An overflow crowd filled the Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery, Nov. 19, for its monthly art reception and to announce the winners of the Lucky 13 raffle.

Margaret Abramshe from Mesquite took home “Best of Show” and $613 for her art piece titled ‘Joy’ in the 13th Annual Lucky 13 art exhibit at the Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery in November. Photo by Barbara Ellestad.

Margaret Abramshe from Mesquite took home “Best of Show” and $613 for her art piece titled ‘Joy’ in the 13th Annual Lucky 13 art exhibit at the Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery in November. Photo by Barbara Ellestad.

The competition drew entries from all over the nation and offered the Gallery’s biggest cash purse of the year.

Margaret Abramshe from Mesquite took home ‘Best of Show’ for the 13th Annual “Lucky 13 National Small Works Competition”  and $613 for her art piece titled ‘Joy.’ The first place ribbon and $313 went to Geraldine Zarate, also from Mesquite, for her ‘Mesa Cottonwood’ art.

Ralph Malloy took second place in the art exhibit while Floyd Johnson won third place. Honorable Mention ribbons went to David Boyarski, Carol Wenz, Kathleen Ludwid, and Maua Farber.

“What a fantastic array of approaches to a constricted space,” Jean Wiensch, President of the Virgin Valley Artists Association said about the entries that were limited 13”x13” or less. “There were so many technically strong and beautifully eloquent selections. This is an exhibit that will be enjoyed by all who have the privilege to view it.”

This year artists have submitted over 60 entries in the exhibit sponsored by Premier Properties of Nevada and Equity Title of Mesquite.

Virgin Valley Artists Association used this month to replenish its scholarship fund by staging its

“Lucky 13 Raffle.”  Each year the VVAA awards scholarships to local high school students pursuing an education in the arts.

Geni Barton took home the top raffle prize, a 55-inch television, donated in part by Geno and Barbara Withelder.

Geni Barton, left, won the top Lucky 13 raffle prize in the Virgin Valley Artists Association annual raffle that fund scholarships for local high school students pursuing an education in the arts as Jean Wiensch, President of the VVAA looks on. Photo by Barbara Ellestad.

Geni Barton, left, won the top Lucky 13 raffle prize in the Virgin Valley Artists Association annual raffle that fund scholarships for local high school students pursuing an education in the arts as Jean Wiensch, President of the VVAA looks on. Photo by Barbara Ellestad.