This spectacular quilt will be won by a lucky person who participates in the fundraising raffle and silent auction at the Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery. Submitted photo.

This spectacular quilt will be won by a lucky person who participates in the fundraising raffle and silent auction at the Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery. Submitted photo.

Virgin Valley Artists Association has put a long list of fundraising activities on the calendar for the coming months.   Fundraising chairperson Elaine Murphy announced the opening of VVAA’s annual raffle and silent auction on October 6.   “Our members have worked hard to put together a great raffle and other events that will be fun for all, and will help promote the power of art in our community.  We are grateful to all the local businesses and individuals who have contributed such valuable gifts to this benefit.  There will be lots of happy winners this year!”

The artists raise money each year to support an extensive community art education program that includes art classes for kids and adults, public lectures, readings and concerts, a yearly exhibition of Virgin Valley public school student art, and high school senior scholarships.  The organization operates the Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery, providing volunteer staffing for the unique art gallery that features a new art exhibition each month, and sells original local art and giftware.  VVAA members also operate the only pottery studio in the region that is open to the public.  The organization also offers art and pottery classes to the public at very reasonable cost.   It has sponsored a city-wide public art project, and has famously transformed the exterior of the art center into a local landmark with its collection of murals and sculptures.

Raffle tickets for this year’s exceptional collection of art, sports, luxury electronics and dining packages  go on sale October 6 at the Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery.  Raffle tickets are $5.  A monster Mesquite Golf package valued at $3000 leads the list of prizes, with other prizes, ranging from decorative landscaping stones to an autographed copy of a New York Times bestselling book bundled with an online gift card .  Each raffle prize carries a minimum value of $100.

VVAA has also put together a unique and valuable collection of silent auction prizes this year. These range from original artwork by Kim Whitesides and other VVAA artists, to dine-around packages and a special “Wild Thing” dinner for six, featuring a menu of wild caught halibut and elk tenderloin, served with fresh and organic ingredients, and paired with fine wines.  Silent auction items range in value from $250 to $1600.  Those wishing to bid on items enter their written bid on the official forms at the Gallery.  Bids are accepted until November 20.    Early entries may be outbid, so competitors should rebid and be on hand when auction items are sold to the highest bidders and raffle ticket winners are announced at the gala public reception, Thursday, November 20, 4-6pm at the Gallery.

Visit the Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery at 15 West Mesquite Blvd, Mesquite, Nevada.  Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday, 10a-4p.  Also on display during October is the exhibition, “Dusty Trails,” a salute to Nevada’s 150th anniversary, and a spectacular silent auction of Joyce Burke’s watercolor paintings.   Preview a video of all nine Joyce Burke paintings on Facebook. Phone 702-346-1338 for information.