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.