voting website's user experience, noting
that the voting buttons were initially difficult to see and there were no clear instructions on
how to vote. Mr. Brien acknowledged these issues and explained they made adjustments
during the voting period. Commissioner Tippett suggested that for Phase XI, the sculpture
ad hoc subcommittee should review the website before it goes live.
Chair Ignatin raised concerns about two sculptures Solomon Bassof’’s Joyride and
Clark Martinek’s Intended Destination posing potential safety risks to the public, especially
young children that might attempt to climb on or in those sculptures. Chair Ignatin asked if
an engineer or attorney had assessed the risks associated with these sculptures, and
ArtsOC indicated that they had not.
Commissioner Meegan asked if the City had a risk management division that we could use
for their expertise. Staff replied that the City does have risk management, and that they
could simultaneously move the sculptures to risk management as they continue to move
forward with the process.
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City Arts Commission Meeting December 11, 2025
Page 4 Commissioner Blom noted that any sculpture could pose risks if climbed upon, and pointed
out that the poor condition of the sculpture garden walkway itself was a greater liability
concern.
The Commission discussed potential alternates and safety considerations before making
a motion.
Motion by Chair Ignatin, seconded by Commissioner Meegan, to approve the following
sculptures for the Phase X Sculpture Exhibition, excluding Chair Ignatin’s opposition to
Clark Martinek’s Intended Destination and Solomon Bassof’s Joy Ride due to safety
concerns:
•Catherine Daley’s Cosmos: Starry, Starry Night
•Diego Harris’ Wind Tree
•Harold Linke’s Spiral Dance
•Zan Knecht’s Coming Through
•Tamara Robertson’s Open Heart
•Clark Martinek’s Intended Destination
•Alex Gall’s Voyage of a Giant
•Chris Plaisted’s The Wave
•Soloman Bassof’s Joy Ride
•John Bank’s Art in Old English
The motion also included the following four sculptures to be alternate pieces, with Nicholas
Meyer’s Emergence moved up to the first alternate as it was the curatorial panel’s highest
rated choice:
•Nicholas Meyer’s Emergence
•Kirk Seese’s Dragonfly
•Ilya Idelchik’s Reaching for Life
•Aldo Muzzarelli’s The Butterfly Enchanter
Motion carried unanimously (7-0-0-0).
4.Newport Beach Arts Foundation Funding Contributions 2020-2025
Staff provide a summary of funding given to the City Arts Commission by the Newport
Beach Arts Foundation for the last five years.
Library Services Manager Lightfoot presented a summary of the Newport Beach Arts
Foundation's funding contributions to the City Arts Commission over the past five years.
The total contribution during this period was $42,500, broken down as:
●FY 2020-21: No contributions due to the pandemic
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City Arts Commission Meeting December 11, 2025
Page 5 ●FY 2021-22: $20,000 for Sculpture Exhibition Phase VII artist honorariums
●FY 2022-23: $12,500 ($10,000 for Phase VIII and $2,500 for the 56th Annual
Newport Beach Art Exhibition)
●FY 2023-24: $10,000 for Phase IX
●FY 2024-25: No contributions as Phase X was not installed due to the rotationchange from 2 to 3 years
Commissioners inquired about the Foundation's role and fundraising capacity. Staff
confirmed that the Newport Beach Arts Foundation's sole purpose is to fundraise for the
City Arts Commission, and that the Commission itself cannot fundraise due to City Council
policy. The Commission had requested $50,250 from the Foundation at the November
meeting ($45,000 for a Pacific Symphony concert and $5,250 to increase pay for summer
concert series bands). Vice Chair Moore reported that the Foundation had canceled their
December meeting and would review the request at their January meeting.
This was a receive and file item with no formal action taken.
5.Proposal for the 59th Annual Newport Beach Art Exhibition and 2026 Art in thePark Event
Staff recommend that the City Arts Commission review and approve a proposal from
the Art Exhibition ad hoc subcommittee to hold the 59th Annual Newport Beach Art
Exhibition in conjunction with the Newport Beach Arts Foundation’s 2026 Art in the
Park event on Saturday, August 15, 2026, as the culmination of Art Week.
Manager Lightfoot presented a proposal from the Art Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee to
hold the 59th Annual Newport Beach Art Exhibition in conjunction with the Newport
Beach Arts Foundation's 2026 Art in the Park event on Saturday, August 15, 2026, as
the culmination of Art Week.
The proposal outlined the division of responsibilities between the City Arts Commission
and the Newport Beach Arts Foundation:
The City Arts Commission would handle:
•Fees and special permitting for the 59th Annual Newport Beach Art Exhibition
•Selection and payment for the Exhibit Hall and Sculpture Exhibition décor
•Selection and payment of the entertainment and children’s activities
•Reservation of and logistics of the Community Room exhibition space
•Hiring janitorial services
•Acquiring additional parking for event attendees
The Newport Beach Arts Foundation would be responsible for:
●Special event permits for Art in the Park on the Green
●Reserving and handling logistics for the Civic Green booths and food pavilion
●Food and beverage pavilion furnishings and decor
●Hiring food vendors and security
●Processing art sales from the Art Exhibition
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City Arts Commission Meeting December 11, 2025
Page 6 ●Additional trash services
Staff noted that holding these events together could save approximately $10,000 for the
Cultural Arts Division. Public commenter Jim Mosher asked whether the Arts Foundation
was aware they wouldn't have access to the Community Room as they typically would
for their event. Staff confirmed the Foundation was aware of this change.
Motion by Chair Ignatin, seconded by Commissioner Tippett, to approve the proposal
from the Art Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee to hold the 59th Annual Art Exhibition in
conjunction with the Newport Beach Arts Foundation's 2026 Art in the Park event on
Saturday, August 15, 2026, Motion carried unanimously (7-0-0-0).
6.Cultural Arts Activities
Monthly review of cultural arts activities from the Library Administrative Office for
upcoming Library and City arts events and services
Manager Lightfoot reported on upcoming cultural arts activities, including:
●A photography installation at the Central Library Gallery
●The Student Art Exhibition, which received 103 entries from pre-K through 12thgrade students
●A Family Fun Night at the Maria Park Community Center on December 19, 2025
Commissioner Tippett asked about the process for announcing Student Art Exhibition
winners. Manager Lightfoot clarified that the artwork would be displayed beginning
January 6, with winners announced at the January Commission meeting.
Commissioner Anastos inquired whether information about Dennis Carrie’s portrait
exhibition (scheduled for April 2026) would include the artist's story. Cultural Arts Assistant
Escareal-Garcia confirmed that artist information would be available both on flyers at the
exhibition and on the library's website.
B.Monthly Reports
7.Art in Public Places Ad Hoc Subcommittee
Commissioner Anastos, Commissioner Meegan
Commissioner Anastos reported that there was no meeting held.
8.Art Week Ad Hoc Subcommittee
Chair Ignatin, Vice Chair Moore, Commissioner Tippett
Vice Chair Moore reported that the Art Week Participation Interest Form is live on the
Cultural Arts website and that Backhausdance is considering partnering with Sherman
Garden for the 2026 Art Week.
9.Music and Live Entertainment Ad Hoc Subcommittee
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City Arts Commission Meeting December 11, 2025
Page 7
Chair Ignatin, Vice Chair Moore
Vice Chair Moore noted that they had received applications for Concerts in the Park and
will meet soon to review.
10.Cultural Arts Grants Ad Hoc Subcommittee
Vice Chair Moore, Commissioner Meegan
Vice Chair Moore reported that there was no meeting held.
11.Newport Beach Art Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee
Chair Ignatin, Vice Chair Moore
Vice Chair Moore reported that their recommendation was already discussed on the agenda.
12.Public Relations and Marketing Ad Hoc Subcommittee
Chair Ignatin, Vice Chair Moore
Vice Chair Moore reported that the Subcommittee was working on promoting Art Week
Participation Interest Forms through the City Manager’s Week in Review and through social
media. They were also looking into having a videographer for the concerts.
13.Sculpture Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee
Chair Ignatin, Commissioner Blom
Chair Ignatin reported that there was no meeting.
14.Student Art Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee
Commissioner Anastos, Commissioner Meegan, Commissioner Tippett
Commissioner Tippett reported that the Subcommittee met to review the entries and select
winners, as well as consider a few proposals for the next Student Art Exhibition.
15.Newport Beach Arts Foundation Liaison
Vice Chair Moore
Vice Chair Moore reported that there was no meeting held.
16.Historical Resources Liaison
Commissioner Blom
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City Arts Commission Meeting December 11, 2025
Page 8
Commissioner Blom reported that there was no meeting but that he enjoyed Historian
Laureate Lobdell’s presentation.
17.General Plan Update Ad Hoc Subcommittee
Ignatin, Moore, Blom
Chair Ignatin reported that there was no meeting held but that she expected the General
Plan City staff representatives to return to the Commission in 2026.
VII.CITY ARTS COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH MEMBERSWOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION, ACTION, ORREPORT (NON-DISCUSSION ITEM)
Commissioner Blom suggested that the Chair form an ad hoc subcommittee to explore
asking City Council to change their policy prohibiting the Commission from fundraising
directly to support the City Arts Commission.
VIII.PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Jim Mosher commented that it is possible for people to make donations directly to a city,
which is just as tax-deductible as donations to a foundation. He also expressed
appreciation for the historical presentation and inquired whether there would be future
installments covering the years after 1906.
IX.ADJOURNMENT – 6:28 P.M.
Chair Ignatin adjourned the meeting.
12
As of January 1, 2026
ACCT NAME BUDGET DATE VENDOR EXPENSES AVAILABLE NOTES
Programming 60,500.00$
07/04 Bene-Marc 2,861.25 57,638.75 Concerts on the Green Insurance
07/18 DJE Sound & Lighting 6,113.19 51,525.56 07-27-25 COTG Sound (Cassie B)
07/18 CB Music Productions 3,250.00 48,275.56 07-27-25 COTG Band (Cassie B)
07/22 Funds Transferred In (30,000.00)78,275.56 Funds transferred for Pacific Symphony Concert
07/25 ARTovator (Tracy Kiggen)968.00 77,307.56 07-27-25 COTG Children's Activities (Cassie B)
07/31 Gotprint.com 102.16 77,205.40 COTG Banners
07/31 Gotprint.com 80.30 77,125.10 COTG Library Entrance Banner
08/01 Crisp Imaging 1,266.89 75,858.21 Concerts on the Green Backdrop
08/07 ARTovator (Tracy Kiggen)625.00 75,233.21 08-17-2025 COTG Children's Activities
08/08 Pacific Symphony 30,000.00 45,233.21 08-17-2025 COTG Band (Pacific Symphony)
08/22 Crisp Imaging 1,236.50 43,996.71 Pacific Symphony Concert Banners
08/22 Amazon.com 129.29 43,867.42 08-17-2025 COTG Step & Repeat
08/22 LAZ Parking 1,191.65 42,675.77 08-17-2025 COTG Parking/Traffic Control
08/22 ARTovator (Tracy Kiggen)625.00 42,050.77 09-14-2025 COTG Children's Activities
08/29 Scott Smeltzer 1,266.42 40,784.35 08-17-2025 COTG Photographer
08/29 ATEI Company 3,250.00 37,534.35 09-14-2025 COTG Band (Tijuana Dogs)
08/29 Capture Imaging 902.00 36,632.35 08-17-2025 COTG Photographer
08/31 Gotprint.com 489.74 36,142.61 Pacific Symphony Concert Signage
08/31 Smart and Final 63.43 36,079.18 COTG supplies
09/05 Scott Smeltzer 700.00 35,379.18 09-14-2025 COTG Photographer
09/12 DJE Sound & Lighting 6,113.19 29,265.99 09-14-2025 COTG Sound (Tijuana Dogs)
09/19 805 Social Club (Erik Tarkiainen)3,250.00 26,015.99 10-12-2025 Marina Park Concert (805 Social
Club)
09/26 Capture Imaging Inc.550.00 25,465.99 10-12-2025 Marina Park Photographer
09/26 ARTovator (Tracy Kiggen)625.00 24,840.99 10-12-2025 Marina Park Children's Activities
09/30 Gotprint.com 52.51 24,788.48 10-12-2025 Marina Park Banner
09/30 Tanaka Farms University 1,564.24 23,224.24 Spooktacular pumpkins for painting
10/07 Funds Transferred Out 1,500.00 21,724.24 Funds transferred to Advertising & Public Relations
10/10 Amazon.com 155.32 21,568.92 Spooktacular supplies
10/10 Amazon.com 210.36 21,358.56 Student Art Exhibition supplies
10/31 Kleenway Services 134.70 21,223.86 Day porters for COTG 07-27-25 concert
10/31 Kleenway Services 134.70 21,089.16 Day porters for COTG 08-11-25 concert
10/31 Kleenway Services 134.70 20,954.46 Day porters for COTG 09-14-25 concert
10/31 Ralphs 10.17 20,944.29 Spooktacular supplies
10/31 Costco 41.98 20,902.31 Spooktacular supplies
11/06 Printworks ETC. Inc.935.69 19,966.62 Holiday ornaments
11/06 Amazon.com 80.29 19,886.33 Art Exhibition supplies
11/06 Amazon.com 81.36 19,804.97 Student Art Exhibition supplies
11/26 Kleenway Services 134.70 19,670.27 Day porters for Marina Park 10-12-25 concert
12/18 Creative West (CallforEntry.org)120.00 19,550.27 Yearly Subscription Renewal
TOTAL $89,000.00 $40,949.73 $19,550.27
City Grants 30,000.00$
TOTAL $30,000.00 $0.00 $30,000.00
Professional Services 23,000.00$ 08/05 Funds Transferred Out 9,370.00 13,630.00 Funds transferred to Maintenance & Repair Budge
08/28 Svartifoss Corp 175.00 13,455.00 Joe Cladis Art Installation
08/29 Transcription Services 150.00 13,305.00 07-10-2025 CAC Meeting Minutes Transcription
10/10 Svartifoss Corp 1,707.00 11,598.00 Central Library Gallery Rails installation
10/31 Svartifoss Corp 350.00 11,248.00 Susan Neas Art Installation
11/07 Transcription Services 262.50 10,985.50 08-13-2025 CAC Meeting Minutes Transcription11/07 Transcription Services 150.00 10,835.50 09-11-2025 CAC Meeting Minutes Transcription
12/18 Svartifoss Corp 325.00 10,510.50 Hugo Zhang Art Installation
TOTAL 13,630.00$ $12,489.50 $10,510.50
Cultural Arts Division FY 2025-26
1 of 2 13
As of January 1, 2026
ACCT NAME BUDGET DATE VENDOR EXPENSES AVAILABLE NOTES
Cultural Arts Division FY 2025-26
Sculpture Exhibition 214,000.00$
08/15 ArtsOrange County 3,125.00 210,875.00 Phase X Project Management 1 of 1208/29 ArtsOrange County 3,125.00 207,750.00 Phase X Project Management 2 of 12
10/02 ArtsOrange County 3,125.00 204,625.00 Phase X Project Management 3 of 12
10/31 ArtsOrange County 3,125.00 201,500.00 Phase X Project Management 4 of 12
12/11 ArtsOrange County 3,125.00 198,375.00 Phase X Project Management 5 of 12
TOTAL $214,000.00 $15,625.00 $198,375.00
Advertising $1,340.00
07/31 Facebook.com 2.67 $1,337.33 08-17-25 COTG Pacific Symphony Ad07/31 Facebook.com 12.00 $1,325.33 08-17-25 COTG Pacific Symphony Ad
07/31 Facebook.com 4.10 $1,321.23 08-17-25 COTG Pacific Symphony Ad
07/31 Gotprint 105.56 $1,215.67 Pacific Symphony Rack Cards
08/31 Facebook.com 70.00 $1,145.67 08-17-25 COTG Pacific Symphony Ad
08/31 Facebook.com 62.33 $1,083.34 08-17-25 COTG Pacific Symphony Ad
08/31 2S P LLC (Stu News)450.00 $633.34 08-17-25 COTG Pacific Symphony Ad
08/31 2S P LLC (Stu News)450.00 $183.34 08-17-25 COTG Pacific Symphony Ad08/31 LA Times Media Group 410.20 -$226.86 08-17-25 COTG Pacific Symphony Ad
08/31 Instagram Ad 15.76 -$242.62 08-17-25 COTG Pacific Symphony Ad
09/30 Instagram Ad 32.18 -$274.80 09-14-25 COTG Tijuana Dogs Ad
09/30 Instagram Ad 27.36 -$302.16 10-12-25 Marina Park Concert Ad
09/30 Facebook.com 11.71 -$313.87 Sculpture Exhibition Public Poll Ad
10/07 Funds Transferred (1,500.00)$1,186.13 Funds Transferred from Programming
10/31 Instagram Ad 55.58 $1,130.55 Student Art Exhibition/Spooktacular Instagram ads10/31 Instagram Ad 83.00 $1,047.55 Halloween Spooktacular Instagram ads
11/30 Instagram Ad 37.33 $1,010.22 Student Art Exhibition Instagram ads
TOTAL $2,840.00 $329.78 $1,010.22
Maintenance & Repair $4,248.00
08/05 Funds Transfer In (9,370.00)$13,618.00 Funds transferred from Professional Services
09/05 Crown Building Services 825.00 $12,793.00 Sphere 112 Cleaning
12/04 Crown Building Services 825.00 $11,968.00 Sphere 112 Cleaning
TOTAL $13,618.00 $1,650.00 $11,968.00
Publication and Dues $1,000.00
TOTAL $1,000.00 $0.00 $1,000.00
ACCT NAME BUDGET DATE VENDOR REVENUES AVAILABLE NOTES
Special Events (NBAE)$0.00
TOTAL $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
BUDGET EXPENSES AVAILABLECultural Arts Totals $364,088.00 $71,044.01 $272,413.99
2 of 2 14
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH CITY ARTS COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
January 8, 2026
Agenda Item No. 3
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommend that the City Arts Commission review and approve the Music and Live Entertainment
Ad Hoc Subcommittee’s recommendation to provide a Spin Art Activity at the 11th Annual Mayor’s Egg
Race.
FUNDING REQUIREMENTS:
The cost for hiring the vendor and supplies for 200 spins is approximately $1,250 and will be expensed
out of the Cultural Arts Division’s programming budget.
DISCUSSION:
As part of the City Arts Commission’s ongoing effort to collaborate across City departments and focus on
family-friendly arts activities, the Music and Live Entertainment Ad Hoc is recommending a spin art activity
for attendees at the annual Mayor’s Egg Race scheduled for the end of March. The event is one of the
most popular community gatherings held each year and features a kids’ egg roll with spoons, bounce
houses, the Easter Bunny and train rides.
If approved, this will be the third annual partnership with the City’s Parks and Recreation Department.
Other interdepartmental collaborations include a pumpkin painting booth at the Halloween Spooktacular
event and holiday ornament at Family Fun Night at Marina Park.
In addition, the spin art activity will provide an excellent opportunity to meaningfully connect with the
Newport Beach community and bring greater attention to the City’s Cultural Arts programs and local
events.
NOTICING:
This agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the meeting at
which the City Arts Commission considers the item).
TO: CITY ARTS COMMISSION
FROM: Library Services Department
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
(949)717-3801, mhartson@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Rebecca Lightfoot, Library Services Manager
TITLE: Spin Art at Mayor’s Egg Race
15
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH CITY ARTS COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
January 8, 2026
Agenda Item No. 4
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommend that the City Arts Commission approve the winning submissions of the 2025 Student Art
Exhibition as selected by the Student Art Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee.
FUNDING REQUIREMENT:
$525.00 will be expensed from the Cultural Arts Division Programming budget to purchase Amazon gift
cards that will serve as contest prizes.
DISCUSSION:
The first Student Art Exhibition, held in 2021, provided an opportunity for young artists, students in pre-
K through 12th grades, to submit an original, two-dimensional work of art. Since its 2021 inception, the
City Arts Commission has held an annual exhibition to provide an event centered around families with
children and teens.
The 2025 Student Art Exhibition was open to all students from grades pre-K through 12. The City Arts
Commission received 103 entries in this year’s exhibition, which will be on display at the Central Library
from January 6, 2026, through February 23, 2026. The Student Art Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee
selected the following submissions as winning entries:
Pre-K – 3rd Grade:
•1st Place - $100.00 – The Courage of Creativity, The Henri Matisse Award
Ava Rubiano’s Hummingbird’s Kiss
•2nd Place - $50.00 – A Creation of the Heart, The Marc Chagall Award
Allie Mendes’ Owl
•3rd Place - $25.00 – Every Child is an Artist, The Picasso Award
Lydia Berube’s Ballerina Cherry Blossom
•Honorable Mention – The Claude Monet Honorable Mention Award (no monetary prize)
Aiden Roshdieh’s She Drew the Curves No One Else Could See: Tribute to Maryam
Mirzakhani
4th – 7th Grade:
•1st Place - $100.00 – An Inner Picture of the Soul, The Edvard Munch Award
Allen Lai’s Hands of Manipulation
TO: CITY ARTS COMMISSION
FROM: Library Services Department
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
(949) 717-3801, mhartson@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Rebecca Lightfoot, Library Services Manager
TITLE: 2025 Newport Beach Student Art Exhibition Winners
16
2025 Newport Beach Student Art Exhibition Winners
January 8, 2026
Page 2
•2nd Place - $50.00 – Shapes and Colors as Language, The Georgia O’Keefe Award
Shanaya Joshi’s Just Another Girl
•3rd Place - $25.00 – By All Means, Paint! The Vincent Van Gogh Award
Kyla Chen’s Harmony in Patterns
•Honorable Mention – The Gustav Klimt Honorable Mention Award (no monetary prize)
Luna Squire’s Sun Falling Sleep in CA
8th – 12th Grade:
•1st Place - $100.00 – An Artist Who Inspires Others, The Salvador Dali Award
Amelia Sanelle’s Smores
•2nd Place - $50.00 – Art with a Life of Its Own, The Jackson Pollack AwardZisui Ye’s A Cup of Sunrise
•3rd Place - $25.00 – Happy as Long as I Can Paint, The Frida Kahlo Award
Angel Zhou’s Fruit Still Life
•Honorable Mention – The Vasily Kandinsky Honorable Mention Award (no monetary prize)
Quinn Kelley’s Lake Como Visit
NOTICING:
This agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the meeting at
which the City Arts Commission considers the item).
ATTACHMENT A: Student Art Exhibition 2025 Winners
17
2025 Student Art Exhibition Winners
Category: Pre-K through 3rd Grade
Ava Rubiano’s Hummingbird Kiss
Item VI.A.4. Attachment A
18
Allie Mendes’ Owl
19
Lydia Berube’s Ballerina Cherry Blossom
20
Aide Roshdieh’s She Drew the Curves No One Else Could See:
Tribute to Maryam Mirzakhani
21
Category: 4th through 7th Grade
Allen Lai’s Hands of Manipulation
22
Shanaya Joshi’s Just Another Girl
23
Kyla Chen’s Harmony in Patterns
24
Luna Squire’s Sun Falling Asleep in CA
25
Category: 8th through 12th Grade
Amelia Sanelle’s Smores
26
Zisui Ye’s A Cup of Sunrise
27
Angel Zhou’s Fruit Still Life
28
Quinn Kelley’s Lake Como Visit
29
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH CITY ARTS COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
January 8, 2026
Agenda Item No. 5
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommend the City Arts Commission review and approve the Music and Live Entertainment Ad Hoc
Subcommittee’s recommendations of two bands, a Pacific Symphony performance, and one alternate
band for the summer concert series on the Civic Center Green, as well as review and approve a band and
an alternate for the Fall concert at Marina Park.
FUNDING REQUIREMENTS:
Band performance fees, sound engineering, children’s activities, and other associated costs for the 2026
concerts are estimated at approximately $36,750. This includes a $5,000 fee for one of the Civic Center
bands, an increase from the $3,250 normally offered. These funds will be expensed from the Cultural Arts
Division FY 2026-27 programming budget.
In addition, the performance fee for Pacific Symphony is $45,000. The City Arts Commission requested
funding from the Newport Beach Arts Foundation to fund this performance.
The Music and Live Entertainment Ad Hoc Subcommittee is also recommending the addition of a stage to
elevate the bands and a metal truss with a banner for promotional purposes during the performances on
the Civic Center Green. Staff have requested quotes from the sound engineer vendor and are awaiting
their response.
DISCUSSION:
The City Arts Commission presents three live concerts at the Civic Center during the summer months and
one live concert at Marina Park in the Fall. The Music and Live Entertainment Ad Hoc Subcommittee
recommends performers to the City Arts Commission for approval. Staff negotiates a fee with the
performers, coordinates the use of the Civic Center Green and Marina Park, publicizes the events, and
hires a sound engineering contractor for the performances.
The performers submitted for City Arts Commission approval for the 2026 Summer Concerts on the Civic
Center Green are:
TO: CITY ARTS COMMISSION
FROM: Library Services Department
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
(949)717-3801, mhartson@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Rebecca Lightfoot, Library Services Manager
TITLE: Summer Concerts on the Civic Green and Fall Concert at Marina Park
30
Summer Concerts on the Civic Green and Fall Concert at Marina Park
January 8, 2026
Page 2
• Flashback Heart Attack (80s cover band/Rock)
• Redneck Rodeo (Country)
• Pacific Symphony (Orchestra)
The alternate band recommendation is:
• Yachty by Nature (Yacht Rock)
The performer submitted for City Arts Commission approval for the Marina Park concert is:
• Diego’s Garage (90s cover band/Alternative/Rock)
The alternate for Marina Park is:
• Sega Genocide (90s and 00s cover band/Alternative/Pop)
Each concert will feature food trucks and children’s activities.
NOTICING:
This agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the meeting at
which the City Arts Commission considers the item).
ATTACHMENT A: 2026 Concerts on the Green – Band Recommendations
31
2026 Concerts on the Green
Flashback Heart Attack (80’s cover band/Rock)
Band Website | Videos
Redneck Rodeo (Country)
Band Website | Videos
ITEM VI.A.5. ATTACHMENT A
32
Pacific Symphony (Orchestra)
Symphony Website | Videos
Alternate:
Yachty by Nature (Yacht Rock)
Band Website | Videos
33
2026 Concert at Marina Park
Diego’s Garage (90’s cover band/Alternative/Rock)
Band Website | Videos
Alternate:
Sega Genocide (90’s and 00s cover band/Alternative/Pop)
Band Website | Videos
34
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH CITY ARTS COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
January 8, 2026
Agenda Item No. 6
CENTRAL LIBRARY GALLERY EXHIBITS
Hugo Zhang presents Hugo’s World: Silver
Gelatin Contact Prints
December 15, 2025 – February 6, 2026, Central
Library
One of the few obsessions in Hugo’s life is
making photographic images with his wooden
cameras. He likes to roam around and let his
gaze linger upon faces, flowers, trees, waters,
sea rocks and clouds. Shifting lights and shadows
often play magic upon things. When he sets up
his camera and studies the reflected images on
the ground glass under the dark cloth, it appears
things come alive and reveal themselves in
moments of silence.
Hugo’s way of image making is old and pure: each image is captured by a sheet of silver film in the camera
by a click of shutter. That sheet of film is developed in the darkroom and then pressed onto a sheet of
silver paper and contact printed. There are no enlargements and no digital processing. Straightforward
and simple. By capturing their images on silver paper, he hopes to bear witness to their unique glory.
As an artist, Hugo is always on a journey of exploration and discovery. His goal is to make ordinary things
extraordinary. He hopes that viewers of these images can share his joy of these discoveries.
Upcoming Installations
2026
•February 9 - April 3: Soung Park (Digital Photography)
•April 6 - May 29: Dennis Carrie (Historical Figures/Portrait Painting)
TO: CITY ARTS COMMISSION
FROM: Library Services Department
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
(949)717-3801, mhartson@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Rebecca Lightfoot, Library Services Manager
TITLE: Cultural Arts Activities – December 2025
35
Cultural Arts Activities – December 2025
January 8, 2026
Page 2
HOLIDAY ORNAMENTS: The City Arts Commission passed out 100 custom made commemorative
holiday ornaments at the Marina Park Community Center Family Fun Night on December 19.
CULTURAL ARTS CALENDER OF EVENTS:
City Arts Commission (CAC) meetings are held at 5 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month.
•2025-26 CAC Regular Monthly Meetings:
o January 8, 2026
o February 12, 2026
o March 12, 2026
o April 9, 2026
o May 14, 2026
o June 11, 2026
NOTICING:
This agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the meeting at
which the City Arts Commission considers the item).
36