Dry media artist Phoebe Wrighter shows beautiful composition and color in her lovely drawing, Autumn.  It is one of her four seasonal entries in Lucky 13.

Dry media artist Phoebe Wrighter shows beautiful composition and color in her lovely drawing, Autumn. It is one of her four seasonal entries in Lucky 13.

Local artist Henry Robinson presents his pencil drawing, Resting Time

Local artist Henry Robinson presents his pencil drawing, Resting Time

Lucky Dotted Frog, ink drawing by Gabby Ponce

Lucky Dotted Frog, ink drawing by Gabby Ponce

Ooooh, says Judith Hetem.  Is that oil or owl painting with feathers...

Ooooh, says Judith Hetem. Is that oil or owl painting with feathers…

The town is on a lucky streak this month, starting with the return of our happy flock of snowbirds.  Everybody in town has the opportunity for good fortune by heading to the Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery to enjoy the return of its trademark annual exhibition, “Lucky 13.”

“Lucky 13” is the Virgin Valley Artists Association’s (VVAA) annual invitation to artists nationwide to show their finest small-sized art in Mesquite.  Not truly a “miniature” art show, this competition simply requires all entries to measure 13 inches or less in width and height.  That size not only allows an impressive number of fine works to fill the gallery walls, it also denotes a great play on words for Nevada’s gambling spirit and a chance for participating artists to win part of the $1300 cash purse.    Two local businesses are “all in” on this exhibition.  Premier Properties and Equity Title team up for the third year as sponsors for this competition that features about 80 entries.

VVAA rides this lucky streak by running its yearly fundraising effort, a raffle and silent auction of outstanding artwork and prize packages, including a Mesquite golf package and a Mesquite dine-around.  Each prize offers the “best of the best” our town provides.  Raffle tickets ($5 ea.) and silent auction bidding are available at the Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery though November 20, when winners of both the Lucky 13 Art Exhibition and the Lucky Raffle and Silent Auction will be announced at one gala event.  The public is cordially invited to attend a free reception that afternoon, 4p-6p, and join in the fun and fundraising that benefits VVAA’s community art education program.

Now is the time for anyone in Mesquite to be a winner by visiting the Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery, open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, at 15 West Mesquite Blvd, Mesquite, Nevada.  The gallery features original local artwork and giftware.  All of the “Lucky 13” entries are available for purchase, along with hundreds of pieces of fine art, pottery, handcrafted jewelry and much more.  Phone 702-346-1338, see website www.mesquitefineartscenter.com or Facebook at Virgin Valley Artists Association.

Spilled Cherries, oil, by VVAA member Gini Hansen

Spilled Cherries, oil, by VVAA member Gini Hansen

Sue Kroll used exquisite scratchboard technique to create Rosebud.

Sue Kroll used exquisite scratchboard technique to create Rosebud.

Tammy Symons portrays the Nevada dream, Striking Color

Tammy Symons portrays the Nevada dream, Striking Color

Watercolorist Karen March has entered a series of Paris figures in this year's Lucky 13 exhibition

Watercolorist Karen March has entered a series of Paris figures in this year’s Lucky 13 exhibition