Car Window Painting Event Makes Jolly Drivers

By LAURA ROBISON

The Progress

For more than ten years, Holiday Windows by Connie, Cortnie and Esther, has been painting car windows for the Christmas season at no cost to the Moapa Valley community. The trio of Connie Mortensen and daughters Cortnie Villezcas and Esther Jones have spread holiday cheer by painting festive decorations on windows and windshields and bringing smiles to countless motorists.

But this year, it was a bigger family team effort involved than just the same three artists. Connie’s son Bryan and a number of her grandkids joined in the fun as well.

“I’ve been painting windows for businesses and residences for 32 years and it made sense to start doing car windows as my daughters have joined me over the years,” said Connie. “We love to do things for this awesome community. This event has always been free, as well as cars that we paint each year for graduation.”

About 75 vehicles were painted during Saturday’s event held in the Lin’s Market parking lot in downtown Overton.

People came with their cars, trucks, vans, SUV’s to get them decked out for the holidays. Even a motorcyclist stopped by wanting his small windshield painted.

Logandale residents Phil and Jana Leavitt were one of the first to get in line on Saturday.
“We love it! Phil said. “They do great work, they are fast and have great teamwork.”
Jana was equally pleased. “After the first time my windows were painted, I wouldn’t go without it now,” she said.

It was the third year that local resident Jennifer Vance had her holiday paint job done.
“This is good for the community,” Vance stated. “It is very festive and helps me get in the Christmas mood.”

Cortnie said they crew doesn’t use any stencils in the process. Everything is done by free-hand drawings or with cut-outs that they make.
“My mom cuts out all the shapes from special sponges,” she said. “Then we use different things to make handles, such as mason jar lids and zip ties. She has made snowflakes, gingerbread men, ornaments, gnomes, and much more! The wreaths, berries and squiggly lines are all drawn out by us as we paint.”

Connie finished the long day of painting by adding, “It is fun to paint and delightful to work with my kids and grandkids.”

The team is now done for the season but anyone who would like their businesses, residences, cars, special event signs, and other holiday events done for next year may email holidaywindows@mvdsl.com.