Patrons Feast on Buffet, Art at Preview

Trustees and supporters of the Newport Harbor Art Museum’s second Newport Biennial were treated to a preview Wednesday night of the exhibit that features works by 12 Bay Area artists.

Guests gathered on the museum’s patio for cocktails and a buffet, and many later toured the galleries with Ann Ayers, associate curator of the museum who put together the exhibition.

“It’s about art and these artists tonight,” said Ayers, who was glowing on the eve of her first major exhibition for the museum as she introduced those artists who made the trek south for the opening.

Among the cocktail-hour art appreciators were Jack Shea, chairman of the museum’s board of trustees (and president of Beacon Bay Enterprises Inc., which generously funded the show), with his wife, Marion, and California and contemporary art maven Paul Schimmel, the museum’s chief curator.

Those at the preview seemed particularly enchanted by Paul Kos’ “Chartres Bleu,” a 27-screen color video installation re-creating a stained-glass window from the cathedral at Chartres, France.

Amid the art talk and hors d’oeuvres was a word from the sponsor: “To those of you who couldn’t get seats (at the Orange County Performing Arts Center) tonight, my sympathies--but think of the money you saved,” Shea quipped in his opening comments.

He went on to praise the work of the museum staff in organizing what he called “a show of great substance.”

“We’re extremely pleased with the range and the artists,” Shea said, though he added with a chuckle, “We (underwriters of the show) have nothing to do with the content--the curators do everything. All they want from us is money!”

Museum Director Kevin E. Consey thanked Shea for his continued support of the museum through both his personal and corporate contributions.

The first biennial program featured Los Angeles artists and will next be statewide in its scope, providing a boost both in exposure for California artists and to the museum’s permanent collection.

Also in attendance were museum trustees Michael Meyer with his wife, Nancy, Bill Banning and his wife, Judy, and James and Katherine (Shea) Utt.