VVAA To Feature “Flower Artist”

By NICK YAMASHITA

The Progress

The Virgin Valley Artists Association is bringing a unique and reputable artist to instruct a class under the Stay Smart with Art program. The course is scheduled for Thursday, August 19 at the Mesquite Fine Arts Center at 15 W. Mesquite Blvd.

The featured artist instructing the class will be Cheri Smith, former floral arrangement designer, and artist to the White House – that’s right, the one on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC.

Known as FaeryPaynter, Smith has done art for over 50 years, including her artistic arrangements of flowers in her three boutique floral shops in Virginia and New Mexico. Her arrangements, and the beauty within them, were so desired that she even made flower arrangements for the White House during the Reagan era.

After a work-related accident in 2000, Smith began to focus more on illustration and fantasy-themed art. She has illustrated multiple children’s books and has painted fantasy murals and artwork located in seven states across the New England area and Florida. At the same time, her work is also featured in four galleries across New Mexico and Arizona.

Smith currently resides in Mesquite and rents out studio space in the Mesquite Fine Arts Center.
“We are pleased to have Cheri teaching this Stay Smart with Art class,” said VVAA Program Director Linda Harris.

“The Stay Smart with Art program offers one-of-a-kind experiences and allows adults to explore creativity and have fun with artistic activities,” Harris added.

Harris explained that Stay Smart with Art, a program meant to enhance art within adults, will offer four classes taught by guest artists throughout the rest of this year and in the first half-year of 2022.

“This program has been around for years, but in the last two years, it didn’t happen,” said Harris. “It is now being brought back.”

Harris said that registration for the class with Cheri Smith is already full but the Association is keeping a waiting list in case any opening occur.
“But there are three other classes coming up,” said Harris. “And now is the time to register for those.”

The next class will be held on October 7 and will feature artist instructor Loesje Lindberg. Lindberg is an abstract artist who will feature Rainbow Acrylic Abstract painting.

The 3rd class will be held on January 13, 2022. This class will be instructed by artist Joyce Redwelk who is best known as a “Doodler.” She will be teaching about doodle art.

The last class will be held on April 21, 2022, and will feature making wreaths. Interestingly the class will use salt dough to make unique and beautiful wreaths. Artist Wendy Douglas will teach the class.

“We just want adults, especially ones who have not done art or don’t do art, to come out and enjoy these classes,” said Harris. “Then they can see what art does for their lives. We want them to have fun and see how art brightens lives.”

You can register for all these classes online at www.mesquitefineartscenter.com. If you do not have internet, you may also call the Mesquite Fine Arts Center at (702) 346-1338.