Newport's Art Deco Festival

The art deco era was the first time in history where the movies and the medium of film served as a force in the popular culture of the day.

Courtesy: citycenternewport.com

(NEWPORT, Ore.) - “Art Deco August” will spotlight and celebrate the appreciation of Newport’s art deco heritage throughout the final month of summer – presented by the City Center Newport Association, the Oregon Coast Council for the Arts and the City of Newport.

The August celebration is aimed at increasing public awareness of the art deco era in a series of fun, entertaining and educational events for all ages.

A grant from the City of Newport’s Tourism Event Startup fund is helping to fund this way to attract visitors from throughout Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.

The Oregon Coast has a special history of art deco style due to the six major bridges built by Conde B. McCullough in the late 1930s.

These bridges did more than open the door to modern transportation, they left a unique art deco legacy on the coast.

As the new highway-oriented culture took root, the modern progressive design of the bridges affected new construction in places like Newport’s City Center business district. This resulted in a distinct pocket of art deco style, one with its own unique history and culture.

The Art of Deco is a month long exhibition running from August 1st - 30th at the Newport Visual Arts Center, located at 777 NW Beach Drive in Newport.

The exhibition will show how the art deco design aesthetic was so pervasive that it influenced not just architecture, but people’s clothing, means of travel, work and the way they spent their free time.

The Art Deco Film Festival runs August 8th - 9th at the Newport Performing Arts Center, located at 777 W. Olive Street in Newport.

When Radio was King! will recreate the “Golden Age of Radio” with live staged performances of classic radio plays August 22nd - 23rd at the Newport Visual Arts Center. The performances will feature some of the best local actors complete with sound effects and music.

The art deco era was the first time in history where the movies and the medium of film served as a force in the popular culture of the day. The festival will feature eight different programs.

Art Deco August will also feature a weekly series of Educational Lectures, Guided Walks and more. Event admission prices range from free for the exhibits and walks to $12 for the 30s Movie Palace Experience.

To learn more, visit www.citycenternewport.com or call 541-574-6530.