When you know, you know. Each person has their own a-ha moment when it comes to art and mine occurred here. Newport is over-filled with art galleries, but after seeing the rest, I thought Ozone was the best.
Rather than follow the local trend of having a little bit of everything (glass, paintings, wood carvings, metal sculpture and jewelry), Ozone is a contemporary gallery that features only a few local artists at a time. So depending on whether you like the artists du jour, will affect your enjoyment of the gallery.
But, they also offer free wine tasting. So even if you don't decide to purchase, you can browse through the gallery and enjoy the view of Newport Bay. I absolutely hit it off with Karen and ended up purchasing three different pieces of art. It was for a space in my home I've been trying to fill for over three years.
If you purchase more than one piece, there is a 'collector's discount' and we had a funny discussion about how it is sad for a gallery owner, and the artist, to see some pieces sold. I assured her that it was going to someone who would love the art and she requested that I send her a photo of my purchases in their new environment.
So feel free to wander through the other galleries for your beach tchotchkes, but if you want to experience some innovative artists and sip a little wine, then don't forget to visit Ozone. read more