Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Have a Wonderful Holiday Season and a Happy New Year


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.

Thursday, December 17, 2009



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:

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

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



See the previous post with more details here:

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

Monday, December 7, 2009

November Third Thursday Revisited




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:


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

Saturday, December 5, 2009

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



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.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Henderson 2009 Winterfest Is Almost Here.


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:


Tuesday, December 1, 2009

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


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.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving!


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.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Calling All Photographers!


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.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

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.

Monday, November 16, 2009

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.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

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.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

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.

Saturday, November 7, 2009

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.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

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.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

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.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

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.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

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.

Monday, October 12, 2009

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.


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.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

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