By Kaerie Ray
San Clemente Times
Joan Irvine Smith hopes to boost public awareness of environmental preservation through the exhibition and sale of local artists’ plein air works at Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens
One would expect the president of a museum to be conversant on the works and technique of celebrated artists. One might even suppose a minimal understanding of historical context. But as president of The Irvine Museum, author of the illustrated memoir A California Woman’s Story and granddaughter of The Irvine Company’s James Irvine II, the embodiment of all of these and so much more are readily apparent in Joan Irvine Smith, whose combined reverence for nature and enthusiastic appreciation of plein air art have been the catalyst for organizing this year’s Capistrano Light Invitational Art Competition. Serving as venue for the art exhibition and sale is the Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, one of three carefully selected locations designed to highlight Southern California cultural, historical and natural resources in urgent need of protection and preservation. Irvine Smith explains the critical need to create public awareness for saving what she calls “California’s vanishing treasures,” landscapes that have captivated dedicated painters since the famed transcendentalist William Wendt’s A Quiet Brook in the early 1900s.
As a woman of influence, Irvine Smith was approached by California State Parks to facilitate Foothill-South (241) Toll Road extension efforts. “I backed taking our time on the toll road,” she explains. “When the Orange County Transportation Agency [OCTA] approved the designated area for it, the studies on the I-5 and runoff were based on supposition that the toll road would go through. I thought, ‘What position can I take? What can be done with this report?’ The runoff could be catastrophic.” That’s when she realized the exhibition could be the driving force behind enhancing the public’s awareness of environmental preservation, and she made plans to host “Capistrano Light.”
With $10,000 in prize money offered for first, second and third place and a $1,000 environmental prize from Joan Irvine Smith Fine Arts Inc., select artists from across the county assembled to submit plein air paintings of areas south of Crown Valley Parkway, including the beaches. So far this exhibit has appeared at The Oaks/Blenheim/Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park in San Juan Capistrano, Pelican Point in Crystal Cove State Park and, now, Casa Romantica—the final stop.
At the Fourth Annual Toast to the Casa event on September 30, the prize-winning art was on display, prompting sales of 14 paintings valued at $30,000 that evening. Funds from the event, combined with proceeds from the ongoing sale of remaining works, will benefit the Casa’s continued expansion and renovation. Currently, an open air amphitheatre, Mediterranean-style walkway and children’s reading circle are being constructed to take full advantage of the center’s unparalleled panoramic view of the San Clemente Pier and the Pacific Ocean. “This is a special place,” shares Irvine Smith about Casa Romantica. “I’ve always liked this house. Ole Hanson did a beautiful job on the architecture. Plein air paintings have temperature and humidity requirements, and repeatedly, we talked about using the Casa for an exhibition. Contemporary artists don’t need temperature control.”
Casa Romantica’s Executive Director John Lofgren relates, “This event is a great opportunity for local contemporary artists to showcase their talent and the beautiful landscapes. Many of these paintings are of the same areas—Trestles, in particular. But you’ll notice there’s diversity among them. They look different. The artists have different techniques.” San Clemente resident and veteran artist Rick Delanty has work counted among the exhibition’s participants. Delanty’s work is a departure from most plein air art that uses oils, explains Lofgren. The artist utilizes acrylic paint, creating a uniquely vivid presentation. Delanty’s “The Atrium” is currently showing and available, with 100 percent of proceeds pledged to the Casa. Other displays include 2006 Environmental Prize Winner Jesse Powell’s “The Sister Oak,” second prize Bruce Sanford Day’s “Eucalyptus, San Mateo Creek” and third prize John Comer’s “San Onofre Beach.”
“It’s their time now to make a statement,” states Irvine Smith, of the 27 South Orange County contemporary artists highlighted in the competition and sale. “There are so many things that can be painted that weren’t available to painters prior to now.” It’s clear that Irvine Smith has a heart not simply for art and talent, but for the landscapes being represented. Along with Lofgren, the two are hoping that the public’s renewed interest in both environmental preservation and contemporary plein air art will manifest itself during the two-month viewing period at the Casa through December 3. Borrowing from Irvine Smith in A California Woman’s Story, “Showcasing the natural beauty of land through art is a most effective way to bring public awareness to critical environmental issues.”
You’re invited!
Meet the artists and Joan Irvine Smith at an Open House for the Capistrano Light Plein Air Art Exhibition and Sale
November 17, 2006
6 p.m.–8 p.m.
Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens
RSVP: 949.498.2139, ext. 17
Wine and appetizers will be served
Hot Links
www.irvinemuseum.org
www.casaromantica.org
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