NEWPORT – More than 400 artists of varying backgrounds gathered on Sunday, August 13 as part of the 24th annual Newport Art Museum Wet Paint fundraiser, which generated $145,651 in support of museum exhibitions, outreach, education, collections care and historic preservation efforts, according to the nonprofit organization Thursday.
The total raised from the sale of 526 works of art created by the troupe of artists present that summer afternoon marks a new record in the event’s 24-year history.
A silent auction, which raised $55,401, took place the night before the Wet Paint festival.
The weekend’s festivities concluded with a live auction Sunday afternoon which saw 28 works of art sell for $102,301 – all in support of the museum’s operations.
Additional funds were raised from sponsorships, Preview Party admission, the cash bar and additional donations. Co-chaired by Rupert Nesbitt, Victoria Rios and Brooke Roberts, sponsors for the event included Russell Morin Catering & Events and Newport Restaurant Group.
Emily Gowdey-Backus is a staff writer for PBN. You can follow her on Twitter @FlashGowdey or contact her via email, gowdey-backus@pbn.com.
