“Endangered Species” is one of the many pieces of art in the gallery through Nov. 3 that has been entered in the Virgin Valley Artist’s ‘Nature/Nurture’ exhibit. The Sea Turtles in artist AlixSandra Parness’ acrylic painting are turtles she’s personally met and can tell a fascinating story of the refuge when and where they were introduced. Photo by Teri Nehrenz

From medieval French times people have asked the question: What is better, nature or nurture? The Virgin Valley Artists, as a collective, can’t seem to make up their minds so each has given you his/her own rendition of what they believe epitomizes the nature/nurture answers. You can see for yourself what they’ve come up with when you visit the Mesquite Fine Arts Center through Nov. 3.

Some artists, such as AlixSandra Parness, will have you believing that both are equally important. If you’re lucky enough to be at the gallery when she’s volunteering she’ll tell you a fascinating story on the subject/s she’s painted.

Parness’ acrylic painting “Endangered Species” is of two rescued sea turtles she and her husband have personally met. The fascinating story that followed told of a sea turtle rescue where she and her husband had the pleasure of holding, watching hatchlings and releasing just hatched babies into the open waters of the Pacific Ocean.

You’ll just swoon over the cuteness of The German Shepard and the owl in artist Judy Livengood’s “Let’s Talk” which shows that while fur and feathers don’t necessarily go together in nature, they can lovingly nurture each other no matter what their differences. This and other fine works of art can be viewed and purchased now through Nov. 1 at the Mesquite Fine Arts Center during the Virgin Valley Artist’s Nature/Nurture exhibit. Photo by Teri Nehrenz

The painting is one of many in the exhibit that tells an artist’s tale of many lovely points of nature and some special nurturing moments.

One of the exhibits shows how the instinct to nurture isn’t breed specific. You’ll just swoon over the cuteness of The German Shepard and the owl in artist Judy Livengood’s “Let’s Talk” which shows that while fur and feathers don’t necessarily go together in nature, they can lovingly nurture each other no matter what their differences.

The public is invited to an Open House reception at the Gallery Oct. 18 from 4-6 p.m.

Stunning paintings, ceramics, digital art and jewelry are on display. The reception is free to the public and everyone is invited.  Come see for yourself what is better, nature or nurture; the artists have given you plenty of examples to ponder over.

The Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery is a city-owned facility, operated by the Virgin Valley Artists Association. VVAA members provide the original artwork that is shown in the gallery and gift shop. All art is offered for sale and displays are changed monthly. In addition to the special exhibitions, members show their fine works in a wide variety of mediums. The Gallery is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about membership, upcoming exhibitions, and art and pottery classes, see the VVAA website at www.mesquitefineartscenter.com or talk with the front desk volunteer at the Gallery. Call 702-346-1338 for assistance.