A capacity crowd filled the Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery on November 20 to congratulate the winners of its Lucky 13 Small Art Exhibition. Many in the audience were also lucky enough to hold winning tickets or bids in the VVAA’s 2014 Raffle and Silent Auction fundraiser. The national small art competition, which offers $1300 in prize money, was again sponsored by Premier Properties and Equity Title. These local businesses have supported the gallery’s signature exhibition for three years.
Jean Wiensch, Vice President of Virgin Valley Artists Association, welcomed the crowd to the gallery reception that honored all artists showing their fine art work in the competition. With about 80 entries, competition was tight. Judges chose “Autumn Flame,” by Jennifer Gubler, as Best of Show, winning top cash along with the ribbon and title for 2014. Jennifer is a past exhibitor and winner in Mesquite exhibitions.
Gini Hansens painting, Hidden Nest, claimed Lucky 13 Blue Ribbon
New VVAA member Gini Hansen showed her oil painting skill in “Hidden Nest,” taking the Blue Ribbon and cash prize. Watercolorist Karen March, another frequent entrant in Mesquite’s exhibitions, was named winner of the Red Ribbon and cash award. Becky Johnson took the White Ribbon and cash prize for her painting, “Harvest.”
Five artists earned Honorable Mention ribbons and cash awards for their work: Janet Weaver, “Pomegranates;” Michelle Kemick, “Red Dirt Road;” Jan J. Hansen, “Three From The Road;” Sue Kroll, “Rose Bud With Dew;” and Rita Fulmer, “Animal Friends.” ( See photos below)
Tammy Symons won Sponsors Choice ribbon for Striking Color.
“Striking Color” by Tammy Symons was selected by Premier Properties and Equity Title as winner of their Sponsor’s Choice ribbon. All Lucky 13 art work is for sale, along with VVAA member art and giftware on display. The Lucky 13 Exhibition continues at the Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery through January 3.
Christmas Boutique opens November 24
The Gallery’s Christmas Boutique opens Monday, November 24, with 50 vendors showing their artful and festive holiday wares. The original, handcrafted gifts go fast! Holiday shoppers looking for the perfect gift for each person on their list must make the Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery their first stop.
The Gallery is located at 15 West Mesquite Blvd, Mesquite, Nevada. Year-around hours are 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Gallery Gift Certificates are available in all denominations. Phone 702-346-1338, or see Facebook page Virgin Valley Artists Association.
VVAA operates the Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery, which is a City-owned facility. VVAA members provide the artwork, programming, and all-volunteer staff for the gallery. Membership is open to the public, $35/year. Generous businesses and individuals of the community help support VVAA’s community art programs. See www.mesquitefineartscenter.com for more information.
Rita Fulmers Animal Friends is an Honorable Mention winner
Sue Krolls Rose Bud With Dew took Honorable Mention
Beautiful Autumn Flame earned Best of Show for Jennifer Gubler in Lucky 13 Exhibition
Life-like Pomegranates, painted by Janet Weaver, earned Honorable Mention
Red Dirt Road, photo by Michelle Kemick, won Honorable Mention
Harvest, by Becky Johnson, won the Lucky 13 White Ribbon award
Three From the Road by Jan Hansen is an Honorable Mention winner
Watercolorist Karen March took the Lucky 13 Red Ribbon prize for People of Paris III
