Joy of Creation Evident at Guild Art Show

By CORINNE MESSER

The Progress

The Moapa Valley Art Guild (MVAG) held its annual Spring Art and Craft Show on March 10-11 in the Old Logandale School Historical. The main gym areawas filled with guild member artwork in groupings by each artist. There were beautiful paintings of scenery, portraits, and botanicals, to name a few. Local crafters also had vendor booths lining the gym selling their handcrafted items as well.

MVAG President, Kim Delgadillo, was bustling about greeting the public as they entered the exhibit. “Our goal is to promote art in our valley,” she said. “We believe creativity is a vital part of life and there is a certain type of joy that it can bring to individuals. We encourage individuals to join the Art Guild and to see for themselves.”

Delgadillo continued to explain that the guild currently has 39 members who meet once a week in the Old Logandale School Art Guild Room. Her vision is to have a permanent art display in Moapa Valley in the near future, which would also offer craft art items for sale.

Delgadillo was delighted to mention that four of guild members were award-winning artists: Heidi Leavitt, Joy Lamb, Susan Perez, and Janet Trobough. Their artwork was on display as well as additional guild members Sherrie Whitney, Stacie Holland, Jackie Worthen, and Delgadillo.
Trobough had a variety of stunning artwork on display ranging from Southern Utah Alabaster sculptures, tile art, glass art, and watercolors.

Leavitt had prints available of her stunning painting of Jesus titled, “Compassionate Surrender,” as well as oils and acrylics of landscapes and portraits. She also advertised upcoming art workshops for adults and children. More information can be found at heidileavittart.com.

Holland created the poster artwork for both the Spring Art Show and last fall’s Pomegranate Festival. She said she particularly enjoys creating graphic art, which was on display. Both Delgadillo and guild member Worthen mentioned their appreciation for Stacie’s computer savvy as she has been the main force creating their website, moapavalleyartguild.com.

Perez said that she began drawing at a very young age. “When I was in the 3rd grade, my older sisters entered a drawing contest promoting Smokey the Bear,” she said. “I decided to enter it too, and I won! The grand prize was to ride on the town’s firetruck.”

Perez said her first love is sculpting. She has sculpted with wood, soapstone, marble, concrete, and clay. Although none of her sculptures were displayed at the exhibit, she had several bright vibrant floral paintings.
“I like the strength bright colors provide in my paintings,” Perez commented.

Perez likes being involved in art shows and has enjoyed teaching children in the local library’s summer art program. Last year she taught a class for senior citizens which she enjoyed immensely.
“We had a good group of senior citizens,” she said. “Some came as couples, which provided a good male influence.”

Perez pointed out Art Guild member Jackie Worthen, calling her “the queen” of the guild being in the art guild the longest. Worthern was the guild’s president for 7 years. She started painting 15 years ago when a friend invited her to an art class and she discovered how much she enjoyed it. Worthen mentioned that she loves the guild’s scholarship program because it financially helps young artists.
Amiah Dominguez was the MVHS graduate last year who received the MVAG art scholarship. Some of her artwork was on display and she stopped in to say hello. She is currently an art major at Utah Tech in St. George specializing in animation.

Grant M. Bowler Elementary was represented this year with artwork created by some of their students from grades 3-5. “We are hoping to have more local schools participate next year,” commented Delgadillo.

Also on display were watercolors by the late Lynne Rigoni who recently passed away. As a member of the MVAG for many years, she will be greatly missed.

The Spring Art show is the first activity of the year for MVAG. It will be followed by an art show at the Lost City Museum on April 15 which will have a southwestern theme. The Art Guild also sponsors the Pomegranate Festival in the fall where they raise money for local art scholarships to graduating seniors.

The late Max Bunnell was mentioned more than once while interviewing the Art Guild members. He is the artist responsible for creating the MVAG years ago and is remembered fondly by many.

To join the Moapa Valley Art Guild or for more information, go to www.moapvalleyartguild.com.