HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Comment by Walt Howald for CAC 07-13-2023 MeetingWalter G. Howald
700 Narcissus Avenue
Corona del Mar, CA 92625
949.922.9926 ~ walt@howald.us
July 12, 2023
To: Arts Commission:
My partial list and suggestions for the Arts Commission to pursue for your consideration:
(1) History of Newport Beach is assigned to the Arts Commission as part of our Newport Beach
Charter:
• Little attention has been given to this, especially directed to students and newer residents.
• Education about art and history in Newport Beach, in my opinion, has been overlooked:
Docents, school exhibits, travel exhibits are just some ideas to implement by volunteers.
• Prepare and integrate with institutions like Sherman Gardens, and the various existing history
associations and review art and history as part of General Plan updates.
(2) The art in these areas of our history:
• Film Festival (films made here)
• Artists (Tony DeLap, Rex Brandt, Braden Finch (artists I knew…and there are many more)
• Boats (Goodwill, Windward Passage), Wild Goose, and many other famous sail and power
boats
• Yacht Clubs (Newport Harbor, Balboa Yacht Club) and at least several others
• Harbor: International regattas and races, surfing, lifesaving
• Boat building industry (shipyards-WWII, Schock, surfboards, and others originated here)
• Incredible culinary ideas or restaurants started in Newport
And many other areas should be part of our Newport Arts Commission and included in our
General Plan update.
I would appreciate your consideration by the Newport Beach Arts Commission to actively include
Newport Beach history in our City’s publicity, education for children through schools and libraries, and for
newcomers to Newport, including Chambers, service clubs, and yacht clubs.
The Arts Commission has done a marvelous job emphasizing visual and performing art. Our local history
is also part of the core art of the Newport Beach culture. Informing and reminding residents and visitors is
the basis for what makes our City fantastic!
Thank you for your consideration,
Walt Howald