Local businesses and non-profit groups are invited to decorate a pair of sneakers for an art contest and auction. Proceeds from this public art contest will benefit the Virgin Valley Artists Association Art Scholarship Fund.

Virgin Valley Artists Association (VVAA) will provide a pair of sneakers free of charge to the first 50 businesses or organizations that want to try their hand at artful adornment. Glitz or grunge, haute or low fashion–all are welcomed.

All those interested should visit the Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery to fill out an entry form and pick up that free pair of sneakers to paint, modify, and turn into art objects.   Entries must use the identical sneakers provided by VVAA to be eligible competitors for the contest prize, but other shoes may be displayed and auctioned if submitted.

Competitors vie for a coveted prize package that will be awarded Jan. 21 at the artists’ reception, held at the Gallery from 4 to 6 p.m. Decorated sneakers will be auctioned off to the highest bidders that evening. Members of the public are welcome to bid on the sneakers and take home a piece of fun and fancy art, while filling scholars’ shoes with cash.

Every year VVAA offers scholarship funds to high school seniors in the Virgin Valley who wish to pursue post-high school training in the arts or art education. The amount of funding offered each year depends of the success of fundraising efforts throughout the year. In 2015, three seniors at Virgin Valley High School were each given $2,000 toward their future education.

VVAA operates the Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery through member volunteer efforts, with their original art displayed in the gallery and offered for sale. The organization also sponsors adult art classes, operates a full-service pottery studio, and sponsors a series of free art classes for school-age children and free monthly classes for seniors. The VVAA art education program and community art projects have been recognized by Nevada Arts Council and NEA Art Works as outstanding community programs, deserving of state and federal funding. Numerous local businesses and individuals support to the organization through their generous donations and sponsorships.

The Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery is located at 15 W. Mesquite Blvd, Mesquite Nevada, open

Monday through Saturday, 10a-4pm. Call 702-346-1338 or visit the VVAA website

www.mesquitefineartscenter.com for more information.