"Surf's Up", Japan Craze, and Florals Highlight Art Museum Opening

Richard Crisson, Bill Vareika

A wave of excitement and diversity swept guests along at the Newport Art Museum’s June Members’ Reception, featuring three unique shows and attracting a crowd that included socialites and surfers, as well as the local art community and those who support it. Art Museum Director Lisa Goddard headed up the event; others in attendance included Rod O’Hanley, Diana Slocum, Bill Varieka, Victoria Mele and son Tyssen Butler, Richard Crisson, and Marianne McLane.

The first exhibition, titled “Surf Island: A Ride with Newport’s Surf Community,” is hanging in the Griswold House and is a series of photographs by local surfer and photographer Jason Evans. The photos were stunning – some action shots and others, profiles of individuals involved in the community. Many of the photographed subjects showed up, including Katie Egan and Justin Casey. Evans’ girlfriend Lisa Wagenbach was there as well. Evans has been a commercial photographer since 1997, moved to Newport in 2001 and began surfing a couple of years later. He worked on this particular collection for about two and a half years. “It’s an amazing group once you’re involved with them,” he told Newport Seen. “I wanted to capture what it was like being out with the water with friends.” And he certainly did, judging by the amount of people who came out to see his work and support him. “Surf Island” will be on exhibit until September 5th.

Sondra Heos, Jason Evans & Lisa Wagenbach

Another show exhibited that night was “Flora,” which includes brightly colored floral paintings by Janet Alling. Alling, longtime friend of Eve Woodhull and previously of Bronxville and New York City, moved to Providence five years ago and, through Rhode Island art scene connections and exposure, was asked to shower her work in Newport. She has painted since she was 10 years old and majored in painting for her Bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Although she mostly paints flowers, Alling said, “I started doing trees last winter.” Her large, vibrant close-ups of flowers brought an ebullient, springtime feel to the gallery. “Flora” runs until August 18th.

Surf's up!

The show currently taking place in the Cushing Gallery is “The Japan Craze: Art and Craft in Rhode Island after 1854” featuring Japanese-inspired paintings by a variety of artists in diverse styles. “The Japan Craze” will be up until October 17th. Appropriately, sushi and dumplings were among the hors d’oeuvres provided.

Jason Evans discusses his work with fellow artist
Richard Grosvenor

It was a beautiful June night which found many out on the lawn, enjoying the last hours of sunlight. By the time Newport Seen left the event, the Museum was overflowing with guests – a great turnout for an inspiring evening.

Amanda M. Grosvenor