HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Arts Commission 05-08-2025 AgendaCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
CITY ARTS COMMISSION AGENDA
Newport Beach Central Library - Small Conference Room
1000 Avocado Avenue, Newport Beach CA 92660
Thursday, May 8, 2025 - 5:00 PM
City Arts Commission Members:
Melissa Kandel, Chair
John Blom, Vice Chair
Heather Ignatin, Secretary
Maureen Flanagan, Commissioner
Barbara George, Commissioner
Wayan Kaufman, Commissioner
Vanessa Moore, Commissioner
Staff Members:
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
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, May 7, 2025, 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.
May 8, 2025
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City Arts Commission Meeting
V.PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public comments are invited on agenda items. 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 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.
VI.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.Approval of Minutes of the April 10, 2025, City Arts Commission Meeting
Draft of 04/10/2025 Minutes1.
Draft of 04-10-2025 Meeting Minutes
B.Consent Calendar Items
Financial Report2.
Review of financial information.
Financial Report.pdf
Cultural Arts Activities3.
Monthly review of cultural arts activities from the Library Administrative Office for
upcoming Library and City arts events and services.
Cultural Arts Activities
VII.CURRENT BUSINESS
A.Items for Review and Possible Action
Sculpture Exhibition Phase X Timeline4.
The Sculpture Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee recommends the City Arts
Commission approve a timeline for Phase X of the Sculpture Exhibition in Civic
Center Park.
Sculpture Exhibition Phase X Timeline
May 8, 2025
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City Arts Commission Meeting
B.Monthly Reports
Art in Public Places Ad Hoc Subcommittee5.
Vice Chair Blom, Commissioner Flanagan, Commissioner Moore
Art Week Ad Hoc Subcommittee6.
Chair Kandel, Secretary Ignatin, Commissioner Moore
Music and Live Entertainment Ad Hoc Subcommittee7.
Chair Kandel, Secretary Ignatin, Commissioner Flanagan
Newport Beach Art Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee8.
Vice Chair Blom, Commissioner George, Commissioner Moore
Public Relations and Marketing Ad Hoc Subcommittee9.
Chair Kandel, Vice Chair Blom, Secretary Ignatin
Sculpture Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee10.
Chair Kandel, Vice Chair Blom, Secretary Ignatin
Student Art Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee11.
Commissioner Kaufman
Newport Beach Arts Foundation Liaison12.
Commissioner Moore
Historical Resources Liaison13.
Vice Chair Blom
VIII.CITY ARTS COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH MEMBERS
WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION, ACTION OR
REPORT (NON-DISCUSSION ITEM)
May 8, 2025
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City Arts Commission Meeting
IX.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.
X.ADJOURNMENT
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
CITY ARTS COMMISSION MINUTES
Newport Beach Public Library
1000 Avocado Avenue, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Thursday, April 10, 2025 – Regular Meeting
City Arts Commission Members:
Melissa Kandel, Chair
John Blom, Vice Chair
Heather Ignatin, Secretary
Maureen Flanagan, Commissioner
Barbara George, Commissioner
Wayan Kaufman, Commissioner
Vanessa Moore, Commissioner
Staff Members:
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
Camille Escareal-Garcia, Cultural Arts Assistant
DRAFT
I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER Chair Melissa Kandel called the City Arts Commission Regular Meeting to order at 5:00 P.M. II. ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Chair Melissa Kandel Vice Chair John Blom Secretary Heather Ignatin Commissioner Barbara George
Commissioner Vanessa Moore Commissioners Absent: Commissioner Maureen Flanagan (excused)
Commissioner Wayan Kaufman (excused) Staff Present: Rebecca Lightfoot, Library Services Manager
Camille Escareal-Garcia, Cultural Arts Assistant Staff Absent: Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chair Kandel led the Pledge of Allegiance. IV. NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC - Waived V. PUBLIC COMMENTS None
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City Arts Commission Meeting April 10, 2025
Page 2 VI. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Approval of Minutes of March 13, 202, City Arts Commission Meeting 1. Draft of 03/13/2025 Minutes Chair Kandel requested edits, changes, or deletions of the minutes. There were none. B. Consent Calendar Items 2. Financial Report Review of financial information. 3. Cultural Arts Activities Monthly review of cultural arts activities from the Library Administrative Office for upcoming Library and City arts events and services.
In response to Commissioner Moore’s inquiry on Item No. VI.B.2, Chair Kandel reported there are no remaining funds staff recommended be spent. She advised that the Fiscal
Year 2024-25 budget calls for less expenditures than FY 2025-26 because of the Sculpture Art Exhibition. She explained that, assuming the increased budget is approved, it would be their first increased budget since at least 2015.
In response to Vice Chair Blom’s inquiries, Library Services Manager Lightfoot clarified the FY 2025-26 draft to be presented to the City Council credits the Commission back its unspent FY 2024-25 funds along with additional funds for the Sculpture Art Exhibition. She noted that approval is anticipated. She reported that all sculptors have signed a contract extension for another year. Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia confirmed all sculptors will receive their stipends and staff is working with the Finance Department on the matter. Vice Chair Blom added that was good news.
Chair Kandel opened the item for public comment and there were none. Motion made by Commissioner Vanessa Moore, seconded by Vice Chair Blom, to accept
the Consent Calendar and carried 5-0-0-2 (with Commissioners Flanagan and Kaufman absent) VII. CURRENT BUSINESS A. Items for Review and Possible Action 4. City Art Maintenance
Staff will provide an update to the City Arts Commission regarding upcoming art
maintenance.
Manager Lightfoot reported staff will not have to move money from the professional services portion of their FY 2024-25 budget like previous years, so they will use funds to cover needed overdue maintenance of some sculptures the City is responsible for. She advised that staff have formulated a strategic cleaning plan.
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City Arts Commission Meeting April 10, 2025
Page 3 Manager Lightfoot reported the Marine 1/1 Memorial sculpture at Castaways Park will be
cleaned just before the annual Memorial Day flag ceremony. She noted that the Ronald
Reagan Statue at Civic Center Park will be cleaned in June just before the Newport Beach Art Exhibition. She advised that the Sunset Years statue on Balboa Island will also be cleaned in June just before the height of the busy summer season. Manager Lightfoot reported it has been years since these three statues were cleaned and the City has performed only bare minimum maintenance to the sculptures for the past several years. She expressed appreciation for the ability to clean the sculptures and extend their lives. In response to Vice Chair Blom’s inquiry, Manager Lightfoot confirmed the City is also
responsible for the bench incorporated into the Sunset Years statue and it will be refinished as part of this maintenance along with repairs to a damaged rib.
Commissioner Ignatin commended staff for moving forward on this important, restorative cleaning project and said it was very smart to time the cleaning with important community events. Secretary Ignatin added it will be appreciated by Newport Beach residents.
In response to Commissioner Moore’s inquiries, Manager Lightfoot clarified the restoration work will be done unobtrusively by a veteran crew who has performed this work in the past. Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia clarified the Sunset Years cleaning will happen in a studio while the bench is being repaired for better efficiency. She noted that it will have minimal public impact. She explained that the restoration architects recommended every two years for a deep cleaning with Sunset Years needing more regular attention due to its proximity to the water.
Manager Lightfoot confirmed it has been four years since the last cleaning for the sculptures.
Chair Kandel opened the item for public comment and there were none. Chair Kandel received and filed the report.
5. Art Week Ad Hoc Subcommittee Chair Kandel will assign City Arts Commissioners to the Art Week Ad Hoc Subcommittee. Chair Kandel reported that Commissioner Moore proposed a full Art Week in 2026 at a recent meeting and planning would need to start now to properly launch this new event. She expressed interest in starting an Ad Hoc Subcommittee to explore the development of such an event. She noted that the Ad Hoc Subcommittee will be comprised of herself, Secretary Ignatin, and Commissioner Moore.
Chair Kandel opened the item for public comment and there were none. Chair Kandel received and filed the report.
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City Arts Commission Meeting April 10, 2025
Page 4 B. Monthly Reports 6. Art in Public Places Ad Hoc Subcommittee Vice Chair Blom, Commissioner Flanagan, Commissioner Moore Commissioner Moore remarked that there is nothing to report. In response to Commissioner Moore’s inquiry, Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia reported she and Library Services Director Melissa Hartson went to view the unnamed painting in question, observed slight damage, and are exploring options. She advised that they are also investigating if the frame is repairable or if it needs to be replaced. 7. Music and Live Entertainment Ad Hoc Subcommittee Chair Kandel, Secretary Ignatin, Commissioner Flanagan Chair Kandel reported there is a new version of the proposal for a poet the Subcommittee
met with. 8. Cultural Arts Grants Ad Hoc Subcommittee
Vice Chair Blom, Commissioner Kaufman, Commissioner Moore Chair Kandel advised that this Subcommittee will be sunset now that the grants have been awarded. 9. Newport Beach Art Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee Vice Chair Blom, Commissioner George, Commissioner Moore Commissioner Moore reported they have started to review art for the exhibition. She announced that they will have a balloon arch like in 2024 and will increase the amount of signage from past years leading patrons to the Sculpture Garden. She reported they are looking into moving the musician from the 2024 event into the Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park with a livelier four-piece band to play in front of the exhibition at a cost of $1,000.
10. Public Relations and Marketing Ad Hoc Subcommittee Chair Kandel, Vice Chair Blom, Secretary Ignatin
Secretary Ignatin reported there was a meeting, and public relations strategies were discussed. 11. Sculpture Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee Chair Kandel, Vice Chair Blom, Secretary Ignatin Chair Kandel remarked there was nothing current to report. In response to Jim Mosher’s inquiry, Chair Kandel advised that the Subcommittee should be kept active and not sunset because next year is the Sculpture Exhibition’s 10th
anniversary.
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City Arts Commission Meeting April 10, 2025
Page 5 In response to a series of inquiries, Chair Kandel agreed that they can discuss a photography contest. She clarified she does not intend to sunset the Subcommittee, noting
that there can always be potential contract issues to discuss and be resolved. 12. Student Art Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee Commissioner Kaufman Commissioner Kaufman was absent so there was no report. 13. Newport Beach Arts Foundation Liaison Commissioner Moore Chair Kandel reported the meeting was rescheduled to April 23rd so there is no report.
14. Historical Resources Liaison Vice Chair Blom
Vice Chair Blom reported an extensive recognition of the old-style cottages in Corona del Mar is planned, and work is underway to identify one to focus upon, with options having
been cut from 100 to six. He reported details of the six houses will be presented at an upcoming Homeowners Association meeting and the attendees will be able to vote for the best house. He announced that Rothchild’s Restaurant has donated a $250 gift certificate, but it will not be announced in advance. In response to an inquiry, Vice Chair Blom confirmed, due to privacy concerns, permission has been given by the six homeowners to have pictures of their homes displayed and histories publicly detailed. Vice Chair Blom reported that several members attended a speaker series at the Rivian South Coast Theater in the City of Laguna Beach and reported the series has been very
well done discussing the history of Laguna Beach. In response to Chair Kandel’s inquiry, Vice Chair Blom confirmed the Commission has not
received any requests from the group. VIII. CITY ARTS COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH MEMBERS WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION, ACTION, OR REPORT (NON-DISCUSSION ITEM)
Commissioner Moore reported Arts Orange County President Rick Stein will be the guest juror for the Newport Beach Art Exhibition. Chair Kandel recommended encouraging the Los Angeles Times and Daily Pilot to attend the exhibition.
Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia confirmed she will reach out to those newspapers. IX. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
None
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City Arts Commission Meeting April 10, 2025
Page 6 X. ADJOURNMENT - 5:18 P.M. Chair Kandel adjourned the meeting.
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As of May 1, 2025
ACCT NAME BUDGET DATE VENDOR EXPENSES AVAILABLE NOTES
Programming 60,500.00$
07/11 DJE Sound and Lighting 4,337.67 56,162.33 COTG Sound -07-21-2024 (Radio Rebels)
07/11 Rebel Music Entertainment 3,250.00 52,912.33 COTG Band - 07-21-2024 (Radio Rebels)
07/25 Mr. Rock N' Roll Inc.3,250.00 49,662.33 COTG Band - 08-11-2024 (Wilbury Super
Group)
07/25 DJE Sound and Lighting 4,337.67 45,324.66 COTG Sound - 08-11-2024 (Wilbury SuperGroup)
07/31 Paul's Flowers 258.60 45,066.06 2024 Art Exhibition - Flowers
07/31 FEDEX Office 90.47 44,975.59 Concerts on the Green signs
08/01 Alliant Insurance Services 2,506.00 42,469.59 Insurance for Concerts on the Green
08/01 Tracy Kiggen (ARTovator)958.00 41,511.59 Children's Activities - 07-21-2024 (Radio Rebels) & Business License Fee
08/01 Tracy Kiggen (ARTovator)615.00 40,896.59 Children's Activities - 08-11-2024 (Wilbury Super Group)08/08 Amazon.com 26.93 40,869.66 Concerts on the Green supplies
08/08 Amazon.com 19.66 40,850.00 Concerts on the Green supplies
08/23 WESTAF (CallforEntry.org)525.00 40,325.00 CallforEntry.org 2024 Art Exhibition
Processing Fee08/23 Tracy Kiggen (ARTovator)615.00 39,710.00 Children's Activities - 09-22-2024 (AbSOULute)08/30 DJE Sound and Lighting 4,337.67 35,372.33 COTG Sound -09-22-2024 (AbSOULute)
08/30 Leon Chalnick 3,250.00 32,122.33 COTG Band - 09-22-2024 (AbSOULute)
10/03 Kleenway Services Inc.134.70 31,987.63 COTG Dayporters 07-21-2024 (Radio Rebels)
10/03 Kleenway Services Inc.134.70 31,852.93 COTG Dayporters 08-11-2024 (Wilbury SuperGroup)10/03 Kleenway Services Inc.134.70 31,718.23 COTG Dayporters 09-22-2024 (AbSOULute)
10/17 Amazon.com 14.97 31,703.26 Halloween Spooktacular supplies
10/17 Amazon.com 37.60 31,665.66 Halloween Spooktacular supplies
10/17 Amazon.com 34.90 31,630.76 Halloween Spooktacular supplies
10/17 Amazon.com 114.20 31,516.56 Halloween Spooktacular supplies
10/17 Amazon.com 23.97 31,492.59 Halloween Spooktacular supplies
10/24 Amazon.com 63.88 31,428.71 Halloween Spooktacular supplies
10/24 Amazon.com 28.00 31,400.71 Halloween Spooktacular supplies
10/31 Gotprint.com 48.44 31,352.27 Halloween Spooktacular banner
10/31 Trader Joe's 467.16 30,885.11 Halloween Spooktacular supplies
10/31 Costco 39.98 30,845.13 Halloween Spooktacular supplies
10/31 Amazon.com 10.71 30,834.42 Halloween Spooktacular supplies
10/31 Creative West 60.00 30,774.42 CallforEntry.org Account Renewal
10/31 Creative Market 10.20 30,764.22 Font for Spooktacular Banner
12/05 Amazon.com 171.29 30,592.93 Art cleaning supplies
12/05 Amazon.com 33.27 30,559.66 Library Gallery exhibit supplies
03/27 Amazon.com 25.20 30,534.46 Art Exhibition Supplies
03/27 Amazon.com 10.69 30,523.77 Art Exhibition Supplies
03/27 Amazon.com 28.03 30,495.74 Art Exhibition Supplies
03/27 Amazon.com 14.52 30,481.22 Art Exhibition Supplies
03/27 Amazon.com 17.76 30,463.46 Art Exhibition Supplies
04/03 Bene-Marc Insurance 1,322.00 29,141.46 Art Exhibition Event Insurance
TOTAL $60,500.00 $31,358.54 $29,141.46
City Grants 30,000.00$
TOTAL $30,000.00 $0.00 $30,000.00
FY 2024-25Cultural Arts Division
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As of May 1, 2025
ACCT NAME BUDGET DATE VENDOR EXPENSES AVAILABLE NOTES
FY 2024-25Cultural Arts Division
Professional Services 23,000.00$
08/15 TAVD Virtual Assistant 159.75 22,840.25 Transcription of Minutes (07/11)
08/23 Svartifoss Corp 75.00 22,765.25 Art Installation (Indivisible - Sister City Artwork)
08/23 Svartifoss Corp 400.00 22,365.25 Art Installation (Christopher Evans exhibit)
08/30 Crown Building Services 825.00 21,540.25 Sculpture Maintenance (Sphere 112)
09/13 TAVD Virtual Assistant 76.50 21,463.75 Transcription of Minutes (08/08)09/27 Svartifoss Corp 350.00 21,113.75 Art Installation (Shant Beudjekian)
10/17 TAVD Virtual Assistant 85.50 21,028.25 Transcription of Minutes (09/12)
10/31 Image360 186.62 20,841.63 Plaque for Indivisible artwork
11/22 TAVD Virtual Assistant 85.50 20,756.13 Transcription of Minutes (10/10)
11/29 Svartifoss Corp 250.00 20,506.13 Art Installation (Faro Mohajedi exhibit)
12/12 Crown Building Services 825.00 19,681.13 Sculpture Maintenance (Sphere 112)12/19 TAVD Virtual Assistant 130.50 19,550.63 Transcription of Minutes (11/14)
01/16 TAVD Virtual Assistant 33.75 19,516.88 Transcription of Minutes (12/12)
01/30 Svartifoss Corp 325.00 19,191.88 Art Installation (Tianyi Wang)
02/21 Crown Building Services 825.00 18,366.88 Sculpture Maintenance (Sphere 112)
03/13 Gerard Basil Studios 2,025.00 16,341.88 Annual bronze sculpture cleanings
03/27 Lisa Mackenzie 112.50 16,229.38 Transcription of Minutes (02/13)04/03 Svartifoss Corp 350.00 15,879.38 Art Installation (Liberty Dickinson)
04/03 Lisa Mackenzie 75.00 15,804.38 Transcription of Minutes (03/07)
TOTAL 23,000.00$ $7,195.62 15,804.38$
Sculpture Exhibition 135,000.00$
TOTAL $135,000.00 $0.00 $135,000.00
Advertising $ 1,340.00
07/31 Gotprint.com 181.41 1,158.59 COTG rack card
07/31 Gotprint.com 120.78 1,037.81 COTG banners
08/31 Gotprint.com 67.38 970.43 Large Concerts on the Green banner
09/30 Gotprint.com 115.56 854.87 Marina Park rack cards
09/30 Gotprint.com 85.59 769.28 Marina Park banners09/30 Gotprint.com 74.34 694.94 Large Marina Park banner
01/31 Gotprint.com 104.35 590.59 Central Library Gallery rack cards
01/31 Gotprint.com 109.69 480.90 Central Library Gallery rack cards
TOTAL $1,340.00 $859.10 $480.90
REVENUES
Special Events (NBAE)$0.00 04/29 Creative West (990.62)$990.62 Art Exhibition entry fees
TOTAL -$990.62 $990.62
BUDGET EXPENSES AVAILABLE
Cultural Arts Totals $249,840.00 $38,422.64 $211,417.36
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CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH CITY ARTS COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
May 8, 2025
Agenda Item No. 3
CENTRAL LIBRARY GALLERY EXHIBITS
The Newport Beach Central Library Gallery is pleased to present the fine
art of Liberty Dickinson. A native of Chicago, whose career embraces
both her love of teaching and the arts, she attended Chicago Teachers
College (now Chicago State University) and earned a Bachelor of Science
degree in Education, subsequently teaching primary grades in the
Chicagoland area for a number of years. Throughout this time, her love
of art never left her, and after moving to California in 1986, she earned
certificates in Illustration and Graphic Design. According to Liberty, she
cannot remember a time when she wasn’t drawing or painting, and in
pursuing her artistic career she has found fine art to be her favorite by
far.
In her home studio in Santa Ana, Liberty offers classes and workshops, fulfilling her passion for teaching
and art. Her art includes a variety of subjects and mediums, from still life to plein air, from oils to pastels.
She finds it difficult to focus on one type of artwork since all types intrigue her. This exhibit includes many
of her abstract pieces, some in watercolor and acrylic, others in mixed media.
Liberty’s painting process is completely intuitive, letting the artworks guide her. A lifelong learner, she
continues to take classes to expand her knowledge and technique, and has studied under wonderful
instructors such as Dianna Ponting, Marc Whitney, Marshall Vandruff, and Ignat Ignatov. Liberty has
exhibited at the Muzeo, Irvine Fine Arts Gallery, among other local venues.
Artwork will be on display until May 2, 2025.
UPCOMING CENTRAL LIBRARY GALLERY EXHIBITS:
2025:
• Joan Gladstone (Giclées): May 5 – June 29
• Kathy Kehoe Bambeck (Puzzle Paintings): June 30 – August 22
• Joe Cladis (Lithographs): August 25 – October 17
TO: CITY ARTS COMMISSION
FROM: Library Services Department
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
(949) 717-3801, mhartson@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Camille Escareal-Garcia, Cultural Arts Assistant
TITLE: Cultural Arts Activities for April 2025
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Cultural Arts Activities for January 2025
02/13/2025
Page 2
• Susan Neas (Watercolor Mosaics): October 20 – December 12
• Hugo Zhang (Photography): December 15 – February 6
CULTURAL ARTS CALENDER OF EVENTS:
City Arts Commission (CAC) meetings are held at 5 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month.
• 2025 CAC Regular Monthly Meetings:
o January 9, 2025 (canceled)
o February 13, 2025
o March 13, 2025
o April 10, 2025
o May 8, 2025
o June 12, 2025
o July 10, 2025
o August 14, 2025
o September 11, 2025
o October 9, 2025
o November 13, 2025
o December 11, 2025
• 58th Annual Newport Beach Art Exhibition: Saturday, June 28, 2025
• Summer Concerts on the Civic Green:
o July 27, 2025 – Cassie B
o August 17, 2025 – Pacific Symphony
o September 14, 2025 – Tijuana Dogs
• Fall Concert at Marina Park
o October 12, 2025 – 805 Social Club (The History of Pop)
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CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH CITY ARTS COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
May 8, 2025
Agenda Item No. 4
RECOMMENDATION:
The Sculpture Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee recommends the City Arts Commission approve a timeline
for Phase X of the Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park.
DISCUSSION:
The Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park is an ongoing public art display that is a primary feature of
the Newport Beach Civic Center. The City Arts Commission (Commission) determined that a rotating
exhibition was the optimal approach for bringing a variety of sculpture to Newport Beach in a cost-
efficient manner. In August 2013, the City Council authorized the Commission to implement an inaugural
rotational sculpture exhibit in Civic Center Park. Since 2014, the City has exhibited nine sculpture phases
in the park.
Admission is free and the exhibition continues to be enjoyed by residents and visitors. The exhibition
offers the temporary display of public art and allows the City to avoid the obligation and expense of owning
public art. The Commission selects a well-balanced representation of public art that appeals to a diverse
audience, while including artistic merit, durability, practicality, and site responsiveness as criteria in the
selection. The rotational nature of the exhibit ensures that residents and guests are exposed to a variety
of work.
ARTS ORANGE COUNTY:
Arts Orange County (ArtsOC) was established in 1995 as the nonprofit, countywide arts council of Orange
County, California. The organization has been recognized by the California Arts Council as a model agency
based on the quality of its work. It has served as the officially designated arts agency and state-local
partner of the County of Orange since inception.
ArtsOC has provided public art coordination and site management services for all previous phases of the
Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park. A professional services agreement with ArtsOC will be prepared
for the project management of Phase X.
TO: CITY ARTS COMMISSION
FROM: Library Services Department
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
(949) 717-3801, mhartson@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
TITLE: Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park – Phase X Timeline
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Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park – Phase X Timeline
May 8, 2025
Page 2
TIMELINE
ArtsOC developed the following timeline for Phase X:
City of Newport Beach Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park Timeline
Phase X – FY 2025-26
DATE TASK
July 2025
July 8
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
City Council to approve Arts Orange County contract
August 2025
August 1
Phase X Call for Artists Opens
September
2025
September 29
September 30
Deadline for Submissions
Open Online Review and Ranking by CAC and Guest Jurors
October 2025
October 5
October 9
October 15
CLOSE Online Review & Ranking by City Arts Commission & Guest Jurors
CITY ARTS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
Present City Arts Commission & Guest Juror Rankings
APPROVE QUALIFIED SUBMISSIONS FOR PUBLIC SURVEY
OPEN Public online survey of Finalists
December 2025
December 5
December 11
CLOSE Public online survey of Finalists
CITY ARTS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
Presentation of Public survey rankings, Approval of recommended selections
and alternates for presentation to City Council
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Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park – Phase X Timeline
May 8, 2025
Page 3
December 12
Civic Center Park Siting
ArtsOC, City staff, and CAC Sculpture Exhibition Subcommittee walkabout to
review ArtsOC’s sculpture placements in Civic Center Park
January 2026
January 13
January 14
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING – Present City Arts Commission
recommendations for Approval
Inform artists of selection
Provide City Attorney with all necessary information for Artists Loan
Agreements
February 2026
February 17
Artist Loan Agreements provided to ArtsOC to send to artists
March 2026
March 16
March 2026 –
May 2026
ArtsOC delivers all Artist Loan Agreements to City with Phase IX FIRST
invoices and Phase VIII FINAL invoices
Site preparation
Delivery Coordination
June 2026
June 1-19
June 27
De-Installation of Phase VIII artworks
INSTALLATION OF PHASE X ARTWORKS
Sculpture Exhibition Phase X Official Opening
ArtsOC will issue a “Call for Entries”, inviting artists, private collectors, galleries, and museums/nonprofit
organizations to submit artworks for consideration of the temporary exhibition in Civic Center Park.
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Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park – Phase X Timeline
May 8, 2025
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To select the pieces for the public survey, the project manager will form a panel of jurors. This panel,
comprised of working art professionals, will work with the entire Commission in the selection and
recommendation of pieces in a public meeting. Pieces approved by the Commission and curatorial panel
will be included in the online public survey. The public, through the online survey, will choose ten artworks
and three to five alternates. The Commission will review the artworks, as selected by the public, at its
December 11, 2025 regular meeting. Upon Commission approval, the selected works will be brought to
City Council for final consideration.
A site visit, involving the consulting team, City staff members, and the Sculpture Exhibition Ad Hoc
Subcommittee, will review proposed locations within the park to site the pieces. Locations of the
sculptures are based upon existing site sensitivities such as protection of the habitat, the public view
plane, clear access to all walkways, and the aesthetics of the park. The proposed placements will ensure
that the existing view plane from Civic Center Drive southward is uncompromised.
City Council will review the recommended pieces and park placements at its January 13, 2026 meeting. If
City Council approves the artworks and the proposed location for each piece, the project manager will
then notify each artist that the artwork has been selected, and installation will take place in June 2026.
NOTICING:
This agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the meeting at
which the Board of Library Trustees considers the item).
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