Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park
The Sculpture Exhibition is part of Newport Beach Civic Center Park. The park was built on about half a million square feet of land and was designed by Peter Walker and Partners. In 2013 the City Arts Commission and City Council began a plan to show sculptures on a rotating basis, with each piece loaned for three years.
Admission is free. The outdoor exhibit is like a “museum without walls” and welcomes visitors of all ages. The City chooses works that are strong enough for outside, that fit the site, and that have artistic value. Because sculptures change every three years, people see new pieces over time.
Each selected sculpture is on loan to the City for three years. Artists receive a small payment. The City installs the pieces and artists are responsible for maintenance and repairs. The exhibition draws school groups, local residents, and visitors from around Southern California.
INSTALLED JUNE 2024
PHASE IX SCULPTURES:
The Phase IX sculptures are as follows:
- Reaching Man by Ron Whitacre
- Glee by Cindy Debold
- Trillium Bus Stop Bench by Matt Cartwright
- Millefolium by Catherine Daley
- Interplay by Pamela Ambrosio
- Duality by Giuseppe Palumbo
- Growing Wings by Hilde DeBruyne
- Heavy Landing by Vojtech Blazejovsky
- Gecko by Doug Snider
- Natural Wonders by Michele Moushey Dale
Phase IX Sculptures will de-install in June 2027.
A tall figure reaching upward. It shows motion and hope in a clear, simple way.
A shiny stainless-steel piece that looks joyful and bright. It suggests movement and play.
A flower-shaped steel and aluminum bench. Wind can pass through it and it invites people to sit.
A large sculpture based on the yarrow flower, about ten feet tall. It looks like a plant drinking in the sunlight.
Painted steel with wild, curving shapes and bold colors. From any view it gives a lively, joyful effect.
Two balanced figures leaning together. It shows how people depend on and support each other.
A work inspired by butterflies and transformation. It shows the mix of struggle and beauty as something new grows.
A dragonfly landing on a dandelion. It highlights small, delicate parts of the park’s ecosystem.
A colorful lizard inspired by Mexican spirit-animal art. It’s bright, friendly, and offers a spot to sit and enjoy the view.
A bronze piece showing different animals and people living together. It celebrates balance and harmony in nature.
Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park - Phase VIII
Phase VIII of the Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park. The ten sculptures were selected from submissions received by a national call for entries based on their artistic merit, durability, practicality and site appropriateness. Arts Orange County provided professional services for the coordination of the artist selection and installation of the sculptures. They are scheduled to be on display in Civic Center Park for three years.
INSTALLED JUNE 2023
PHASE VIII SCULPTURES:
The Phase VIII sculptures are as follows:
- Tulip the Rockfish by Peter Hazel, Reno, CA
- Confluence #102 by Catherine Daley, Windsor, CA
- One Another by Maxwell Carraher, Sunland, CA
- Efram by James Burnes, Santa Fe, NM
- The Memory of Sailing by Zan Knecht, Grand Rapids, MI
- Newport Glider by Ilya Idelchick, Solana Beach, CA
- Inchoate by Luke Achterberg, Onalaska, WI
- Kissing Bench by Matt Cartwright, Portland, OR
- The Goddess Sol by Jackie Braitman, Takoma Park, MD
- Metal Tree by Pontus Willfors, Inglewood, CA
Phase III sculptures will deinstall in June 2026.
A brightly colored rockfish sculpture. It looks lively and fits well in the open park.
Tubes that rise in parallel waves from a solid base. The form catches light and lifts the eye.
Two figures where one appears to lift the other but actually shares the weight. It shows how support and connection make people stronger.
A grazing buffalo made of steel and wood with a cubist look. It mixes animal form with geometric shapes.
An outline of sails made with open space. It frames the ocean view and suggests motion.
A playful, flying-like sculpture. It invites visitors to imagine floating or gliding.
A raw, not-yet-formed work full of energy. It looks like something just beginning to take shape.
A bold, colorful bench meant for two. It is playful and encourages closeness.
A curved steel figure with warm, flowing lines. It feels both strong and graceful.
A tree made from metal parts. It looks like a stylized tree and stands out with its strong shapes.
HISTORY OF THE SCULPTURE IN THE CIVIC CENTER PARK EXHIBITION
Newport Beach Civic Center Park - 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach
In August 2013, the Newport Beach City Council authorized the City Arts Commission and City staff to implement a temporary sculpture exhibit in Civic Center Park. The City Council approved the installation of ten sculptures in Phase I of the project and additional ten sculptures in Phase II. The sculptures installed in year one were on display for two years and were removed and returned to the artists in 2016. Those installed in year two, or Phase 2, were removed in September 2017.
A grand opening celebration on September 12, 2015 marked the installation of nine new sculptures in Phase II of the Sculpture in the Civic Center Park Exhibition with the tenth sculpture, "Sunflower," to be installed in January 2016. The community was invited to view the sculptures, meet the artists and enjoy music and refreshments at the Civic Center. Docent led tours of the Sculpture in Civic Center Park Exhibition were conducted by members of the Newport Beach Art Foundation.
As of November 2024, the Sculpture Exhibition will be moving to a three-year rotation for sculptures starting with Phases VIII and IX.
MOBILE APP SELF-GUIDED WALKING TOUR OF THE PARK
For a self-guided walking tour of the Sculpture in the Civic Center Park Exhibition, download the "MyNB" app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Search for "MyNB." If you already have the "MyNB" app on your mobile device, update it to include the latest additions to the Sculpture Exhibition.