“If the flag is
flying, we’re open!”
 |
| Las Vegas Arts Council, 140 Bridge Street, open for business |
Domie
Gilbert, Nat Gold and Eleanor Nelson are familiar names to those who have
worked with the Las Vegas Arts Council over the years. These visionary leaders
were among the founders of what has evolved into a vibrant group of artists and
patrons whose goal is to promote the arts in Las Vegas.
From
its location at 140 Bridge Street the Arts Council is in the heart of a busy
commercial district and more connected than ever to the heartbeat of the arts
community. The LVAC is a pivotal agency for connecting artists from all
disciplines with patrons, and showcasing their work in a space dedicated to
that purpose.
Vice
president Janet Remenyik, who served for a number of years as LVAC president,
has seen the evolution of the organization and observed its adaptability,
noting that while the arts council at one time provided a number of summer
programs for youth, that focus has shifted to mounting exhibits in different artistic
disciplines and hosting salons for creative expression.
“The
schools and other agencies took on providing summer arts and youth development
programs,” she said. “That meant we could expand our services in other areas.”
Among
LVAC’s many successful programs, the Missoula Children’s Theater has likely
been the project that draws the most participation and the greatest community
response. The coordinators come to town and in a week put on a show with
costumes, sets and anything else needed to perform a play using up two 75 local
youth between the ages of five and 18.
“It’s
something to watch,” Remenyik said. “They get all these children to work
together and deliver a performance in five days.”
The
People’s Faire, another popular LVAC event, is an annual outdoor show at
Carnegie Library Park featuring hand made crafts and original art, storytellers,
music and special activities, such as the Kiss a Pig contest. Remenyik said
vendors come primarily from Las Vegas and the region.
The 140 Gallery, LVAC’s gallery name, is now open
on a schedule, in addition to special events, artists’ receptions and
performance salons. Susie Tsyitee, LVAC office manager and board secretary, said
public relations for the arts council begins with keeping the gallery open.
“We’re reaching out into the community and drawing in people who have never
connected with the Arts Council, building relationships with long-time friends
of the gallery, recruiting volunteers, and discovering new ways to serve both
artists and art lovers.
“If the flag is
flying, we’re open!” Tsyitee said. “Appreciating art is not an exclusive hobby for a select
few. Many local artists have poured their lives into this area for generations,
creating beauty and history through the visual, performing, and participatory
arts. Others have traveled to the area and fallen in love with the light, the
air, the people, the land, and the art of Northern New Mexico and made their
own contributions. We value and honor it all. The Las Vegas Arts Council
belongs to the community, desires to serve the community by celebrating our
uniqueness and diversity through the protection, development, and promotion of
our art and culture.”
“I am not an artist but a
patron of the arts,” said Donna Rivas, LVAC president. “I believe that a
community must provide a solid platform for artists to show or perform and the
people living in the community should have a front row seat in viewing its art
and artists.
“LVAC has always
been a cornerstone of the community, providing educational opportunities for
its residents and artists. Many volunteer hours have been spent laying a strong
foundation for the development of the arts in Las Vegas and we have an
obligation to continue to build on that foundation,” she said.
Remenyik agrees.
“Our job is to make that connection between the artists and the community. When
we provide opportunities for artists to show their work, whether it is
performance or visual art, the community does respond.”
Rivas said she is
pleased to report LVAC is beginning a new fiscal year with a balanced
budget. “Our operating budget comes
from members, donations and grants. It
is through the generosity of our members that the Las Vegas Arts Council
continues to offer its current programs and explore and offer new ones. We rely on membership renewals and donations to keep
the Las Vegas Arts Council moving forward. For the arts council to be a
thriving community resource we ask that the community continue with its
generous support.”
Rivas said the arts
in Las Vegas and surrounding area are essential. “The focus for 2014 will be to
continue to support and expand the opportunities for artistic growth and
expression and to bring the community together in celebration of our rich
multicultural heritage.”
For more
information about becoming a supporting member of the Las Vegas Arts Council,
call 505-425-1085, or drop by the gallery during hours of operation, Wednesday
– Saturday, 1 – 4 p.m. Information is also available at www.lasvegasartscouncil.org.
Scheduled exhibits and
events at Gallery 140
140 Bridge Street, Las
Vegas, New Mexico
March
Youth Art Month
(elementary school student exhibit)
March 3-5 (The art of
being a spectator)
LV City Schools 3rd
Graders Puppet Theater
April
Ceramics
NMHU Student Art Exhibit
May
Quilt Exhibit
Luna Community College
textile students’ exhibit
June
Kevin Tracy: Mixed Media
Sculpture
Alex Ellis: Alkyd
Paintings
July
Jane Fritz: Watercolors
Jane Lumsden: Sculpture
Missoula Children’s
Theater (Date TBA)
From audition to
performance in one week.
August
Meadow City Camera Club:
Land as Legacy Exhibit
Aug. 23
36th Annual
People’s Faire at Carnegie Library Park
Entertainment, arts and
crafts, artists and artisans, town square of non-profit agencies, a day-long
celebration of community.
September
Parachute Factor Maker
Works
Local Hacker Scouts
create at the Parachute Factory, exploring technology, art and culture through
hands-on workshops.
Celebrating Summer’s End
Concert at Pendaries
(Date TBA)
October
Art Studio Tour preview
as a month-long exhibit
Oct. 25-26
Las Vegas Art Studio
Tour
Local artisans studio
visits, children’s art and Hispanic art exhibits.
Plein Art Paint Out
November
Wearable Art Exhibit
Woven, quilted, knitted,
fiber art
Imagination expressed in
concept, creativity, originality and skill in construction.
December
Small Works Group
Exhibit
Unique, handmade,
originally designed art and fine arts and crafts at affordable prices.
(From the Arts Council
brochure. For additional information call 505 425-1085)
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