By BOBBIE GREEN
The Progress
No one knew on Thursday night exactly who it was that drew a coven of witches to taste the brew at the Mesquite Fine Arts Center. But the spell had been cast and the call was out. After all, it was a Witch’s Ball!
Approximately 150 entrancing souls arrived all decked out in their finest bewitching robes. Mostly witches and warlocks, wizards, and devils; but the tooth fairy and an angel were also seen floating around.
The halls and patio of the center were decked out in a ghostly manner, ghoulishly beautiful. The artful witches know how to throw a party!
Christine Pictor, Head Witch and President of the Virgin Valley Artist Association (VVAA), welcomed the guests along with Sherry Gosdis, this month’s sponsor for the Art Competition themed “Behind the Mask”.
The art center was a busy place on this night. There was a silent auction going on inside the gallery besides the competition display. On the patio, lights and sound guy Chris Finnegan kept the music playing and the sound system working. Lynn Craven “Professor Digitator” told fortunes and did magic tricks.
The Virgin Valley Youth Theatre Group came to the ball to entertain the guests. All dressed in their own costumes they energetically belted out songs like “Spell on You,” “I want candy,” “Purple People Eater” and “Thriller.” Their performance enchanted the witches and wizards with their musical magic.
Inside the ghoulish manor was multiple hot cauldrons filled with the likes of child fingers, eyeballs and such. The feast was fitting for a Witch’s Ball. The devil himself was seen eating the chocolate devil’s food cake.
Walking around the Hexe Haus was like walking through a forest of witches hats instead of trees.
“This is one of the most successful events the VVAA has ever accomplished,” said Picior. “Between the silent auction and the donations jars left throughout the ‘Hexe House’, we raised close to $4000.”
Bradley Maston won first place in the art contest with “Shaman of Valley of Fire.” Second place and Peoples Choice award went to Floyd Johnson for “The Viking.” Third Place went to Susan McPherson for “Feathered Serpent.” The Mayor’s Choice award went to Michele Johnson for “Hidden Personalities.”
And the Best of Show to Cheryl Sachs for “Grandma What Big Eyes You Have.” The Sponsors Choice award went to Walt Alder for “Eyes Behind the Mask.” Honorable Mentions for the exhibit went to Randy Bauman, Lynn Cravens and Walt Alder.
The talented warlock that designed the sets for the wonderful castle and fireplace was Richard Sisneros. The decoration and steering crew were Dorothy Golden, Vanessa Temple, Chris Finnegan, Aida Bryant and Larry and Jackie Zimmer. The Silent Auction team was Rita Fulmer and Liz Etie. Other talented helpers were Elena Ahrens, Judy Fox and Emilia Wilson.
Amid this event the attendees had a chance to slip out and haunt the R.A.I.S.E. Halloween parade as it passed by on Mesquite Blvd.
“All in all, it was just a fabulous fundraiser and a wonderful way to show that the VVAA is all about creativity, joy and abundance,” said Pictor.
The VVAA gallery will present “Lucky 13” National Small Works Competition and Exhibition November 1 through the end of the year.
