A perfect sunset. A cactus bloom. A pool of water. A desert inhabitant. Forty-two pieces of art compete for awards in the Mesquite Fine Art Gallery exhibition, “Desert Treasures,” now showing through Sept. 29.
This exhibition, sponsored by the Eureka Casino Resort, is the last in the 2012 summer series of themed monthly shows. The themed competitions give artists the opportunity to compete on several levels by offering Judges’ Choice ribbons and awards, People’s Choice voting, and Sponsor’s Choice selection. A panel of judges has named these awards, based on artistic quality and execution of the theme.
The top winners were: Best of Show ribbon and $100: “One Day in the Sun,” watercolor painting by Juanita Becker; Blue ribbon and $50: “Elephant of the Namib,” clay sculpture by Judith Hetem; Red ribbon and $30: “Mustangs in Flight,” watercolor/mixed media painting by Janet Trobough; and White ribbon and $20: “New Life,” Ceramic/mixed medium sculpture by Harlo and Kathleen Birkholz.
Honorable Mention ribbons winners, in alphabetical order by artist, include: “Bryce Canyon Twilight,” digital photograph by David Bailey; “Valley of Fire,” digital photograph by Sharon Clark; “Mojave Bluffs,” ceramic sculpture by Moss Picard; “Desert Sun,” ink/colored pencil drawing by Barbara Rowley; “Desert Junk Angel,” metal/wood/mixed media sculpture by Jan Stensland; “Cool Mirage,” watercolor painting by Jean Wiensch; and “Desert Fireworks,” digital photograph by Sue Williamson.
Gallery visitors are invited to cast their vote for “people’s choice” award. The piece garnering most votes by noon, Sept. 26, will be announced at the artists’ award reception at 4 p.m. that afternoon.
The public is cordially invited to visit the gallery to view the entire exhibition and cast their votes, and later meet the participating artists at the free reception.
Also on display during September are the 19 entries of the Gold Butte Art and Photo Contest that VVAA sponsored in conjunction with the Gold Butte Days Festival to be held Oct. 12-13.
VVAA operates the gallery as a service to the community and outlet for sale of original local artwork. The nonprofit organization provides volunteer staffing for the gallery, which is a City-owned facility. The Gallery is located at 15 W. Mesquite Blvd., and is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Through sale of artwork and gift shop items, VVAA is able to sustain this important cultural center for the community. Partial funding is also received from the City of Mesquite, Nevada Arts Council, NEA Artworks, Greater Mesquite Arts Foundation, Mesquite Resort Association, sponsoring businesses such as September sponsor, Eureka Casino Resort, and many generous individual donors. For more information call 702-346-1338 during gallery hours, or see www.mesquitefineartscenter.com.