Gallery visitors chose “Brakkie,” a lovable black puppy as their favorite work of art among the 52 entries in the current themed show, “I’m Seeing Red!” at the Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery.
That beautiful little pup sculpted by artist Judith Hetem will be on display until Aug. 4.
“Cat ‘N Cardinal,” a finely-executed watercolor painting by Cheri Chandler, was named “Sponsor’s Choice” in the event hosted by the Mesquite Citizen Journal. Those awards were announced at the gallery’s public reception July 19, along with awarding of cash prizes for the Judge’s Choice winners.
Showing through Saturday, Aug. 4, “I’m Seeing Red!” themed exhibition attracted the largest field of competitors to date of any summer competition at the Gallery. Artists credit the catchy theme and the “red hot” Mesquite summer weather for motivating their entry in this show. Sponsor Barbara Ellestad, owner/editor of Mesquite Citizen Journal has posted a video of the entire exhibition on her news website, www.mesquitecitizen.com. She has displayed slide shows or videos of every Gallery exhibition as a regular feature on her website since its inception in July 2011. She chose to sponsor “Red” to celebrate her first anniversary in business, and her 10 columnists were the voters who selected “Cat ‘N Cardinal” as their ribbon winner.
The Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery is a City-owned facility operated by volunteer staffing
of the Virgin Valley Artists Association that organizes and hosts a new exhibition each month throughout the year. Opening Aug, 7 is the next themed competition, “Light and Shadow,” underwritten by local business sponsor Farmers Insurance Bill Mitchell Agency. This is Mitchell’s second year as a Gallery Sponsor.