Countywide : Comedian’s Timely Visit to Aid Art Sale

Martin Mull is coming to town to help the Newport Harbor Art Museum on Saturday, and according to the museum it’s about time. Literally.

The comedian and artist, probably best known for his role on the hit show “Roseanne,” will contribute a painting and make an appearance at an auction of time-themed art pieces at South Coast Plaza.

The event, run by Christie’s, features 20 works, all of which relate to the subject of time. They range from collages to functional clocks created and donated by contemporary artists including Terry Allen, Edward Ruscha and Judy Chicago.

Mull, who graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design long before he entered show business, donated a watercolor that depicts a man and woman fighting over a clock radio. He’ll be on hand to meet with bidders, a museum spokeswoman said.

But don’t expect all funny business. When it comes to art, Mull can be quite serious. He has described his role in art as “that of an alchemist and archeologist, unearthing that which the picture demands of me.”

The auction begins at 7:30 p.m., and tickets cost $75. All proceeds benefit the museum’s exhibition and education programs, spokeswoman Jane Gillespie said.

Information: Newport Harbor Art Museum, (714) 759-1122.