Creative Henderson

The End of an Artful Era

2011-05-04T15:05:00.000-07:00

My affiliation with the Henderson Art Association, from the get-go, was serendipitous if planned at all. Driving home one breezy evening 4 years ago, listening to 88.9 KNPR, I heard an announcement for Third Thursday in downtown Henderson or, as Susanne Reese (who I hadn't yet met) would later educate me, in "the heart of the Water Street District." I marked it on my calendar and, when that day arrived, so too did I, at the Old Town Gallery.

Although I knew no one and this historic part of Henderson was completely new to me, I was welcomed by a lovely group of artists and patrons. Immediately I felt at ease, at home, among friends. The gallery and the streets were abuzz with foot traffic. Wine poured. Beer flowed. Live music played. The room filled to near capacity. Other galleries? Same thing. It was a quietly kept secret.

I went on to inquire about getting some of my own art up on the walls and a gracious Kelly Anaya (Green) was kind enough to tell me about the jury process. I later submitted my work and it got in. The gallery remained and artists continued to show and support one another.

Then, within a few short months, things took a turn. The economy began to slow. The lease came up. The rent doubled or tripled. An executive decision was made not to renew. The gallery was replaced by a furniture store. Leadership changed hands several times. But a few stood steadfast and continued to move the organization forward. And, with the digital revolution upon us, two and a half years ago, this blog was born to continue the momentum of that dedicated group online, perhaps in its absence in the physical world. I am proud to have been part of the Henderson Art Association and, for a short while, a member of its leadership. But all good things must come to an end.

The HAA had amassed a modest fan base here. 29 followers. Thank you. As you may have noticed, the most recent post before this one is from October of last year following a stellar presentation by Jelaine Faunce, the final featured guest in the HAA Speaker Series. Her content was brilliant. The group in attendance was riveted. There just weren't that many of them. It was at that point that I, personally, was faced with making the hard decision to return my attention to my own creativity, forsaking pursuits (like this one) that may have, in some small way, benefited the group. And now, in similar fashion, the organization too is winding down, not necessarily because that's what it wants to do. But, after many years of maintaining, it seems it's what it needs to do. On a positive note, the cultural arts movement is alive and well in southern Nevada and plenty of artists are blazing trails on their own.

Current HAA President Deborah Mays, the board of directors, and affiliate members have done a tremendous job of keeping the organization alive and in great operating shape. But running any business (even a not-for-profit artists' group) requires time, maintenance, passion, commitment, and, if not youth, youthful enthusiasm that is hopefully contagious and shared by all.

Thank you, HAA, and readers, for giving me a place to share my work and a reason to write. I have made many friends and a few valuable acquaintances. I know those who founded the organization and achieved membership long before me share similar sentiments. Thank you all for coming out, showing your support, making beautiful things, and sharing them with the world. What leaves with the closing of these doors remains in each of our hearts.

Finally, here is the official letter from Deborah Mays sent to all current artists in good standing, informing them of the board's decision. This is a small community. I'm sure we will see each other somewhere and this blog will remain if anyone ever cares to sift through the archives. Between us all, we accomplished wonderful things and made the community an aesthetically richer place. For all of it, each of us who contributed in any way should be incredibly proud. Wherever you are, whatever you're doing, stay creative.

The Henderson Artists' Way

2010-10-15T09:37:00.000-07:00

Join us Tuesday evening, October 19th, as Henderson realist artist Jelaine Faunce shares her work and the methodical preparation that is a huge part of her creative process. Jelaine will be the 9th in our ongoing HAA Speaker Series, presenting "Meditative Painting: How I Address My Own Doubts and Fears at the Easel Using Energetic and Spiritual Techniques."

HAA member and board member Nabila Khanam will be presenting some of her photographic work and stories as well, as this month's Curtain Raiser.

You will leave enlightened. You don't want to miss it.

7:00-8:30 pm. Findlay Toyota, 2nd floor. 7733 Eastgate Rd, Henderson, NV.

The Vitality of Revitilization

2010-10-12T06:59:00.000-07:00

Henderson artists and residents often find themselves discussing the need for growth and revitalization in the downtown area. We're not alone. It would seem downtown Las Vegas, with the development of the Smith Center for the Performing Arts and the 18b Arts District, is on the same page and on the cusp of a cultural surge. In fact, they may be a couple of steps ahead. It's not a competition. Any progress to that end in this whole region is a benefit to all of us. If you're interested in seeing and hearing about what that revitalization may ultimately look like, join the discussion at tomorrow night's (October 13th's) Symphony Park Lecture Series The Urban Vibe. It's free to the public and sure to be enlightening. 5-6:00 pm Wine Bar. 6-7:00 pm Panel Discussion. Fifth Street School, 401 South Fourth Street, Las Vegas, NV.

Learn more here:

Symphony Park | Las Vegas, Nevada | Downtown Las Vegas Arts and Events

Eating Las Vegas | The Urban Vibe Panel Discussion

October HAA General Meeting Coming Up. Mark Your Calendars.

2010-10-11T13:59:00.001-07:00

Please join us Tuesday evening, October 19th, for our monthly Henderson Art Association general meeting. HAA member, board member, and resident photographer Nabila Khanam will be sharing her work anecdotally as the Curtain Raiser. She will be followed by renowned artist Jelaine Faunce who will be presenting her work and her process as part of our ongoing speaker series.

Jelaine is a contemporary realist artist based in Henderson, NV. She graduated from UNLV in 1996 with a B.A. in Fine Art, and has worked full-time as a freelance artist since 2000. She paints primarily in oil on canvas, her subject matter most often being still life arrangements she creates herself. Her work resides in private and corporate collections throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. We are happy to have her among us for an evening.

Specifically, Jelaine will be walking through her artistic process as she discusses her very personal artistic journey and presents "Meditative Painting: How I Address My Own Doubts and Fears at the Easel Using Energetic and Spiritual Techniques." Her work may be viewed here: Jelaine Faunce Studio

HAA general meetings are held the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 7:00 to 8:30 pm on the 2nd floor of Findlay Toyota, 7733 Eastgate Rd, Henderson, NV. There will be no meeting in December. There will be meetings all remaining months of 2010 and on into 2011. If you're not there, rest assured, you're missing out.

HAA "Saturation" Show Reception September 29th

2010-09-28T14:38:00.000-07:00

Please join us Wednesday, September 29th for an artists reception at the Henderson Multigenerational Center's Liberty Point Gallery. The hour-long reception will begin at 6:30 pm and kicks off a themed show entitled "Saturation." Work will remain on display until October 26th, 2010. HAA artists represented are Linda Celona, Vina Curtis, Shirley Jeane, Nabila Khanam, Yoko Konopik, Deborah Mays, Sharon Menary, Kathleen Mullinnix, Wendy Rountree, Dorothy Fenner, Jo Firm, and Jan Schaeffer.

The Henderson Multigenerational Center is located at 250 S. Green Valley Parkway and open Monday through Friday from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Sunday 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Enjoy the show and thanks to all for hanging and participating.

HAA September General Meeting Coming Up. Mark Your Calendars.

2010-09-08T21:04:00.000-07:00

Please join us Tuesday evening, September 21st, as Henderson Art Association general meetings and guest speaker series resume after a long, hot summer.

HAA Secretary and President of the Nevada Watercolor Society Vina Curtis will be the evening's curtain raiser, sharing some of her work and personal stories.

Coach Margit Macchia will follow up as the evening's guest speaker, imparting knowledge on "How to Market Your Artwork" and create extra income in a creative field.

Margit Macchia has a resumé a mile long. She specializes in business coaching, relationship coaching, health coaching, network marketing coaching, and debt recovery coaching. Basically, if you need coaching on anything, look no further. She is a self-published author with a penchant for fundraising and has too many other credits to her name to list here. It's sure to be a fun and enlightening hour and a half. Don't miss it.

HAA Artist Sharon Menary Work On Display

2010-08-18T21:50:00.000-07:00

Photo by Nicky Watts

Two promotional postcards featuring pieces from Menary's show "View the World Through Artist Colors"

HAA artist Sharon Menary currently has a one woman show on display at the Liberty Point Gallery within the Henderson Multigenerational Center. The title of the show is "View the World Through Artist Colors." It was installed on the 16th of this month and will remain available for viewing now through September 17, 2010. The exhibit is free and open to the public. The Henderson Multigenerational Center is located at 250 S. Green Valley Parkway and open Monday through Friday from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Sunday 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Regarding her work and her philosophy, Sharon says the following:

"I have tried a lot of things in my life but one thing was always present. I wanted to be an artist. I was afraid to let go of traditional thinking—'you need a day job.' When I let go of that limiting thought, I allowed myself, for the first time, to redefine who I wanted to be and what I wanted to do. Freedom is scary at first, then exhilarating."

2010-08-07T15:10:00.000-07:00

The summer heat has been relentless and many of us have taken the past couple of months to regroup and conserve our creative energy. Rest assured, as the dog days begin to wind down and the promise of a more bearable fall becomes more evident, so too do our creative juices begin to flow.

We took the two most brutal months (July and August) off but HAA general meetings will resume in September. Woohoo! Third Tuesday of the month. Mark your calendars. Details to come.

Karen Tarlton is the most recent addition to the HAA. As of this month, she joins us as an artist member. Her work may be viewed at either of these two websites: http://www.karensfineart.com/ and http://karensfineart.blogspot.com/ Please join us in welcoming Karen.

The Henderson City Hall changeout took place last week. The show will be up by Monday, August 9th and will hang for six months. Participating HAA artists include Nabila Khanam, Shirley Jeane, Dorothy Slikker, Linda Celona, Yoko Kondo Konopik, and Bernie Fiebranz. Stop in and see the work if you get a chance.

A Little Recognition Goes A Long Way.

2010-06-26T12:39:00.000-07:00

Ron and Kitty Boeddeker founded the Henderson Art Association in 2001. Third Thursday began as a cooperative effort between the City of Henderson Redevelopment Department, the HAA Old Town Gallery, and City Lights Gallery in 2003. The Boeddekers were instrumental in helping establish an art scene in Henderson and artists/organizations have been volunteering ever since. Today, their legacy carries on as others continue to do great things for local arts and art education. Below are recent recipients of the 2010 Art Education Third Thursday ARTsWALK Recognition Awards. These awards represent appreciation of volunteer hours, talent, and devotion to Water Street District Arts.

2010 Art Education Third Thursday ARTsWALK Recognition Awards

Elayne LaPorts Fine Arts

National recognition for her art and art education outreach philosophy

Art Education Outreach

Patty Dominguez - Sally Ahlstedt - Ellen Gibbons

Henderson Art Association

Deb Mays - Jo Firm - Andrew Maioli

Community Outreach

Sharon Menary

City Lights Gallery

Al Matwiejow - Merle Blair

Aldema Ridge and City Lights 2 - Yoko Konopik - Jan Schaeffer - Etel Surany

Third Thursday Leadership

Henderson Art Association (Old Town Gallery) - City Lights Gallery

Susanne Reese - Tiffany Reardon - Shereene Hale - Brenda Lee Schmidt

Water Street District Business Association

Dave Beason - Tom Foster - Gary Reese - Bud Pico

Special honors and appreciation to our Henderson Artist Registry Artists and Organizations:

Vina Curtis and the Nevada Watercolor Society

Hollis Spinners and Weavers - Las Vegas Fiber Arts Guild

Shirley Jeane Exhibits in Book Boutique Gallery

The mural artistry of Ozvaldo Villate, Guiseppe Abreu, Beckmann Studios, Brad Giles, Hal Carter

Cultural Arts and Tourism City Hall Gallery

Ellen Gibbons and the Gallery at Liberty Point

2010-06-12T13:26:00.000-07:00

Everything's news-worthy. Here are a few things that have taken place recently for the HAA. Follow us on Facebook Facebook | Henderson Art Association to be kept even more up-to-date.

• We recently welcomed new Artist Member Bernd M. Feibranz. His work may be viewed here:

http://www.berniefiebranz.com/

• Artist Member and Events Coordinator Sharon Menary's "Spirit of Life" (below) was one of 69 pieces chosen for the May Celebration of Life Show. There were a total of 220 entries. Congratulations, Sharon.

• June's HAA general meeting will not be taking place. Instead there will be an Artist's Appreciation Show at Giovanni's Pizza in Henderson. The show will go up on Saturday, June 19th and there will be a reception/mixer, open to all, to kick it off on Sunday, June 27th. More details to come.

Sharon Menary's Student Show: A Wild Success

2010-05-31T10:03:00.000-07:00

One week ago, Sunday, HAA Events Coordinator and artist member Sharon Menary hosted her first student exhibition at Giovanni's Pizza in Henderson, NV, and the result was wonderful. These are photos from the reception. Great pizza and self-expression. What could be better than that? The work is still on display. If you're in the area, check it out. There will be many more shows upcoming featuring student and professional work. Keep your calendars open. Stay creative.

HAA May General Meeting Revisited

2010-05-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

Photos of our May Henderson Art Association general meeting, captured by HAA artist and resident photographer Nabila Khanam.

As artists, through our work and our stories, we are committed to making the world a more beautiful place. Heather Abel, Green movement evangelist and artist in her own right, is committed to doing the same in her own creative, eco-conscious way. This past Tuesday, at our May general meeting, artists and other attendees found out just how committed. Heather spoke extensively and enthusiastically on Green advancements here in the southern Nevada region. She covered a range of artist opportunities and had meeting attendees create their own recycled sculpture masterpieces on the spot. Even the most creative among us can get stuck or have our process become routine. This was a great way for folks to do something interactive and break conventions of what art can be and where it can come from.

HAA artist member Boo Witzman shared artwork as this month's curtain raiser and HAA President Deb Mays covered off on all other agenda items. Thank you for attending. Hope to see you next month. There may be a mixer in June instead of the general meeting. Different day, time, and venue. Stay tuned. Details to come soon.

See the entire collection of photos on our Facebook fan page: Facebook | Henderson Art Association

Direct link to album: Facebook | HAA May General Meeting

Paintings and Pizza

2010-05-21T20:10:00.000-07:00

HAA Events Coordinator and artist member Sharon Menary is also an instructor, and this weekend she's organized an exhibition for her students at Giovanni's Pizza. A few months back Nevada Watercolor Society President Vina Curtis had a great show in the same location. This one looks to be equally successful. The work of Menary's students has been hanging since May 16th and will remain on display until June 15, 2010. There will be a reception this Sunday, May 23rd, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Giovanni's is located in the shopping plaza on the southeast corner of Eastern and Warm Springs. View a map and get directions here: Giovanni's Pizzeria - Google Maps

Hope many of you can make it. Bring your appetites and a friend.

This Week HAA Speaks Green.

2010-05-16T20:17:00.000-07:00

Please join the HAA this Tuesday evening in welcoming Heather "GoingGreen Girl" Abel as the seventh speaker in our Guest Speaker Series. Heather is an ECO consultant and special events coordinator who will be speaking on the growing green movement here in the Las Vegas Valley and Henderson areas, and relating its benefits and implications to artists. She will cover recycling, up-cycling, artist material resources, artist material donations, the Green Gallery, First Friday, and other engaging and relevant topics. Attendees will design and build a sculpture using recycled materials as a demonstration of her recycled art projects currently being implemented with a youth audience as educational outreach. This is one you won't want to miss.

Tuesday, May 18th, 7:00-8:30 pm, at Findlay Toyota in Henderson. 7733 Eastgate Rd., Henderson, NV. Hope to see you there.

Henderson Artfest: Another Huge Creative Success!

2010-05-14T11:45:00.000-07:00

These photos taken by HAA President Deb Mays at last Sunday's ArtFest do a wonderful job of highlighting the events of the day. Among winners of the chalk art competition, Vegas Artists Guild President Roberto Rico. See the full gallery of photos here: http://www.kodakgallery.com/debmays/artfest

(If you don't already have a Kodak Gallery account, you may be asked to create one. Free. Takes 30 seconds. Piece of cake.)

HAA May General Meeting One Week Away

2010-05-10T22:38:00.001-07:00

Mark your calendars, please. Another great Henderson Art Association meeting is upon us. There will be music, food, art, familiar faces, and always a surprise or two. Details on the curtain raiser and guest speaker to come. Check back here soon. There are always a few stray easels lying around the room. Feel free to bring a piece of your latest work or two, so people can see it. Why not? Art is meant to be shared.

HAA general meetings are held the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 7:00 to 8:30 pm on the 2nd floor of Findlay Toyota, 7733 Eastgate Rd, Henderson, NV. There will be no meeting July, August, or December. There will be meetings all other months and if you're not there, rest assured, you're missing out.

HAA April General Meeting Revisited

2010-05-04T19:16:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago, an enthusiastic crowd gathered for another general meeting of the Henderson Art Association and the sixth speaker in our ongoing Guest Speaker Series. HAA President Deb Mays set the stage. Then HAA treasurer and artist member Shirley Jeane shared her work and the journey of several years it's taken her to master her painting style, which emulates results that might ordinarily be achieved digitally. It was a great walk through her process.

Caricaturist Popeye Wong then did a wonderful job of deconstructing his digital technique. Before ever taking to the computer and moving from mouse to Wacom tablet, Popeye mastered traditional airbrush art. His pieces are primarily erotica but he has an incredible gift for recreating just about any likeness. The attention to detail and number of steps from start to finish are a testament to his painstaking level of perfectionism. Above are just a few of the images from that evening. See more at our HAA Facebook fan page, linked here: Facebook | Henderson Art Association

May's HAA meeting will be held at the same time in the same place. Tuesday, May 18th from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at Findlay Toyota in Henderson. All HAA meetings take place there on the 3rd Tuesday of each month, unless otherwise specified. No meeting July, August, or December. There's music, food, refreshments, good company, and artistic enlightenment. The next one promises to be even better than the last. Feel free to bring friends. If you have interest in membership, volunteering, or being a guest speaker, contact us here: artistsinhenderson@yahoo.com

Featured Artist On the Blog Today? Michael Ambrose

2010-04-18T22:32:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since we've featured an artist on this site. Well, we're back at it. The tradition continues. HAA artist Michael Ambrose has been waiting a long time (very patiently, I might add) to have his work displayed here, but the wait is over. Above? A small sample of his paintings. Below? An accurately paraphrased version of his bio. Enjoy.

In 1989, Michael took a class in painting portraits in oils, in the UK. He was planning to spend the next few years sailing the world's oceans and had decided he needed a new project to take with him for the mental exercise it would provide.

While at sea, he did very little painting as he quickly discovered that sailing, provisioning, boat maintenance, and all the fun things to do in each new port left little time for anything else.

So it was not until he decided, in 2004, that he was getting too old to be roaming the world's oceans, sold his sailboat, and took up residence in Henderson, NV, that he began to paint in earnest.

He joined the Henderson Senior Center's Art Class, which meets every Monday for two and a half hours, and has continued painting there ever since, under the expert tutelage of Icel Mitkiff.

Later that year, he applied and was granted membership within the Henderson Art Association. He has remained a member and displayed work at various HAA exhibitions.

In 2006, Michael took a 2-week art course at the renowned art center in St. Ives, Cornwall, England at the advice of an artist relative. As a result, he has broadened the subject matter of his paintings, which were almost exclusively portraits. Now his body of work also includes street scenes, beach scenes, animals, and seascapes.

Upcoming April HAA General Meeting

2010-04-16T10:21:00.000-07:00

Please join us this coming Tuesday, April 20th for our monthly general meeting of members, artists, and aspiring creative people. Cartoonist Popeye Wong will be the 6th speaker in our Guest Speaker Series, speaking about his work and demonstrating how to cartoon. There will be a 50/50 raffle, refreshments, music, and curtain raiser Shirley Jeane will take the floor first to speak about her work and "warm up" the audience.

7:00-8:30 pm at Findlay Toyota in Henderson, NV. 7733 Eastgate Rd. 2nd floor. All HAA meetings take place there on the 3rd Tuesday of each month, unless otherwise specified. No meeting July, August, or December. Feel free to bring friends.

Upcoming HAA Guest Speaker: Popeye Wong

2010-04-09T10:33:00.000-07:00

Talented cartoonist and airbrush artist Popeye Wong will be speaking about his artistic career, creative technique, and the erotic art he creates at our April HAA General Meeting. Don't miss. it. Tuesday, April 20th at Findlay Toyota in Henderson. 7733 Eastgate Rd., Henderson, NV. 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Refreshments will be served.

City Lights 3rd Juried Art Show: Great Turnout. Winners Named.

2010-03-20T17:15:00.000-07:00

Another stellar crowd descended upon the Water Street District's City Lights Gallery Saturday, one week ago, to raise each other up and give out some much-deserved praise and recognition to Henderson's and Vegas' growing body of artists. This was City Lights' 3rd Juried Fine Art Show. Lynda Whitehairr took Best of Show with "Desert Passion." Several HAA artists received recognition as well:

Ed Klein (also City Lights Art Co-Op & Gallery President): 1st place

Colin Pringle: 1st and 2nd place

Aileen Dike: 3rd place and Honorable Mention

Georgia Lawson: 3rd place

Sharon Menary: 3rd place

Jan Schaeffer: 3rd place

Andrew Maioli: Honorable Mention

March HAA General Meeting: Another Great One.

2010-03-20T16:59:00.000-07:00

HAA member Kathy Mullinnix and guest speaker Brian Paco Alvarez dazzled Tuesday evening's group of artists and attendees at our March general meeting. Mullinnix shared stories of her transition from the Bay area to the desert and from commercial artist to fine artist. Alvarez spoke lovingly of Las Vegas art history and with promise for its future. If you didn't make this one, you missed out, but there's always next month. April's guest speaker and meeting agenda will be shared here in the coming weeks. Check back early and often. See more photos and become a fan, member, and active participant at our fan page on Facebook: Facebook | Henderson Art Association. Stay creative.

HAA General Meeting TONIGHT!!! (Tuesday, March 16)

2010-03-16T07:32:00.000-07:00

Don't miss it. Join us for music, refreshments, a raffle, and good company and conversation. Cultural arts enthusiast, historian, and curator extraordinaire Brian Paco Alvarez will be the guest speaker, preceded by HAA artist Kathy Mullinnix who will set the stage as this month's curtain raiser.

Brian is a cultural force to be reckoned with. We are honored to have him take the stage. Visit his website and see an earlier brief post about him here on our site:

http://www.lvartsandculture.blogspot.com/

Creative Henderson: Brian Paco Alvarez

Kathy is a member of the Las Vegas Art Guild and Nevada Watercolor Society as well. She has worked for many years as a commercial artist and is currently enjoying art as a means of self expression. The past 5 years for her have been an exploratory journey in finding her own style and developing her own unique artistic voice. Here are two pieces of her work. Hear more from the artist herself this evening.

7:00 pm at Findlay Toyota in Henderson, NV. 7733 Eastgate Rd. 2nd floor. All HAA meetings take place there on the 3rd Tuesday of each month, unless otherwise specified. No meeting July, August, or December.

Jane Fielden to be guest artist at next Meridian Show. Tradition of generosity from local business couple continues.

2010-03-14T12:28:00.000-07:00

In true fashion, Henderson's RAFI Architecture will host yet another artist's reception this Thursday evening from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm. This time there will be even more reason to attend. For the first time, artist Jane Fielden, wife of RAFI Architecture owner Bob Fielden, will be showing her work and recognized as the HAA's guest artist.

In the absence of a formal gallery space, RAFI has in many ways become the unofficial home of the HAA, allowing our artists to line their walls with work from one month to the next. This is just another testament to the couples' dedication to art, the community, and support of local business. Jane and Bob Fielden were recipients of last year's 29th Annual Governor's Award in the Arts.

Again, the reception will take place Thursday, March 18th (also Third Thursday) at 155 S. Water Street in Henderson, NV. Even if you don't have work hanging, this is one show not to be missed.

Learn more about RAFI Architecture at their website: RAFI Architecture and also here in the most recent Water Street District (WSD) Spotlight: waterstreetdistrict.com

A brief bio and Artist Statement of Jane Fielden can be viewed on our Facebook fan page.

Facebook | Henderson Art Association

Direct link: Facebook | HAA: Jane Fielden

Henderson artist Vina Curtis sells another piece.

2010-03-11T14:48:00.000-08:00

Vina Curtis is an HAA artist. She's also the HAA Secretary. Her list of credits doesn't stop there. She's a signature member and President of the Nevada Watercolor Society and Promotion Director of the Boulder City Art Guild.

She recently had a show and sold the piece shown above titled "Sunflowers," described by Vina as a wax resist on mulberry paper floated in a 16" x 20" frame.

Her show (at Giovanni's Pizzeria, 7380 S. Eastern #110, LV) is up for another three days, until March 14th. Check it out if you can. See more of Vina's work here: Art by Vina Curtis

HAA March General Meeting One Week from Today

2010-03-09T05:45:00.000-08:00

Las Vegas curator and cultural enthusiast Brian Paco Alvarez to speak at next week's meeting. He's the fifth in our Guest Speaker Series. Don't miss it. Learn more about Paco and his love for the arts and the fostering of them in our fair cities here.

http://www.lvartsandculture.blogspot.com/

HAA General Meetings take place on the second floor of Findlay Toyota located at 7733 Eastgate Rd in Henderson, NV, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. There will be music, refreshments, plenty of familiar faces, and always enlightening conversation. Please join us.

February Third Thursday Revisited

2010-03-04T08:22:00.000-08:00

Another wonderful celebration of creativity in the Heart of the Water Street District. Art, music, galleries, a little bit of everything. Many familiar faces and always a few new ones. Mark your calendars for March Third Thursday (18th). It'll be here before you know it. Check out the entire body of photos from February on the Henderson Art Association Facebook fan page:

Facebook | Henderson Art Association

Third Thursday This Week in Henderson

2010-02-17T08:06:00.000-08:00

Join us in the heart of the Water Street District tomorrow evening, February 18th, for another Third Thursday Celebration. Starts at 5:00 pm. Goes till 8:00. If the weather and turnout are great, maybe even 9:00. Mark your calendars for future events and learn more here:

http://www.waterstreetdistrict.com/experience

http://hendersonlive.com/calendar2010

As One Door Closes, Another Opens.

2010-02-15T17:25:00.000-08:00

For once in a long while, I actually have the time and capacity to sit and construct a post that's not about short-term events, like an upcoming show, artist's reception, or monthly meeting, but about the long-term viability of arts and culture in the region. And, judging from what's going on right now, there's plenty to talk about.

One day (last Wednesday) I'm reading an article in the LV Sun about the shuttering of the Ritz-Carlton (YES! THE RITZ-CARLTON!) at Montelago Village. The Ritz-Carlton doesn't close. That's like the mailman not delivering or the Sun not rising. It simply doesn't happen. Yet, apparently, it does.

Link: Closing of Ritz-Carlton at Lake Las Vegas raises concerns of ripple effect - Las Vegas Sun

The very next day, however, I'm reading about the construction of The Smith Center at Symphony Park—a $245 million construction project currently underway (I've seen the backhoes and cranes with my own eyes) slated for completion by the end of 2011 and open to the public by spring 2012.

Link: Las Vegas Weekly : Inside the Smith Center

One (the tragedy) is situated miles from The Strip, near one of two lakes which may very well go the way of the R-C if our reclamation efforts continue to come up...uh...dry. The other (the love story) takes place a little to the north of Vegas proper but smack dab in the middle of the ongoing redevelopment and imminent revitalization. Alas, there is hope, for some of us, for many of us, for all of us.

So I'm forced to remind myself (and all of you), for every glimpse of despair, there is a flicker of hope. For every cry of disappointment, there is a shout of encouragement. For every admission of defeat, there is a harbinger of victory.

There was a time when I may have thought twice about mentioning the revitalization of one city (Las Vegas) in the same breath as that of another (Henderson), for fear of upsetting those who may support and participate in the art circles of one, versus the other. Well, those days are gone, as are the days of artists expecting to be wildly successful operating on their own. Don't get me wrong. It can happen. But it's harder, it will take longer, and the tales of prosperity beyond our wildest dreams will remain few and far between. The only way for the revitalization of any or all of our communities to actually succeed is for the communities themselves and the artists within them to come together.

The change that we seek will not come if we're not optimistic. It also will not come if we're not active and proactive. Follow us here on the HAA blog or on our FB fan page ( Facebook | Henderson Art Association ). Let us know what's going on in the arts communities, near and far. Share the links with your friends and get people to join or volunteer their time. Whatever you do, don't remain complacent or huddled up in your studio waiting for things to change on their own or at the hands of a few others, 'cause that's never gonna happen.

Take a look at some of these links that show the ongoing and future promise of a vibrant art and culture community:

http://www.firstfriday-lasvegas.org/

http://www.18b.org/

http://www.symphonypark.com/

http://themissionlasvegas.com/

http://www.meetup.com/themissionlasvegas/

Gibson Library 2.0

http://www.hendersonlive.com

http://www.artfest.com

http://www.waterstreetdistrict.com/

HAA February General Meeting

2010-02-14T12:08:00.001-08:00

Mark your calendars and join HAA members and fellow artists for our general meeting Tuesday evening, February 16th. 7:00-8:30 pm at Findlay Toyota, located at 7733 Eastgate Rd. in Henderson, NV.

Renowned artist Colin Pringle will be the guest speaker.

January HAA General Meeting Kicks off 2010 With a Bang.

2010-01-31T11:40:00.001-08:00

Artist Joseph Watson shares work and creative expertise with a riveted audience of fellow artists at our January HAA general meeting.

If you're a member of the HAA (or not) and you missed out January meeting, you missed something special. The torrential downpours and flash flooding understandably kept a few of you away but for those intrepid enough to make the trip, it was a special evening. HAA President Deb Mays kicked things off with a list of successes in 2009 and upcoming events for the new year. Andrew Maioli talked a little about the Red Competition which was a resounding success. Then HAA First Vice President Wendy Rountree took the floor to introduce HAA Outside Venues Coordinator Sharon Menary, also our first and featured curtain raiser on the evening. The curtain raiser spot is designed to allow one artist to talk about their work for a few minutes as a precursor to the guest speaker. Sharon took it a step further, opening up and sharing with all of us an abridged version of her colorful life story and everything that has ever inspired her to be the wonderful artist she is today. It was truly a delight to hear. Photos were taken but the light was low and the camera was a little shaky, so you'll just have to go to her site to see the self portrait that was on display by her side and the contents of the several "brag books" she brought with her. Her advice to every artist? Take your art. Make copies. Put them in your brag book. Then, yes, brag. Do so with passion and humility.

Sharon's story was met with a thunderous round of applause. She was a tough act to follow but, rest assured, guest speaker and multi-talented artist Joseph Watson rose to the occasion. Once the UStream feed was set up properly so his lecture could be broadcast live over the web (a first for the HAA), he began. From then on, the story of his rise from humble beginnings as an airbrush artist to his current concept art and licensing successes had us all fully engaged.

Thank you, Sharon and Joseph, for sharing your experiences with us. In large part to your stories, it was an evening not soon to be forgotten. Special thanks also the HAA Board, Georgia Lawson for collecting funds and conducting the 50-50 raffle, members of Club Sport Green Valley for attending and extending a warm welcome to artists at your facility, and to everyone in attendance. Looking forward to February.

Become a fan on our Facebook fan page and keep up with the Henderson and LV arts communities.

Facebook | Henderson Art Association

HAA Red Competition Winners Announced

2010-01-23T19:13:00.001-08:00

The Red Competition has been judged and winners were announced this past Thursday (3rd Thursday) during a wonderful awards reception. Award recipients listed below with credits. The show will continue to hang through March 16th on the second floor of the Meridian Building on Water Street in Henderson, NV. Photos have also been posted to the Facebook HAA fan page (Facebook | Henderson Art Association). Follow us there and invite any and all artists, friends, organizations, and advocates of creativity, near and far, to support, join, or just occasionally check us out.

Best of Show: Yoko Kondo Konopik "In The Air" (right)

1st Place: Vina Curtis "Red Pears"

2nd Place: Yoko Kondo Konopik "Time" (left)

3rd Place: Georgia Lawson "Red Barron" (top)

Honorable Mention: Jay Jarrett "A Little More Action Please"

Honorable Mention: Colin Pringle "European Rose"

Honorable Mention: Andrew Maioli "Mojave of the Soul"

Henderson Art Association now live on Facebook.

2010-01-13T21:30:00.001-08:00

Check out the fan page. Become a fan. Tell your friends. Get involved. Come to meetings. Become a member. Pay your dues. Make donations. Buy t-shirts. Share your work. Take part in the guest speaker series. Support your fellow artists. Share news from your community. Make 2010 the year of creativity that it should be.

Facebook | Henderson Art Association

HAA Artist Closes Out 2009 With Yet Another Sale

2010-01-12T20:45:00.000-08:00

Jelly Bean Jungle

March Maddness

HAA artist Sharon Menary, photographed by fellow HAA artist Nicky Watts

On the heels of her recent sale of Jelly Bean Jungle to an unlikely buyer, Henderson Art Association member and Events Coordinator Sharon Menary has done it again. This time, it's her painting March Maddness which caught the eye of another random suitor.

Two friends who happened to be at J & S Motors automotive repair shop, where Menary's work was on display, took a liking to the painting and one who lives in Washington actually made the purchase. It currently has a home in Arizona. There's more to the story. There always is. If you want to hear it, contact Sharon and see more of her work at her site: sharonmenary.com

Menary and both of her recently sold paintings are shown above. May 2010 be a great year for all of us.

LV Artist Joseph Watson Confirmed as third speaker in HAA Guest Speaker Series

2010-01-11T22:13:00.000-08:00

Join us Tuesday, January 19th, as renowned painter and concept artist Joseph Watson kicks off our 2010 Henderson Art Association Guest Speaker Series at our January general meeting. Joseph is the third speaker in our series and will share his work and experiences as a successful commercial artist. He grew up in Gardena, CA, a small city south of Los Angeles, surrounded by many non-traditional art forms. Watson considers himself fortunate enough to learn the aesthetics of great street art as well as those of traditional art, and aims to please both crowds with his work. No doubt, he will please our audience at our general meeting one week from tomorrow. His work may be viewed at either of these two links:

www.josephwatsoncollection.com

www.hyena-empire.com

This general meeting (and all future HAA meetings) will be held on the third Tuesday of each month, from 7:00-8:30 pm, at Findlay Toyota located at 7733 Eastgate Rd. in Henderson, NV, unless otherwise specified. There will be no general meeting the months of July, August, and December. For further details and a complete list of dates, please revisit this earlier post:

First HAA General Meeting of the Decade Set for Tuesday, January 19th.

HAA Red Competition Deadline is Looming.

2010-01-10T09:23:00.000-08:00

In fact, it's tomorrow, January 11th. Only the first 40 pieces entered can be shown, due to limited space and this one's for HAA members only. The theme is the color red. The rest of the details are contained in the above jpeg but, understandably, may be too small to read. Try clicking on it to bring up a larger version. Contact Andrew Maioli for all details by email: atmaioli@yahoo.com

December Third Thursday Revisited

2010-01-10T08:52:00.000-08:00

Took me a while to get these photos up. Thanks for your patience. January's started off busy and that's the way we like it. January Third Thursday (the 21st) will be here before you know it. Check out these wonderful images from December's Third Thursday, provided by photographer and ARTsWALK founder Susanne Reese. Chalk art, Madcap Mythmakers, some talented young artists, familiar faces, and a few new ones. It's all there.

First HAA General Meeting of the Decade Set for Tuesday, January 19th.

2010-01-06T04:59:00.000-08:00

The new year is here. A new decade is here. With both come renewed outlooks and fresh perspectives. The first general meeting of the HAA for 2010 has been set and will take place in our newly dedicated meeting space at Findlay Toyota in Henderson, 7733 Eastgate Rd, Henderson, NV, 2nd floor. All future HAA meetings will be held at this space unless otherwise indicated. Mark you calendars and feel free to bring any friends or art lovers along for support.

Starting this month, there will be a 10-15 minute artist Curtain Raiser followed by the third speaker in our HAA Guest Speaker Series, HAA member Joseph Watson. Details to come. If the last two speakers are any indication, this too will be great and you won't want to miss it. See 2009 HAA speaker recaps here:

Creative Henderson: General Meeting A Resounding Success: Guest Speaker. Cookies. Double Dose of Goodness.

Creative Henderson: Preston. General Meeting. Huge Success.

Future meeting dates for the entire 2010 calendar year have been set. With the exceptions of July, August, and December (months during which there will be no general meetings), HAA general meetings will take place from 7:00 to 8:30 pm on the Third Tuesday of the month at the above-mentioned location. Dates are as follows:

January 19

February 16

March 16

April 20

May 18

June 15

July (No Meeting)

August (No Meeting)

September 21

October 19

November 16

December (No Meeting)

Have a Wonderful Holiday Season and a Happy New Year

2009-12-29T16:42:00.000-08:00

A warm Christmas greeting and holiday wish from HAA member Nabila Khanam (featuring her lovely granddaughter). Her sentiments are echoed by the rest of us. 2010 marks the beginning of a new decade. Here's hoping it brings with it much joy and prosperity.

2009-12-17T09:24:00.000-08:00

Join us this evening for an artists reception at the Meridian Building (155 Water Street) and the usual line-up of wonderful family activities surrounding the Henderson Events Plaza in the heart of the Water Street District.

The Meridian Building is located at 155 South Water Street in Henderson, NV.

See photos from last month's celebration here:

Creative Henderson: November Third Thursday Revisited

Reminder: Winterfest in Henderson Starts Thursday, December 10th.

2009-12-09T09:43:00.000-08:00

See the previous post with more details here:

Henderson 2009 Winterfest Is Almost Here.

Visit either of these sites for a full list and schedule of events:

Henderson Live WinterFest Celebration

cityofhenderson.com/winterfest

November Third Thursday Revisited

2009-12-07T12:00:00.000-08:00

Photos courtesy of HAA members Susanne Reese and Nabila Khanam.

Each month artists unite in the heart of the Water Street District to provide art education outreach for ARTsWALK families and Boys and Girls Clubs of Henderson, NV. November's Third Thursday celebration was especially memorable. As it took place just over two weeks ago on the 19th, Santa descended upon southern Nevada and graced all children, patrons, and art lovers with his presence.

Susanne Reese, founder of the ARTsWALK, and many other dedicated artists and vendors hosted 50 children in and around the Henderson Events Plaza and the Gibson Library. There was supervised chalk art, visitors created their own magical wooden turkeys, and a lively reception to debut a newly-hung artists' show was being held at the same time, right up the street at the Meridian building. Despite the falling temperatures and the sun setting a little earlier each day, the crowds were out in full effect and a good time was had by all.

Special thanks to Miley Achievement Center for helping visitors decorate their Water Street District bags, to Charity League mothers and daughters for hosting art pages and handing out the monthly WSD art lesson packets, to Blue Star Mothers who helped children write letters to the men and women who are proudly serving our country. Thanks also to Sue, Andre, Beth, Jackie, and all others who were there to help visitors be as creative and involved as possible.

Storytellers Madcap Mythmakers will be a part of future Third Thursday celebrations. December Third Thursday (17th) will be here before you know it and Winterfest kicks off this week. Revisit that post here:

Henderson 2009 Winterfest Is Almost Here.

Mark your calendars and check in early and often here to find out what's coming up next.

See all photos on our Facebook fan page: Facebook | Henderson Art Association

Good Things Come to Those Who Wait. (Even In An Economy As Slow As This.)

2009-12-05T12:00:00.001-08:00

Had someone told artist Sharon Menary that she'd be making a fantastic sale to a relatively new and unestablished connection in the middle of one of the worst economies in recent history, she probably would have laughed and turned the other cheek. So, when it happened, she was just as surprised as the next unsuspecting creative person.

"I asked a friend to recommend a financial advisor," she says. "I only said that I was an artist in our conversations, but my web page is on my signature line. The next time I talked to him, he said that he was interested in buying Jelly Bean Jungle—I really didn't think he was serious, but just being kind."

Menary went on to ask her prospect if he was really interested in her painting and he responded "absolutely." Despite his seeming desire to add her piece to the body of work (his children's) in his office space, she was still not convinced, that is, until the full amount for the price she'd quoted showed up in her checking account via wire transfer.

Shocked and excited, Sharon has always been proud of her work and no stranger to sales but even this was enough to counter the effects of the relatively slow times that we have all been facing. In keeping with our recent theme of befriending the web, being more social, and leveraging our connectivity, she gives credit where credit is due by exclaiming "I actually sold a piece from the internet. :)" and pays homage to good things coming her way with the following quote "Faith is the assurance hoped for; the conviction of things not seen."

More of Sharon's work may be viewed at her site: www.sharonmenary.com

Here's to a prosperous 2010.

Henderson 2009 Winterfest Is Almost Here.

2009-12-03T12:00:00.000-08:00

Winterfest is right around the corner. Dust off your woolen coat, grab a scarf, and head down to the Henderson Events Plaza with your whole family on December 10th-12th. You don't want to pass this up.

The celebration kicks off Thursday evening with the "Sounds of the Season" concert by the Henderson Symphony Orchestra. Then the next two days will be filled with events including the 1st Annual Festival of Trees, the Gingerbread House Contest, the Tree Lighting, Santa's Arrival (Officially. He already made one appearance on Water Street two weeks ago.), "The Nutcracker," and the Winterfest Annual Holiday Parade, with two major cash prizes.

Partake in a wide variety of ethnic foods and admire crafts from an impressive 65 vendors. There will be ice skating, a petting zoo, pony rides, wagon rides, train rides, storytelling, and plenty of other children's activities. Miss it and you'll have to wait 12 more months.

Winterfest will take place at the Henderson Convention Center and Events Plaza on South Water Street in the heart of the Water Street District in Henderson, NV. Find a full list of events and their respective times at either of these two sites:

Henderson Live WinterFest Celebration

cityofhenderson.com/winterfest

General Meeting A Resounding Success: Guest Speaker. Cookies. Double Dose of Goodness.

2009-12-01T23:21:00.000-08:00

HAA President Deborah Mays covers off items on the evening's agenda before setting the stage for social media authority and guest speaker Brian Mosko. Photos courtesy of HAA members Nabila Khanam and Dana Satterwhite.

On Monday evening, November 23rd, Brian Mosko, the second in our ongoing HAA Guest Speaker Series, couldn't respond to raised hands and the rapid-fire hail of questions from the enraptured crowd quickly enough. He stood poised at the front of the room, cell phone receiving a never-ending stream of texts and tweets on the table by his side, as he reminded artists of the power the internet has given us as we establish personal and professional connections online. The conversation began with the basic benefits of having a website and learning to use the web to one's advantage. Eventually four of the top ranking social media sites (Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, and YouTube) became central to the discussion as viable (and free) communication and self-promotion vehicles. But, honestly, just as the dialogue began to heat up, time ran out. Eyes remained wide and mouths agape, as we all realized how much untapped potential is right there at our disposal and, literally, our fingertips.

After Brian's stellar presentation, there wasn't much time left to discuss anything. Before, several topics were covered including a recent art sale by HAA board member Sharon Menary, upcoming shows, and the timing for the next meeting. It's looking like we will bypass December in light of the holidays and time the next general meeting for mid-January. Former HAA Hospitality Chair Beth McCall was not present at this meeting, so the wonderful fare she usually provides was noticeably absent. Two pieces of good news, though, are attached to this. One, Beth has since accepted the HAA Education Chair position and, two, local bakers and entrepreneurs Greg Shiver and Cleo Allen were kind enough to prepare and hand-deliver three Heavenly Dozens of Angie's Gourmet Oatmeal Cookies which filled the void and a few growling stomachs.

In the spirit of continuing the theme of social networking, become a fan at the AGOC Facebook Fan Page: Facebook | ANGIE'S GOURMET OATMEAL COOKIES

Thank you again, Brian, for a much-anticipated and long-overdue discussion. Thank you, Findlay Toyota, for opening your doors and providing a beautifully-appointed meeting space. Thank you, members, for attending.

This discussion was just popular enough that we may have to have Brian back again. Get ready for the next one. Now that we're a little more enlightened, spread the word by way of Facebook and Twitter. Post and tweet with reckless abandon. I kid, but not really.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-25T21:20:00.000-08:00

The HAA would like to wish all of the art community, Henderson, Las Vegas, and the world at large a wonderful holiday. Despite what may seem to be less-than-desirable economic times, when we take time to reflect, we often find that each of us has something, great or small, for which to be thankful.

HAA member and resident photographer Nabila Khanam was kind enough to submit this colorful and eclectic photo montage to "greet all members and patrons of the HAA."

Have a safe, warm, wonderful few days with friends and family and come back rejuvenated and more creative than ever.

Calling All Photographers!

2009-11-24T08:25:00.000-08:00

Have any photographs of Henderson, NV that the world needs to see? Or maybe you're about to take one. Either way, dust off your archives or break out your cameras because now through December 21, 2009, the city of Henderson is holding its first "What Makes Henderson Great!" photo competition. There is NO COST to enter and you may enter up to five images. Winners will have their work displayed at City Hall, on the official City of Henderson website ( cityofhenderson.com ), and on the city's Facebook page ( Facebook | City of Henderson ). Follow this link to get complete contest details and start shooting.

City of Henderson "What Makes Henderson Great!" Photo Contest

Santa in town for November Third Thursday

2009-11-17T06:46:00.001-08:00

Nothing says holidays like Santa and nothing makes a better holiday gift than art. That's why we're bringing both of them together...again. These are photos from last year when Santa stopped by the Water Street District. It's not just fun for the kids, it's fun for him too. He got a music lesson, a photography lesson, sifted through the creative archives, and after all of that, still managed to find time for all the children who'd spent their year being nice.

He'll be here again this Thursday to greet the Boys and Girls Club kids, ARTsWALK patrons, and dreamers of all ages. Stop by Plaza Gallery in the heart of the Water Street District in Henderson this Third Thursday, November 19th, and you'll get your first real taste of what the holiday season is all about.

While you're out and about, make sure to check out the new artists' show at the Meridian Building, recently installed by several HAA members and coordinated by ever faithful HAA Gallery Director Andrew Maioli. There will be a reception from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm.

Plaza Gallery is located at 223 South Water Street, Suite B, in Henderson, NV and the Meridian Building is right up the street at 155 South Water Street. Hope to see many of you there.

HAA General Meeting Guest Speaker Series Continues with Brian Mosko

2009-11-16T13:24:00.000-08:00

Join us November 23rd (one week from today) for our next HAA general meeting where Las Vegas-based social media authority Brian Mosko will discuss the internet and web 2.0, and how they can be leveraged by businesses and artists to successfully reach your audiences. In 2006, Brian founded Mergent Planning, a full service business planning and small business start-up firm. After finding clients were coming back to him for marketing advice utilizing the internet, he started Mergent Squared, a small business social media marketing firm. Taking knowledge of existing social networks and using that to the advantage of his clients, Brian has been able to successfully market clients across all industries, from independent authors to service organizations to music clients with major record labels.

If there is an intersection to be found between creativity and technology, hopefully this discussion will help us find it.

As noted in an earlier post with details about the general meeting, it will be held Monday, November 23rd from 7:00 until 8:30 pm. We're trying out a new location which has been described as wonderful and immaculate. The folks at Findlay Toyota in Henderson have been kind enough to give us full use of their Training Room. They are located at 7733 Eastgate Rd, Henderson, NV and the meeting space is on the second floor. Hope to see you there.

See the earlier November general meeting post here: Creative Henderson: Next HAA General Meeting Set for Monday, November 23rd.

HAA Blog Celebrates One Year!!!

2009-11-12T12:30:00.000-08:00

As we turn the corner on 365 days of existence, the HAA reaches yet another milestone. 5000 hits on our blog site, which is a clear indication that there is artistic (and no doubt intelligent) life out there. Thank you for checking in from time to time, supporting and involving yourself in the local arts communities, and spreading the word. One of the best ways to increase membership for your respective organization (other than, say, opening a Twitter account) is to be a devout brand apostle and clue people in by word-of-mouth. Become a follower. Clue us in to things going on in our community and in others. We can't post about everything but the more of you we know are out there listening, reading, creating, the better and stronger we'll become. Here's to the next 5,000 hits. Stay creative.

Next HAA General Meeting Set for Monday, November 23rd.

2009-11-10T12:09:00.001-08:00

Mark your calendars. The HAA will hold its next general meeting in just under two weeks on Monday, November 23rd.

The second in our series of guest speakers will be Brian Mosko, founder of Mergent Squared and innovator when it comes to social media marketing. At a time when things are becoming increasingly digital, understanding the web can empower the artist, broaden their reach, inspire, and lead to never-before-considered avenues for promoting oneself and one's craft. It goes without saying that a presence on the web that is truly representative of one's talent and brand is invaluable.

This meeting is open to current HAA members as well as friends, family members, and anyone who loves art and chooses to support the local community. It will be held at a new location and we have HAA President Deborah Mays and member/Site Monitor Jo Firm to thank for continuing to forge inroads and making another valuable connection.

The folks at Findlay Toyota in Henderson are proponents of supporting the local community and its arts organizations. They have been kind enough to give us full use of their immaculate and well-appointed Training Room. They are located at 7733 Eastgate Rd in Henderson, NV. The space is on the second floor. The general meeting will begin at 7:00 pm and last until 8:30 pm or until things wind down. Hope to see you there.

Who Made the Blog Today? Beth McCall

2009-11-07T07:30:00.000-08:00

Beth McCall, a resident of Las Vegas for nearly 22 years, has been oil painting for about 15 of them. Prior to that she worked in acrylics, pastels, and charcoal. She is primarily a portrait and figurative artist and has used her children as models in the majority of her paintings. She has always had a love for art. As a child, she spent summers in art camp at the local museum of Ft. Dodge, Iowa, a town of 25,000. The museum was beautiful and had a huge area for classes. When she "grew up," she put her paintbrushes away to raise her four children. Her brother was an excellent artist and, when he died in 1995, she began to realize all that she had given up by turning her back on art. Since that time, Beth has joined the HAA, held individual shows at the Green Valley and Flamingo Libraries, and received several awards for her work. She has been able to join her two passions in life—her art and her children. While not busy being a mom, creating, or carrying her world on her shoulders, Beth kindly dedicates her time as the entire HAA Hospitality Committee and has fearlessly carried on the educational outreach for the HAA during the Third Thursday ArtsWalk, creating chalk art with the artistic input of her kids as well. They are consistent and enthusiastic ambassadors of the Henderson Arts community and the HAA brand, as seen here.

November 12th: Renowned Photographer Mona Shield Payne Debuts Photos, Book for a Wonderful Cause.

2009-11-04T05:57:00.000-08:00

On November 12th, Henderson photojournalist Mona Shield Payne will be debuting her photography and book Las Vegas Faces of the Street for herself, a growing number of homeless, and a great cause. AFTER THIS ONE EVENING, THE SHOW WILL NOT CONTINUE TO HANG. THIS EVENT IS FOR ONE NIGHT AND ONE NIGHT ONLY. In her own words below, she sheds a little light on the project, its benefits, and invites all of the LV and Henderson arts communities and the general public to come and be a part of it:

"You are invited to attend the annual Art In The Shade Fundraiser hosted by The Shade Tree Shelter. Featured this year is the debut photography exhibition and book Las Vegas Faces of the Street by photojournalist/author Mona Shield Payne.

Las Vegas Faces of the Street will take you on a journey down the streets and alleyways of Las Vegas like you've never experienced before. You will receive an up-close and personal look into the lives of people living on the streets. This compilation is definitely a stark contrast to the glitter-and-glam image you are accustomed to seeing. The individuals you will meet vary from the chronic homeless to those affected by the struggling economy in the United States. It is likely your heart will be touched as this powerful and poignant photo essay brings to light the humanity that is often forgotten in regard to those who are dealing with personal challenges of survival.

The evening will be filled with live entertainment, hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, and an auction of amazing art donated by local artists and children of the shelter. Net proceeds will benefit The Shade Tree ( theshadetree.org ), a safe shelter providing refuge to homeless and abused women and children in crisis offering life-changing services promoting stability, dignity, and self-reliance.

Although times are tough in this economic climate, your attendance at this event will make a difference in a homeless woman's or child's life."

21 of the 55 photos in the book will be on display this one evening only. November 12th. 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm. Wellington Place (6985 West Sahara Ave, Las Vegas, NV)

$50 per ticket at the door. Hope to see you there.

For more information, visit the exhibition link on Mona Shield Payne's site: monashieldpayne.com/exhibition.html or contact her at 702.245.4822.

Who Made the Blog Today? Ed Klein

2009-11-01T09:42:00.000-08:00

Ed Klein studied fine arts at Wayne University in Detroit, MI. After leaving school, he pursued a very successful career in the food industry. He retired to Las Vegas in 1992 and at the same time began to produce pen and ink portraits and other realistic works. One of them took first place in the 2004 Celebration of Life Art Competition. For the past several years, Ed has been working in watercolor. He has studied with Jan Schaeffer and Mary Shaw. Currently, Ed is teaching beginning and intermediate watercolor to private students. He is a member of the HAA, the Nevada Watercolor Society, and the Boulder City Artists Guild.

BCAG Art Show Revisited

2009-10-17T15:56:00.000-07:00

The Boulder City Art Guild recently held its art show at the Montelago Village, Lake Las Vegas. These wonderful photos, captured one week ago on Saturday, October 10th by HAA member and photographer Nabila Khanam, paint a beautiful picture. Thanks, Nabila and all artists in attendance.

October Third Thursday Upon Us.

2009-10-14T06:59:00.000-07:00

Like a ghost, ghoul, The Great Pumpkin rising from the pumpkin patch, or anything reminiscent of mid to late October, this month's Third Thursday just sort of snuck up on us. Stop by RAFI Architecture tomorrow night (October 15th) for yet another wonderful artist's reception and seasonal celebration. 155 South Water Street, Suite 220, Henderson, NV, from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Food, fun, friends, fellow artists—it'll all be there. No costume required. If you're anxious for Halloween though, and want to wear one, go for it.

Continue down Water Street as part of the Third Thursday ARTsWALK and visit City Lights Gallery where the work of sixteen artists will be featured. As ever, artists, musicians, and merchants will have a broad range of items on display and for sale in front of the Henderson Events Plaza. And directly across the street, at Plaza Gallery, they will be showing retired exhibition prints, selected from the sixty (Count them. Sixty!) shows they've done since 2002. All framed works will be priced at $50 or less, hence the name "$50 or Less" Show.

Show your face and your support if you can.

Mural Artist Ozzy Villatte Unveils Another Masterpiece

2009-10-12T16:24:00.000-07:00

I recently had the pleasure of visiting with resident mural artist Ozzy Villate as he completed another magical piece of work. Last time he was featured as his "Promise" mural became the new focal point of Water Street in the Heart of Henderson.

Creative Henderson: Promise Mural

This time, Ozzy's focus wasn't revitalization in the form of a spring as a life source. Rather, he set out to create an inspirational piece for children and adults alike. And that he did. This latest Little Nemo-inspired mural came to life in a local daycare center and will eventually find a permanent home in Arizona.

With a conscious eye toward creating something viewers could engage with, he managed to create something that, in turn, engaged with the viewer. The fact that 90% of the eyes are directed at the those of the beholder is no coincidence. "The goal," according to Villate, was "to take the child and the adult into the underwater fantasy world" and, again, he succeeded literally with flying colors.

Photographs courtesy of Henderson Art Association members Nabila Khanam and Dana Satterwhite. Ozzy can be contacted for commissioned mural or fine art projects and may be reached at his studio, 702.300.2034.

September Third Thursday is here.

2009-09-16T19:41:00.000-07:00

Thursday, September 17th is Third Thursday in the heart of the Water Street District. Head down to the Events Plaza. On your way, stop at RAFI Architecture where they will kindly be hosting yet another artists' reception. 155 South Water Street, Suite 220, Henderson, NV, from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Here are a few photos from earlier this summer.

Preston. General Meeting. Huge Success.

2009-09-16T00:08:00.000-07:00

Photographer/Author Greg Preston sharing stories of his 18 year road to publication and the amazing subjects he met along the way. Joined in the fourth photo by his wife Sharon.

September's HAA general meeting was a long time coming and, for the members in attendance, it was worth it. After reviewing the previous board meeting's minutes and handling all of the requisite agenda items, an ever-effusive and humble Greg Preston took center stage. In the small room, in front of a small group, Preston proceeded to move the crowd with stories as personal and artful as anything any of us has ever created.

For comics fans, it was a refresher course. For neophytes, it was a wonderful introduction to a world whose magnificent characters have in some way touched us all. Preston took us for an abbreviated yet magical journey through the pages of his recent publication The Artist Within: Portraits of Cartoonists, Comic Book Artists, Animators, and Others.

The anecdotes were so earnest and the stories so candid, it was as if we were sitting there in the studios of the illustrators themselves, hearing the words as told personally by them.

Congratulations, Greg and Sharon, on turning an eighteen year pursuit into the stunning hardcover coffee table conversation piece you knew it could be and not settling for anything less. Thank you for taking time out to share it with all of us. For those in attendance, thank you for coming. For those who couldn't make it, you missed something special.

Following a brief Q&A session, Preston was kind enough to sign a few books. If you didn't get yours, you can find them on Amazon: Amazon.com: The Artist Within (9781593075613): Greg Preston: Books

A second book is in the works. We look forward to it. In the meantime, Greg, Sharon, and their commercial advertising work may be found here: Sampsel Preston Photography

HAA Guest Speaker Series: Greg Preston

2009-08-31T22:43:00.000-07:00

Join us September 15th for our general meeting where renowned photographer and author Greg Preston (on of Vegas' very own) will share stories, anecdotes, and wisdom about his recent publication The Artist Within. A labor of love whose contents took over 15 years to assemble, The Artist Within gives a rare glimpse into the hearts, minds, and studios of the industry's most talented and reclusive cartoonists and animators. It is a lovingly-assembled, candid homage to pioneers and masters of a wildly imaginative craft. Preston's rare and exclusive personal accounts feature the talents and perspectives of luminaries such as Frank Miller, Al Hirschfeld, Joe Barbera, Jack Kirby, Joe Simon, Moebius, Walter and Louise Simonson, and many others.

When not traveling the country, capturing other artists and their work on film (or disk, these days), Preston and his wife Sharon Sampsel run a wonderful, family-oriented, and eponymous photography business on the west side of Las Vegas. They specialize in professional commerical and advertising photography but, honestly, do way more than that.

Sampsel Preston Photography

Sampsel Preston Photography, The Artist Within

The Artist Within will be available for purchase at the HAA general meeting and can also be found on Amazon: Amazon.com: The Artist Within (9781593075613): Greg Preston: Books

The general meeting will be held in the Wells Fargo Building at 112 Water Street, Henderson, NV from 6:00 pm till 8:30 on Tuesday, September 15th.

HAA General Meeting: September 15th

2009-08-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it's tough to get by without a gallery space. But it's never impossible. Current HAA members, members of other local art organizations, Henderson business owners, and anyone who's got a love for creativity are all invited to our September general meeting, just under one month from today. We will begin at 6:00 pm and go until 8:30. If you can't come for the whole time, that's just fine. Come and stay as long as you can. The general meeting will be held in the Wells Fargo Building at 112 Water Street, Henderson, NV, in the heart of the Water Street District.

HAA t-shirts will be on-hand and for sale. They come in S, M, L, and XL. So far we have sold over 65 of them and raised over $1200 in donations. They are being worn in LA, NYC, Palm Springs, Houston, Austin, right here in Vegas and Henderson, and in other fair cities around the country. I've gotten more free hugs than I can count. Support the cause. Buy one or several. Feel the love.

Refreshments will be served. Details on the agenda to come.

This week: August Third Thursday in Henderson

2009-08-16T11:47:00.001-07:00

Summer's cooling off—a little. May as well get outside before people start complaining that it's too cold. Here are a few photos (courtesy of Susanne Reese, Plaza Gallery) from last month's Third Thursday.

RAFI Architecture is kindly hosting another reception this month, making this the third month in a row. On your way down to the Events Plaza this Thursday evening, August 20th, stop by 155 S. Water Street in Henderson, NV. Second floor. Receptions typically begin at 5:30 pm and go till 8:00 pm. This art show will remain on display until September 9th. The artists and community could always use your support. Don't be one of the disappointed few who miss it.

In a Down Economy, HAA Membership is Up.

2009-08-03T12:00:00.000-07:00

There are a few new names and faces among us and several familiar ones. Please welcome new HAA members Guillaume Guy, Suzanne K. Marsden, and Joseph Watson. While you're at it, welcome back returning members Edwin "Ed" Davis, Barbara Hunter, James T. Jarrett, Judy Jensen, Dorothy Slikker, Melinda Stanley, Shu-hsin "Sophia" Wu, and Kathleen Cantwell Yanez.

If you are a new member and you don't see your name mentioned here, rest assured, as soon as your jury process is complete and your dues have been submitted, you will receive a warm artist-to-artist shout out. Stay creative.

HAA Board Meeting is Here

2009-08-02T18:41:00.000-07:00

The HAA Board will be meeting Monday, August 3rd from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Henderson Business Resource Center (112 Water Street, Suite 100 of the Wells Fargo Building) in Henderson, NV. Contact HAA President Deborah Mays with any questions.

An HAA general meeting is scheduled for September 15th and will be held at the same location from 6:00 pm till 8:30 pm. Please note it on your calendars. All current members and prospective members and artists are encouraged to attend.

Target-Sponsored ArtBeat Going Strong in Henderson's Water Street District

2009-07-18T11:27:00.000-07:00

It's been a minute since I've had a chance to post. Pardon the silence. It's not for lack of things going on. Quite the contrary. Check out the photos below from Susanne Reese, co-owner of Henderson's Plaza Gallery and founder of the Water Street District Third Thursday's Arts Walk. Two weeks of ArtBeat during the month of June represented here and in the following post. More to come. Mark your calendars for September 4th and 18th and October 9th and 23rd. 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm. Free to the public. All family members welcome.

From Friday, June 19th:

Target-Sponsored ArtBeat Going Strong (Part 2)

2009-07-18T11:26:00.000-07:00

With average temperatures between 103º and 108º, summer is heating up, for sure. Friday evenings in Henderson are making the long, sweltering days that much more bearable. Here are photos from the last Target-sponsored ArtBeat in June.

From Friday, June 26th:

July Third Thursday in Henderson: Thursday, July 16

2009-07-15T13:09:00.000-07:00

You're invited to join fellow artists and art lovers tomorrow night in the Water Street District for a reception at RAFI Architecture, located in the Meridian Building at 155 Water Street, Henderson, NV. Make your way to the Conference Room on the second floor.

Stop by. Show your support. See a few familiar faces.

There will be another reception in August on Thursday the 20th before the show comes down.

Happy 4th from Nabila Khanam

2009-07-04T12:16:00.000-07:00

HAA member and photographer Nabila Khanam assembled this patriotic montage celebrating the flag and fireworks flying over the Vegas skyline. She shared it along with "Happy 4th" greetings to you all. Have a wonderful and safe celebration of our great nation's independence.

The Art of Independence

2009-07-02T15:25:00.001-07:00

Celebrate yours in the heart of the Water Street District this Saturday evening. Free admission for the public—young, old, locals, out-of-towners, whomever.

Saturday, July 4th, 6:00 to 9:00 pm at the Henderson Events Plaza located at 200 S. Water Street, Henderson, NV.

Live entertainment on three different stages, including the Henderson Symphony Orchestra, and a fireworks show to close out the evening atop City Hall.

Get performance times and more details here:

Henderson's Fourth Of July Celebration

Celebrate responsibly.

Upcoming: Dueling Pianos Vie for the Spotlight at this Friday's ArtBeat

2009-06-16T21:40:00.000-07:00

The Target-sponsored event rolls on this Friday evening, June 19th at the Henderson Events Plaza (200 S. Water St.). This week's musical lineup: Dueling Pianos. Come check out ArtBeat anytime between 7:00 pm and 9:30 pm. Absolutely free to the public. Art, entertainment, concerts, and tradition assembled in one place for the celebration and education of the community.

Here are a few lovely photos (courtesy of Plaza Gallery's Susanne Reese) from last week's event. Musical guests that evening were Pure Evidence followed by William Joseph. Pure Evidence singer-songwriter and author B. (Brenda) Lee Schmidt will be performing again at the Henderson Events Plaza on Thursday, June 18th between 5:00 and 8:00 pm.

Artist Kathy Cartier Featured At This Week's Receptions at Henderson's Plaza Gallery

2009-06-16T21:15:00.000-07:00

This Thursday, June 18th, Plaza Gallery (223B Water Street, Henderson, NV) will be hosting a reception for Kathy Cartier who has been working as an artist in the Las Vegas area for over eight years. Her large scale, mixed media collage paintings and vessels have been exhibited in the Las Vegas Art Museum, Laguna Beach Sandstone Gallery, Neonopolis, and throughout the country. Drop in anytime from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm Thursday evening. Not just any Thursday. THIRD THURSDAY.

Bonus. If you miss out on Third Thursday's reception or just feel like coming back, there will be one the following evening during Friday's Target-sponsored ArtBeat.

Back-to-back receptions. What could be better than that?

Kathy will be discussing her work and the fine art value of oriental paper making. She is a recent addition to the growing body of talented artists exhibiting at Plaza Gallery, also a permanent member whose work will be displayed year-round.

June 5th ArtBeat: A Huge Success

2009-06-13T09:12:00.000-07:00

With postcard-perfect weather and the Henderson Symphony Orchestra onboard as featured musical entertainment for the evening, it was hard for the June 5th Target-sponsored Henderson ArtBeat event not to be a spectacular one. Photos above taken and provided by Susanne Reese, resident photographer and co-owner of Plaza Gallery with husband Gary Reese.

Visit their gallery directly opposite the Henderson Events Plaza in the Heart of Henderson in the Water Street District. Look for more photos from this past Friday's ArtBeat event and you're always welcome to attend the next one. Find out more here:

www.hendersonlive.com/special-events/Target-presents-artbeat

Who Made the Blog Today? Wendy Rountree

2009-06-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

HAA member Wendy Rountree began her pursuit of photography over 30 years ago, constructing a darkroom in a very small bathroom to learn to develop black and white film. She finds photography, along with writing, perfect artistic tools to view and examine the world.

"Photography makes me pay attention, to look around more, to be aware, to think and absorb as I go through life. It continues to cause me to open my eyes, to see things in new and different ways, to appreciate the nuance of an expression, to see something beautiful in the simple or the sublime."

Wendy has studied at the International Center for Photography in New York and the Santa Fe Photography Workshops in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She joined Professional Women Photographers of NYC (PWP) in 2001 and is a former board member.

"My photographs represent some of the things I've seen along the way. In sharing I hope that it helps people to stop and notice whatever they may find beautiful or interesting in their own journey, with or without the camera.

Wendy currently resides in the Las Vegas, NV area and travels frequently. More of Wendy's work can be viewed at her website (photoartforlife.com) and she may be reached by email at

rountreew@yahoo.com

TARGET® Sponsors "ArtBeat" in Downtown Henderson, Nevada

2009-06-02T06:08:00.001-07:00

Photos courtesy of Susanne Reese, resident photographer and co-owner of downtown Henderson's Plaza Gallery

Known superstore and community supporter Target® is sponsoring the cultural arts series ArtBeat in the Water Street District (WSD) in the Heart of Henderson, NV. Above are a few photos from the fourth and most recent ArtBeat event which took place Friday, May 29th. Entertainment included chalk drawing, a drum circle demonstration by Gordon McCaw Steel Drum Group and Eric Price, and a performance by Bash the Trash, a group whose instruments are crafted from recycled materials.

Make your way down to Water Street this Friday, June 5th for the next one. The free family-friendly events will be occurring throughout the summer, always on a Friday, which happens to line up perfectly with the Downtown Henderson Farmer's Market. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and a wide selection of art, photography, and crafts. What's not to love?

ArtBeat is FREE, open to the public, includes live performances, and takes place from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm at and around the Henderson Events Plaza (200 South Water Street in Henderson, NV).

Additional ArtBeat dates include:

June 12th, June 19th, June 26th, September 4th, September 18th, October 9th, and October 23rd

Visit this Henderson Live link to find out about exhibitor opportunities and to see who will be performing.

www.hendersonlive.com/special-events/Target-presents-artbeat

Who Made the Blog Today? Roberto Rico

2009-05-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

Born in the artist colony of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, Roberto Rico (seen above in his own "Self Portrait in Time") began to draw at an early age. At 16 he received a scholarship to the prestigious National Institute of Fine Arts (Bellas Artes) where he studied Classic Art and Life Drawing. During this time he entered a major national competition and took First Place.

He then went on to study Perspective, Art History, and Color Theory at the Allende Institute for the Arts. At 18 he decided to travel throughout Mexico, the US, and Canada, working and attending various art seminars and doing freelance work until settling down in southern California.

He enrolled at Moorpark College to study Design and Composition and Art Appreciation then went on for a few years to pursue a career in the printing business. Once again his artistic hunger would draw him back to the art world. He enrolled in the Graphic Arts department of the Learning Tree University in Thousand Oaks, California.

In 1994 Roberto moved to Las Vegas and enjoyed it so much, he stayed and made it his home. He has shown his work in numerous galleries. It has appeared in magazines and lives in various collections as well.

Roberto Rico is a Board Member of the Henderson Art Association and current President of the Vegas Artists Guild. He volunteers his time teaching drawing and painting in several city community centers and is comfortable working in any medium.

See more of his work here: www.robertoricoartist.blogspot.com

More (Belated) Props for HAA Members

2009-05-29T22:30:00.000-07:00

"The Cloisters" by Roberto Rico

Henderson Art Association members Roberto Rico, Colin Pringle, Andre Beaudry, and Ed Hoag garnered some pretty sweet and much-deserved recognition at the Helldorado Days Art Contest at the end of April.

Rico received First Place in the Pencil Drawing category, Second in Mixed Media, and Second in Colored Pencil.

Colin Pringle received Best in Show for the second year in a row.

Ed Hoag took First Place in the Watercolor category and Andre Beaudry swept the Sculpture category, taking First, Second, and (you got it) Third Place too.

Roberto Rico is also the President of the Vegas Artists Guild and Colin Pringle is a member of that growing art organization as well.

Belated congratulations to all. Stay creative and may the kudos keep coming.

Building the Art Community From the Ground Up

2009-05-20T07:38:00.000-07:00

These photographs of chalk art created during this year's 12th Annual Henderson ArtFest were taken just under two weeks ago and shared by Plaza Gallery Co-Owner Susanne Reese. They capture stunning and inspiring creations from the weekend's newly introduced Piazza Colori competition, and showcase a handful of the artists hard at work.

The competition took place on the plaza next to City Hall at the heart of Water Street and also served as a fundraiser for the Green Valley Rotary Club.

These wonderful works are a testament to the talent and passion for the arts in our community. There's little doubt that if we continue to come together by the hundreds and thousands, as artists and patrons did just recently, we will soon undergo tremendous revitalization of cultural arts in Henderson and the downtown Water Street District. In fact, it might seem this is just the beginning.

HAA Member Nabila Khanam Has Image Selected for Public Art Poster Project

2009-05-13T22:35:00.000-07:00

HAA member Nabila Khanam's photograph "Winter Reflections" has been selected by Clark County Parks and Recreation and the Friends of Winchester Park Public Art Committee as one of four artworks by four artists to be displayed on Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) bus shelters throughout the Las Vegas valley. This is part of "The Bus Stops Here" public art poster project to showcase Clark County artists and place art in our streetscapes.

See more of Nabila's photography here:

nabila-photography.blogspot.com

ArtFest: A Huge Success

2009-05-11T19:20:00.001-07:00

Artists and patrons turned out by the thousands at this year's Henderson ArtFest. And, at the center of it all, the HAA stood proudly and made a great showing. HAA President Deborah Mays forwarded a wonderful letter of appreciation thanking all of those who participated in order to make this weekend's events run like clockwork.

Paraphrasing, she thanked "all the HAA artists who volunteered or helped in some way by supporting our group this weekend at the annual Henderson ArtFest." A special thank you went out to Sharon Menary, Georgia Lawson, Dotty Fenner, Charme Curtin, Debora Herrera, Wendy Rountree, Kathy Mullinix, Nicky Watts, Beth McCall, Shirley Jeane, Lee Moses, Dana Satterwhite, Gary Reese, and Suzanne Reese for coming together, being present, pitching in, and pretty much doing a fantastic job at keeping the organization going strong.

Thanks, honestly, go out to all the artists in the organization and in the area, and all of those who came out and took part. It was a welcome reminder that Henderson arts are alive and well, and that we all must continue to engage our creative sides.

HAA T-shirts sold like gangbusters and plenty of literature was handed out to inform of upcoming events.

Las Vegas Sun reporter Jeremy Twitchell stopped by the HAA booth on Saturday and conducted a brief interview with recently appointed HAA Creative Director Dana Satterwhite and his wife Kristen. Twitchell concludes his article about this year's ArtFest with their words. Hopefully, with what they had to say, they did the HAA and the local cultural arts community proud.

Check out the full article here:

Chalk it up to ArtFest - Las Vegas Sun

More Love for Local Mural Artist

2009-05-07T15:01:00.001-07:00

Photo courtesy of Nabila Khanam.

Tomorrow evening's long-awaited unveiling of Ozzy Villate's "Promise" mural, symbolizing the revitalization of the Water Street District, seems to be a hot topic these days.

At least local adventure columnist Corey Levitan of the Review-Journal seems to think so. Read the article here:

Mural represents progress of city, artist - Neon - ReviewJournal.com

"Promise" Mural Unveiling and ArtFest Weekend Just Two Days Away.

2009-05-06T17:27:00.000-07:00

HAA affiliate member Ozzy Villate's "Promise" mural unveiling will kick off this weekend's ArtFest Mother's Day weekend's festivities. Admission to the unveiling is free and it will officially take place at 6:00 pm Friday evening, May 8th.

Photographer and HAA member Nabila Khanam made her way down to the Rainbow Casino on Water Street to document Ozzy hard at work, one week before having his art presented to the public. In between painting sessions, Ozzy paused and smiled for the camera.

Thank you, Ozzy and Nabila for adding beauty through your artistry to our growing cultural community. Anyone and everyone is welcome to come and join the festivities.

Find a list of times and events for ArtFest here: Henderson Lives ArtFest

The Art of Healing

2009-05-03T10:44:00.000-07:00

Two HAA members recently lost members of their families and others of us are perhaps dealing with our own losses as well.

Creativity and community can not bring them back but we hope it is a comfort on some level to know that there are people around you, near and far, wishing you the strength you need but may not always have at times like these.

As we support the arts, we support each other. We offer this brief but sincere note and photo of a special floral arrangement as a small token from your HAA family.

Hope you join us again soon and let's allow art to continue to bring us together.

Mark Your Calendars. "PROMISE" MURAL UNVEILING + ARTFEST IN HENDERSON IN JUST OVER A WEEK.

2009-04-30T06:29:00.000-07:00

These recent photos taken by HAA Vice President and member Nicky Watts showcase HAA affiliate member and mural artist Ozzy Villate in his element, applying the finishing touches to his "Promise" mural, which he has been painting with love and conviction on the side of the Rainbow Club Casino for the past two months. Ozzy began painting his mural on February 25th and will complete this wonderful work just in time for Mother's Day weekend and ArtFest in Henderson, a major weekend event.

The official unveiling of "Promise" will be kicking things off this year's ArtFest, next Friday evening on Water Street, to an expected packed crowd. This is the 12th Annual occurrence of the much-anticipated Henderson event that reportedly attracts over 40,000 attendees a year.

An HAA table will be set up for the sale of new HAA t-shirts. WE COULD USE VOLUNTEERS TO MAN THE TABLE. And we welcome any and all help and participation for other Henderson events all year long. As for ArtFest: Come one. Come all.

If you're already an HAA member and available to help out or interested in membership, please get in touch with us here: ArtistsInHenderson@yahoo.com

Additional photos from HAA member Nabila Khanam should be forthcoming and will be posted here after tomorrow.

Find out more about what's going on, when, where, and for how long, at the following links:

hendersonlive.com/special-events/artfest

Las Vegas Nevada News Feed » Spend Mother’s Day Weekend At ArtfestTM of Henderson

A Few New Members

2009-04-24T16:34:00.000-07:00

Please join me in extending a warm welcome to new Henderson Art Association members Ed Klein, Debora Herrera, and Brian Daley. They are the most recent additions to our growing body of artists and the first to be welcomed in 2009.

As a reminder to all members and artists seeking membership, jurying is the first step of the membership process. Fulfilling the balance of dues is the second. Dues, along with show entry fees, proceeds from fundraisers, and percentage of art sales, are what allow our organization to cover operational costs. Despite not having a brick and mortar gallery at this time, we have plenty of expenses to cover. So, should you have total or partial outstanding membership dues, please submit the balance.

Look for new members (and existing) to be featured here shortly.

Who Made the Blog Today? Ed Hoag

2009-04-18T10:59:00.002-07:00

HAA artist Ed Hoag's work is derivative of and inspired by his background as landscape architect and educator. He is currently Associate Professor Emeritus from Texas A&M University as well as Signature Member of the Nevada Watercolor Society and Texas Watercolor Society.

Ed has traveled extensively in Italy and to a lesser extent in the western United States and Mexico, and he is represented by galleries in Texas and New Mexico. His work has been accepted into many regional and national juried shows and exhibitions. He teaches classes and workshops in and around the Las Vegas area.

Ed works in oils and watercolors. Landscapes, architecture, and wildlife are among his favorite subjects. He only paints what he has seen and experienced. His style emphasizes the effects of light upon his subjects and varies from representational to impressionistic, depending upon his mood.

Ed can be contacted via email at edmjhoag@cox.net

Call For Entries: Village Arts Festival

2009-04-12T07:00:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars. The Village Arts Festival at Lake Las Vegas will be taking place Friday, May 15 through Sunday, May 17, 2009. You're invited to join painters, potters, sculptors, glass artists, photographers, and other members of the artistic community in the unique atmosphere of the Tuscan-themed village square.

Over 50 fine artists selected from around the country exhibit their work along the breathtaking Lake Las Vegas shore.

The festival is a production of The Boulder City Art Guild.

Download an application form online at www.villageartfestivals.com

Find out more at bouldercityartguild.org or by phone at 702.293.2139.

Upcoming Juried Show: Celebrating Life! 2009

2009-04-11T10:58:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars. The Celebrating Life! 2009 Juried Fine Art Competition will be taking place May 12th and 13th, featuring the work of active adults age 50 or better. Entries are due on May 12th and 13th at the Charleston Heights Arts Center.

A Reception and Awards Ceremony will follow on Friday, May 22nd from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. Awards will be presented at 6:30. The exhibition will remain on display at the Charleston Heights Arts Center from May 22nd until July 1st, 2009.

Cash prizes will be awarded for Best of Show, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Honorable Mention will receive a plaque.

There are restrictions to participant eligibility. For further information, please call 702.229.1012 or visit artslasvegas.org

View images from last year's show here: City of Las Vegas Arts Commission - Celebrating Life! 2008

Boulder City Fine Arts Festival

2009-04-11T10:39:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars. The 24th Annual Boulder City Fine Arts Festival is taking place on Saturday and Sunday, April 18th and 19th, 2009. Each day the festival will run from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm in Boulder City's beautiful Bicentennial Park.

The event is sponsored by the Boulder City Art Guild. Find out more information here.

www.bcfineartsfestival.com

Who Made the Blog Today? Drina Fried

2009-03-31T07:15:00.000-07:00

Born in Buffalo, NY, where her father ran a successful jewelry display manufacturing business until he was 85, Drina moved west and spent much time as a California artist before settling in Las Vegas in the spring of 2008. Her mother was a self-taught artist and writer as well. Drina was one of four children and the only granddaughter of Taylor Caldwell, an author in the late 1930s-1980s who turned out 33 best-selling novels.

In September of 2008, shortly after her arrival, Drina's fabric collage won "Best of Show" at her first Henderson showing. Her work was also recently shown at the Liberace Museum and much of it currently hangs in collections in the San Joaquin Valley, the Los Angeles area, and back east in Buffalo.

Drina's collage process is unique and involves layering chosen fabrics to form the under-picture. Then various embellishments are added to emphasize shading and contrast, including paint, embroidery, and other media. Often her visions are cityscapes, florals, or interiors with windows leading out to landscapes. She uses the process of looking, perceiving from a digital image, and interpreting into a varied fabric "canvas." Permanent heat-set glue makes each piece as strong and durable as oil or acrylic paintings on canvas. So vivid and enticing is her work that she often displays pieces behind glass to protect them from the wandering hands of viewers attracted to the texture.

View more work and learn more about HAA member Drina Fried at her site: www.artbydrina.com