In collaboration with Commissioner Marilyn Kirkpatrick, Clark County Public Arts is pleased to announce the dedication of a new sculpture in Overton. The sculpture, titled Earth Rise and created by artist Mark Brandvik, is a significant addition to the County’s public art collection. Funded by the County arts plan, the dedication ceremony will occur on Wednesday, November 1, from 5-7 p.m. at the Moapa Valley Community Center at 320 N. Moapa Valley Blvd. in Overton. The event is open to the public.
“This is an exciting addition for the community and welcomes visitors of the Moapa Valley Community Center’s front lawn to Michael Heizer’s sculpture on the mesa,” said Commissioner Kirkpatrick. “This landmark sculpture will be a wonderful and sophisticated artwork that connects the people of Overton and patrons of the arts visiting the area.”
Earth Rise by Mark Brandvik is a gateway to Michael Heizer’s renowned land art piece, Double Negative, located 8 miles east of the Moapa Valley Community Center. The sculpture’s captivating composition of steel forms pays homage to Heizer’s groundbreaking work, reflecting the forces of excavation and erosion. It also draws inspiration from the nearby landscape’s landforms and archaeology while celebrating the American spirit of discovery from the Space Age.
The Moapa Valley community played an invaluable role in creating “Double Negative.” Now, over 50 years later, “Earth Rise,” the sculpture is a tribute to their contribution. Situated on the property of the Moapa Valley Community Center, the artwork features subtle glyphs etched into the weathered steel, honoring the valley and its people who have warmly welcomed art enthusiasts from around the world for over half a century.
Mark Brandvik, a native of Las Vegas, is the artist behind Earth Rise. With a BFA from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and an MFA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Brandvik has received numerous grants, commissions, and residencies for his art. His work has been exhibited extensively across the United States, Canada, and Europe. In addition to his art practice, Brandvik has been teaching studio art since 1997 at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and the College of Southern Nevada. He currently resides and maintains a studio in downtown Las Vegas.
Clark County Public Arts Office’s mission is to promote, encourage and connect the community with culture and public art around the valley. The Clark County Public Arts program can be found on Facebook and Instagram @CCPublicArts. Those wanting more information about Clark County’s Public Arts Program can visit https://bit.ly/3A88Tx2.
