Art at the Library
Joan Gladstone: Paintings and Prints
May 5, 2025 - June 29, 2025, Central Library
Joan Gladstone paints the California Dreamin’ lifestyle. She uses bold colors, clean lines, and minimalist compositions to portray coastal scenes in a contemporary style. Her favorite compliment is when people say her work is “beautiful, colorful, and happy.”
This summer, the Newport Beach Central Library debuts three paintings in Joan’s new series dedicated to historic Route 66. Joan and her husband Ed have traveled most of the road in search of iconic motels and cafes, just like millions of travelers who found adventure on America’s first great highway. Sadly, many of these historic stops have disappeared or are fading away. To help preserve memories of the Mother Road, Joan’s paintings imagine beloved signs as they may have looked in their heyday. Route 66 celebrates its 100th birthday in 2026.
An oil painter for over 25 years, Joan was honored to have eight paintings on exhibition at the Hilbert Museum of California Art. Her work has appeared in scores of juried art shows including John Wayne Airport, Crystal Cove Conservancy, City of Laguna Beach, and Huntington Beach Art Center. She exhibits at the Sawdust Art Festival in Laguna Beach each summer.
Joan’s artwork is Route 66 Centennial Certified. The sale of paintings and prints will support an official Route 66 Centennial grant program designed to help revitalize and sustain Route 66 as a national icon and international destination.
Artwork copyright ©Joan Gladstone
All Rights Reserved
Upcoming Installations
2025
- June 30 - August 22: Kathy Bambeck (Puzzle Paintings)
- August 25 - October 17: Joe Cladis (Lithographs)
- October 20 - December 12: Susan Neas (Watercolor Paintings)
- December 15 - February 6, 2026: Hugo Zhang (Photography)
To have artwork considered for an exhibition at the Central Library, download and fill out the Application for Consideration Art
In the News
- Local Artist Joan Gladstone’s Exhibition at the Newport Beach Public Library Features Route 66 Artwork
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- Library hosts first-ever exhibition for artist
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- An artistic celebration for Rex Brandt at Library
- City Honors Rex Brandt
- Famed watercolorist comes home to Newport Beach
- City to honor CDM Artist with Saturday events
- Rex Brandt Centennial Celebration & Art Exhibit