2007 Heritage Art Show Results
The 2007 Heritage Art Show and Sale, which included the April Quick Draw, the May Exhibition and Gala, and a June event at Roger's Gardens were highly successful. Nearly 900 people attended the three events, which grossed almost $300,000 in art sales. A substantial portion of this will support the non-profit work of the beneficiary organizations.
"I really enjoyed the event. It was a fantastic and unique opportunity to get out onto the land where nature is still so wild. The event was beautiful and I was thrilled to win. I definitely plan to participate in future events for this worth-while cause. This event allowed us to capture some of the remaining natural beauty that still exists in Southern California." John Cosby, First place prize winner
Environmental Award: $1,000 Award Ray Roberts        "Blackstar Creek"        20" x 24"       7 Honorable Mentions: David Damm "Early Morning at Barbara's Lake" Glenna Hartmann "Wash at Blackstar Canyon" Charles Muench "Open Space" Jesse Powell "Little Treasure Cove, Crystal Cove" Scott Prior "The Old Augustine Staging Area" Elizabeth Tolley "California Natural" Jim Wodark "Bolero Springs"
The event was the result of the leadership and vision of Mrs. Joan Irvine Smith, a primary patron of the Plein Air art style and the great-granddaughter of James Irvine. It was organized by the Capistrano Valley Conservancy and the Irvine Ranch Land Reserve Trust, along with the County of Orange, Harbors, Beaches and Parks department. It was accomplished primarily through the efforts of more than 65 dedicated and hard-working volunteers. Mrs. Smith also provided the prize money of $11,000 for the event. All paintings were judged by Jean Stern, Executive Director of The Irvine Museum. Nearly 40 nationally-known artists participated in the Heritage Art Show. Mrs. Smiths' vision was for them to create paintings showcasing the Irvine Family's legacy in defining Orange County and the forward-thinking preservation vision and stewardship of Donald Bren, Chairman of the Irvine Company. The art would help celebrate the newly designated Irvine Ranch National Natural Landmark. And it would also honor the County of Orange's management of many important cultural, historic and natural resources. Artists chose from 23 of the County's most breath-taking locations, including several on the wildlands and parks of The Irvine Ranch that had never been accessible before. This inspiration resulted in almost 150 spectacular paintings, including nearly 30 that were painted during a fun-filled, two-hour "Quick Draw" in April, which were live-auctioned while still wet!
"We in the park service are very proud of and committed to the National Natural Landmarks Program and our partnership with the Irvine Ranch NNL. It is truly a great pleasure to share this partnership and to enjoy the inspiration from nature that has resulted in such spectacular art." Woody Smeck, Superintendent, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
The Heritage Art Show events were sponsored by: Presenting Sponsor: Roger's Gardens Contributing Sponsors: The Oaks Farms The Irvine Company John Moran Auctioneers Inc. Tree of Life Nursery Southwest Art magazine King of Frames Ganahl Lumber The Orange County Register Ruby's Restaurants Twisted Oak winery Orange County Printing WealthGuard Advisory Services First Bank
2008 SAVE THE DATES The success of this year's show and sale has led organizers to plan for an annual event. Artists from around the country will be able to paint the cultural and natural resources of Orange County and The Irvine Ranch, including even more new locations. Mark the dates on your calendar to join in the festivities and watch this website for more updates. Mark your calendars as follows: "Quick Draw" Paint-off - at the Irvine Ranch Historical Park: Saturday, March 29 Exhibition and Sale Gala - at The Oaks Farms: Saturday, May 17 Art in the Garden - at Roger's Gardens: Early June