Community Delivers Record Support for Newport Art Museum Summer Events and Exhibitions

Community Delivers Record Support for Newport Art Museum
Summer Events and Exhibitions Raise More Than $648,500

Summer Art Party 2025 at Newport Art Museum. (Photo credit: Maddie Van)

NEWPORT, RI – The Newport Art Museum (NAM) announced today that its signature summer events – the Summer Art Party and Wet Paint – raised more than $428,500 to support ongoing exhibitions, programming, and community outreach. These events also yielded record attendance, with more than 1,400 people visiting and supporting the Museum across just three days.

An additional $220,000 was raised to support the four varied and evocative exhibitions currently on display at the Museum: Sean Landers: Lost at Sea, Howard Gardiner Cushing: A Harmony of Line and Color, Bobby Anspach: Everything is Change, and Through A Collector’s Lens: Iconic Photography from the Christopher Hyland Collection.

“It has been a remarkable summer at the Newport Art Museum, both at our events and in our galleries. NAM’s revitalized operational plan is an absolute success, not least because of the outpouring of support and genuine enthusiasm for our work and mission,” said Ruth Taylor, interim executive director. “It is an exciting time for the Museum, and as we look to the future, the team here will continue to listen to, learn from, and lean on our community of artists and supporters.”

Live Painting during Wet Paint 2025. (Photo credit: Carley Brockwell)

The Summer Art Party was hosted on the lawn of the historic John N. A. Griswold House on Friday, July 11, with more than 550 people in attendance for drinks, dinner, and dancing. The event honored Minnie Cushing Coleman, a devoted patron of the arts whose grandfather’s work will remain on display until the spring of 2026.

Summer Art Party 2025 at Newport Art Museum. (Photo credit: Maddie Van)

Following up on the resounding success of the Art Party, NAM hosted Wet Paint on Saturday, August 9, attracting more than 560 people to enjoy food trucks, live music, live art demonstrations, activities for kids and families, and more, while bidding on nearly 400 donated pieces of artwork from emerging and long-celebrated artists in our region.

Popular pieces from Ashley Lippincott, Samantha Heydt, Chris Wyllie, Rick and Monica Murphy, and Nancy Parsons were moved into a live auction, with Lippincott’s piece earning the top bid.

Guests browse the Silent Auction during Wet Paint 2025. (Photo credit: Carley Brockwell)

“Wet Paint is both a celebration of great art and an opportunity for everyone – professional and aspiring artists, art collectors and art lovers, and children and families – to connect with Newport’s creative community,” said Artistic Director Danielle Ogden. “Wet Paint has been a hallmark of Newport summers for 32 years, and this year’s event reinforced all the things that artists and participants have come to treasure most about this beloved annual tradition.”

Wet Paint festivities also included a series of “en plein air” painting sessions at iconic locations throughout Newport, like Blue Garden and Trinity Church, and a Wet Paint Preview Party the evening before to celebrate the more than 350 artists who contributed works of all sizes and mediums.

Thank you to our sponsors!
Special thanks to the 2025 sponsors who supported both signature events: A1 Roofing & Construction, Arnold Art Store & Gallery, Centreville Bank, Gardiner House, Kimberly Pucci, and Maquette.

Additional Summer Art Party sponsors:
Eldred’s Auction Gallery, Michael Hayes Newport, Van Liew Trust Company, Brenton Hotel, OVERLAP Gallery, Jessica Hagen Fine Art + Design, Amica, 41 North, Seven on Shelter Island, Gold’s Wine and Spirits, Lyvely Drinks, Harbor View Hotel, Cusp Gallery, Gracie, RE/MAX Newport, Rottett Collection, Whispering Angel, Russell Morin Catering, Dillon’s Small Batch Distillers, Uncle Nearest, Mancini Beverage, Newport Artists Collective, Ryan Designs, Campo & Company Events, Walker Interiors, PEAK Event Series, Wild Season Florals, Newport Global Summit, Maddie Van, Pranzi Catering, PVP, Exquisite Events, and JDI Productions, Inc.

Wet Paint sponsors:
BankNewport, Brick Alley Pub & Restaurant, Flo’s Clam Shack, Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling, Portsmouth Ace Hardware, The Red Parrot Restaurant, The Reef, and Wally’s Weiners.

About Newport Art Museum
Founded in 1912 as the Art Association of Newport, the Newport Art Museum is a creative community and gathering place for seasonal visitors and residents alike. As a cultural cornerstone in Newport, Rhode Island, the museum offers dynamic, multigenerational programming and showcases a diverse collection of classic and contemporary art spanning centuries, styles, and perspectives. Discover more at www.NewportArtMuseum.org.