Mike Donahue
Moapa Valley Progress
MESQUITE – More than 100 artisans and crafters from eight states including Hawaii staffed 65 booths at the fourth Annual Greater Mesquite Festival of the Arts last weekend treating thousands to an array of beautiful handmade goods and exquisite local art.
The event was held in the Old Mill Road Park and was divided into two sections, the Crafter’s Corner and the Artist Enclave. There was also a beverage garden and food court hosted by the Eureka Hotel/Casino.
“In addition to giving artists and crafters an opportunity to display and sell their work, we’re raising funds to support the arts communities in Mesquite and to help support our dream of a center for the arts which will include a museum and a 550- to 600-seat theater,” said Jim Wilson, executive director of the Greater Mesquite Arts Foundation.
Wilson, who is also a potter, said there were 40 artist’s booths and 24 crafter booths set up in the park at the event.
The craft wares and artwork for sale included pottery, metal art, gourd art, oil paintings, watercolors, jewelry, photography, glass and ceramics, mixed media and woodworking.
Entertainment and artists’ exhibitions were held throughout the weekend. Attendees were treated to singers and demonstrations about pottery, pastels on paper and acrylic painting.
In addition to the Eureka, other sponsors included Bonanza Beverage, Miller Lite, the Las Vegas Review Journal and Las Vegas Sun, and the city of Mesquite,
Wilson said the arts groups participating in the festival included Greater Mesquite Arts Foundation, Clark County Library District, Mesquite Arts Council, Mesquite Toes, Virgin Valley Theater Group the Ms. Senior Mesquite Pageant group.
He said October has been designated Arts Month across the country and a local “Golf for the Arts” tournament is scheduled Oct. 30 in Mesquite.
“Those interested in participating can sign up at our website, www.gmaf.net,” Wilson said.
