The City of Newport is hosting a public reception to meet sculptor, CJ Rench, who was awarded the contract to create the city’s first Percent for the Arts project. The reception will be held on Thursday, April 28, 2016, from 4:00 – 5:30 P.M., in the City Council Chambers of the Newport City Hall, 169 SW Coast Highway. The project is a sculpture entitled, “Happy People,” which will be located at the new Aquatic Center. Rench will be in Newport for two days working with students at local schools, and attending the Rotary Club meeting on April 28, and the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce luncheon on April 29. His work with students will focus on coloring the sculpture both on paper and wooden models. The goal of the student work is to guide the city’s Public Arts Committee in finalizing the colors of the sculpture. Everyone is invited to attend this public reception to meet the artist, view the model and photographs of Rench’ other works, and enjoy refreshments. For additional information, contact Peggy Hawker, City Recorder/Special Projects Director at 541.574.0613.