Catalina: The Wild Side Art Show and Sale
Catalina: The Wild Side Art Show and Sale” artists

The 9th Annual “Catalina: The Wild Side Art Show and Sale” drew art lovers who admired and purchased Catalina Island–inspired art by 11 nationally recognized plein air painters.

By Jessica Boudevin

The 9th Annual “Catalina: The Wild Side Art Show and Sale” drew art lovers who admired and purchased scenes of Catalina Island at Newport Harbor Yacht Club last month. More than 100 paintings by 11 nationally recognized plein air artists featured renditions of Catalina’s wildlands, as well as landmarks in Avalon, Two Harbors, Middle Ranch, and Airport in the Sky.

John and Cindy Cotton
John and Cindy Cotton

John and Cindy Cotton, who have a long history of going to Catalina, have been attending the art show for several years.

“I think at first our motivation for buying a painting was to support the Conservancy, but as we learned more, it became a passion,” said John, who is also a member of the Conservancy’s board of directors and a Staff Commodore at Newport Harbor Yacht Club. “The artists do such an exceptional job capturing Catalina’s different moods and feelings. It’s wonderful to have their art.”

The art lover, who “can’t draw a straight line, even with a ruler,” said that the couple brought home four pieces this year to add to their collection. The opportunity to interact with the artists drew the couple in. “They’re just really fun people to get to know,” added Cindy.

Kim Lordier and Julia Banning
Kim Lordier and Julia Banning

The artist roster featured a mix of long-time Catalina painters and newcomers. Cindy Baron, John Cosby, Don Demers, Aimee Erickson, Andy Evansen, Paul Kratter, Kris Lael Temple, Kim Lordier, Michael Obermeyer, Colin Page, and Joe Paquet used their talents to bring attention to the thousands of acres of wildlands the Conservancy stewards, as well as to the local communities.

“It’s a select group that I feel honored to be a part of,” said Michael Obermeyer, who participated in the art show for the third time. “The Conservancy does a great job in putting on a one-day show, with how they treat the artists, how they treat the collectors, and bringing together these incredible artists from around the country. Knowing that my paintings will be hanging alongside those of 10 great artists raises the bar.”

Howard Tuttle, Jean Stern, and Jeanne Tuttle
Howard Tuttle, Jean Stern, and Jeanne Tuttle

Artists traveled to Catalina throughout the year to paint outdoors in the plein air style, a tradition that has flourished on the Island for more than 100 years.

“Catalina Island Conservancy supporters and art fans wait all year for the opportunity to see these incredible artist interpretations of the island they love,” said Catalina Island Conservancy president and CEO Tony Budrovich. “Thanks to the artists and Catalina enthusiasts, ‘Catalina: The Wild Side Art Show and Sale’ significantly contributed to Conservancy programs.”

Colin Page, Don Demers, and Kenny Mayes
Colin Page, Don Demers, and Kenny Mayes

Gross sales from this year’s event totaled more than $180,000. Proceeds from the art show help fund the Conservancy’s conservation, education, and recreation programs.

“Any time a portion of proceeds go to helping a cause that I’ve been supporting for so long, that’s a big deal for me,” said Michael, who first came to the island at 12 years old and has since continued the tradition with his own children. “I really believe in using my talent to give back to causes that mean something to me. My whole life, Catalina has been a part of me.”

Cindy Baron and Diane Wilkinson
Cindy Baron and Diane Wilkinson

As part of the Conservancy’s educational exhibits, a rotating display of plein air paintings from the “Catalina: The Wild Side” art collection is featured at the Trailhead in Avalon. The collection captures the history of Catalina and nature as it is occurring, providing a unique view of the island’s ever-changing ecology.

“The paintings created by nationally recognized contemporary artists this year for the ‘Catalina: The Wild Side Art Show’ are not only important artistically, but also for the varied stories they tell of Catalina,” said Victoria Seaver Dean, a Conservancy board member and event chair. “The paintings have the unique ability to tell the story of the island’s ecological history over many years through the lens of the artist.”

Remaining works are available for purchase through an online sale that will run through 11:59 p.m. PST, Saturday, November 22. Paintings available for purchase can be seen online at the Conservancy’s website, www.catalinaconservancy.org.

The Conservancy expresses its appreciation for the continuing support of the event’s Corporate Partners Capital Group and Bluewater Grill, as well as our individual patron sponsors, Lynne Brickner and Gerald Gallard, Blanny Avalon Hagenah, Lee and Theresa Hennis, and Howard and Jeanne Tuttle.


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