EVENT RECAP
QUICK DRAW
The festival kicked off with the Quick Draw event on July 11, attended by 41 artists and judged by our foundational member, artist Jeff Horn. That day, artists were interviewed for an article written by Susan Hoffman. The article was published in the Daily Pilot on July 15, 2026, titled "Back Bay Plein Art Festival Underway this Week in Newport Beach."
CLASSES FOR THE COMMUNITY
Throughout the week, the Newport Bay Conservancy welcomed Sandra Morrison, Mike Majors, Amy Jackson, and BJ Morrison McKay to teach adults and children's classes.
SOIREE ON THE BAY
Held outdoors at the beautiful Upper Newport Bay "Muth Center," this event honored our artists and thanked the sponsors and supporters of the show.
The evening was capped off with a well-attended awards ceremony. Presenter's included John Cosby, internationally acclaimed and collected artist, as our Juried Show Judge; Randy Higbee, who presented his own special awards; and Brian Tsu, Board Member of NBC (Newport Bay Conservancy) who presented the Best of OC Parks and the Robinson Awards.
See the Painting Categories and Winners of Awards >>> HERE
Special guests included Robyn Grant, Newport Beach Council Member, and a representative from the offices of Senator Tony Strickland, Max Wernher.
WEEKEND SHOW AND SALE
For the Weekend Show & Sale, we proudly hosted 44 talented artists and received fantastic feedback from new visitors and returning collectors alike. Despite competing with the FIFA Finals, and unusually hot weather, the event proved to be a tremendous success. Final numbers confirmed 95 original paintings sold, generating over $41,000 in sales.