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.