Guild Celebrates 60 Years With Tribute Exhibit

By CATHERINE ELLERTON

Moapa Valley Progress

The Moapa Valley Art Guild (MVAG) hosted its annual spring art show on March 8-9 at the Old Logandale School. This year’s show was special though. It was here that the world, as seen through the eyes and talent of local artist Max Bunnell, was revealed.

From the silent beauty of the Park City Home to the individual beauty of each plant in the Desert Holly, this noted landscape artist shared his love of the out-of-doors with those who wished to travel with him over a review of a lifetime of his work.

On this occasion of the 60th Anniversary of the Spring Art Show, the Guild honored Bunnell, who was its founder, in a 92nd birthday celebration. It was a special showing of dozens of his most brilliant contributions to the world of visual art exhibited in the main hall of the old Logandale School.

Bunnell was born in Heber City, Utah. After graduating from High School he joined the Navy and then attended Brigham Young University – majoring in Art and Education. He taught for over 50 years in such schools as MVHS, Dixie State College, UNLV, UNR and other community colleges.

Bunnell has served on the Nevada State Council of the Arts and the Utah Council for the Arts. He developed an interest in the artistic talents of his students and wanted the community of Moapa Valley to have the opportunity to become more involved with the visual arts. Thus he began a tradition of the Spring Art Show in 1955. In 1959 Bunnell began the MV Art Guild.

Works of MVAG members was also on display in the Legacy Room. On exhibit here was a Memorial Wall recognizing Guild members who have passed on but who have left a lasting legacy of their work to the Guild. These members include: Elaine Danley, Kaye Herron, John Robison, Marie Runnion, Warren Spooner and Zona Tobler.

The celebration exhibit was orchestrated by MVAG member Jana Ward; hung by Janet Trobough. Live music was furnished by the Cliffrose String Quartet. A magnificent hors d’oeuvre table was put together by MVAG President Annetta Romero.