Santa in town for November Third Thursday

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

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!!!

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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