SUMPTUOUS ‘GRAZING’ AT NEWPORT SALUTE TO ARTS

“Grazing” is the word food trendies use for those little nibbles that add up to a satisfying meal. On Oct. 1, the fifth annual Newport Salute to the Arts will offer its version of grazing with a range of arts activities and hors d’oeuvres, desserts and beverages from the kitchens of more than 30 local restaurants.

From 5 to 8 p.m. at five Newport Center sites, visual arts grazers can linger at exhibits ranging from “A Quiet Revolution: British Sculpture Since 1965,” at Newport Harbor Art Museum, to the work of winners of an art competition open only to Orange County residents.

Performing arts “tastings” include presentations by Opera Pacific, a string quartet drawn from the Pacific Symphony and South Coast Repertory’s Young Conservatory Players, the Orange Coast College Big Band and a group that bills itself as the Oversextet. (Yes, this is family fare; the group plays New Orleans-style jazz.)

“What we want is major citywide appeal,” event co-chairman Carl Neisser said. “The Newport Salute to the Arts is about civic pride and cultural entertainment in its broadest context.”

Asked if every would-be arts participant will be allowed to be part of the event, he said, “In general, I would say, yes. . . . We would try not to exclude anyone.”

Neisser said the Newport Beach Art in Public Places program receives 50 cents of every dollar spent on $5 scrip booklets that bearers can redeem for restaurant goodies. (The other 50 cents goes to participating restaurants.) All the arts offerings are free.

“Spirits and Sights of Newport Beach” is the theme of the art competition sponsored by the Newport Beach City Arts Commission. Watercolorist Morris J. Shubin, a member of the American Watercolor Society and the National Watercolor Society, will judge the entries, which must be brought to the Oasis Senior Citizen’s Center, Marguerite Ave. and Fifth Street, Corona del Mar, from 8 to 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 27. (Further information is available at Newport Beach City Hall.)

Following is a list of the events and participating restaurants that will set up tables at various locations. Free trolley transportation will be provided between sites.

- Newport Center Library (856 San Clemente Drive)--Visual art: exhibit of work by members of the Orange County Center for Contemporary Art. Performing arts: The Oversextet (5 to 8 p.m.) and Bryan Allison Duo (5 to 8 p.m.). Restaurants: Chili’s, Newport Landing, Nicole’s Grill (at the Marriott), Ancient Mariner, Metropolitan Grill, Hansen’s Juices.

- Newport Harbor Art Museum (850 San Clemente Drive)--Visual art: “British Sculpture Since 1965” and (in the museum’s Lyon Room) award-winning high school poster art. Performing arts: pianist Jack Reidling (5 to 8 p.m.) and the Bryan Allison Duo (5 to 8 p.m.). Restaurants: Bangkok III and IV, Bubbles, Le Midi, Ruby’s; catering by Hemingways.

- Pacific Financial Companies (Atrium, 700 Newport Center Drive)--Visual arts: Orange County Artists competition and “Photography As Art,” coordinated by Maury Sherman. Performing arts: a quartet from Opera Pacific (at 5, 6 and 7 p.m.), Pacific Symphony string quartet (at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.), Breezy Strings (5 to 8 p.m.). Restaurants: Paradis Distinctive Cuisine, Diedrich Coffee, Five Crowns, Newporter Resort, Crab Cooker.

- Pacific Financial Plaza (700 Newport Center Drive)--Visual art: “Garden Walk” by Creative Plants Rental and a display of models from the Orange County chapter of the American Institute of Architects. Performing arts: folkloric dance group Relampago del Cielo (6:30 to 7:35 p.m.), contemporary-style Dance Kaleidoscope (5:40 to 7 p.m.), Ballet Montmartre (5:25 to 5:40 p.m.), St. Joseph Ballet (at 5:10, 6:10 and 7:20 p.m.). Restaurants: Bouzy Rouge Cafe, Trees, Red Onion, The Ritz, Zeppa’s.

- Broadway/Neiman Marcus (Fashion Island)--Visual art: “High in the Sky,” photographs of Geri Conser (at Neiman Marcus); Ballet Pacifica’s “Nutcracker” ballet costumes (at The Broadway); “The Spirit in Art,” Bowers Museum educational mobile display (parked near The Broadway); sculpture by Hal Pastorius, Jim Mitchell and R. Bret Price; historical costume project by graduating students at Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (at Silverwoods and Neiman Marcus); photography by Prasad and Valerie (at Atrium Court).

Performing arts: Orange Coast College Big Band (5 to 7 p.m.), South Coast Symphony (7 to 8 p.m.), The Brass Company (5 to 8 p.m.), Orange County Philharmonic Society Music Mobile; South Coast Repertory Young Conservatory Players in “Better a Witty Fool (Scenes of Wisdom and Folly from Shakespeare)” (6:30 to 7 p.m.). Also, there will be a fashion show of day and evening wear for those who want to patronize the arts in style, presented by Kitty Leslie of Fashion Island (begins at 7 p.m. at the Stage Court).

Restaurants: The Cannery, Malarkey’s, Villa Nova, Balboa Dessert Co., Paradise Cafe, Sweet Life Bakery, Bob Burns, El Torito Grill, Alta Coffee, Savannah Grill, Thymes Catering, the Pavilion (Four Seasons) and Hansen’s Juices.