By BOBBIE GREEN
The Progress
Mesquite Fine Arts Center was a busy place on Thursday evening, Nov. 16 while hosting the National Small Works “Lucky 13” Competition Awards Ceremony and the VVAA Christmas Boutique.
All paintings and photographs in the National “Lucky 13” contest were required to be no larger than 13 inches x 13 inches. There is no category or theme for the exhibit. There were 38 entries by artists from Utah, Texas, Montana, California, and Nevada.
Deep Roots Harvest was this month’s sponsor, and dispensary Manager Robert Dehn was there on Thursday night to hand out the award money.
Best of Show went to Mesquite resident Floyd Johnson, for “Billy the Kid.” This work was painted on a piece of old wood.
“The wood was the motivation,” Floyd said. “I loved it and was looking for the right picture to put on it when I found the only known photograph taken of Billy the Kid. That was it.”
First place went to Barbara Flanders-Krause of Mesquite for “Mute Swan Close-up.” A photo shot so close, it took a few seconds for one to notice the eye.
Second place went to David Penmano of Long Beach, Calif., for a watercolor brush art named “Low-Desert Bloom.”
Third place went to Judith Hutcheson, from Ivins, Utah, for oil-on-paper “Kayenta Wash.”
The Mayor’s Choice award went to Pam Jacobson for “Trees of Gold,” a piece done in glass.
Sponsor’s Choice went to Terry Cloud for “Donkey Dreams.” The Donkey Dreams multimedia picture has a short story pinned beneath it written by A.I.
Honorable Mentions in the contest went to Linda Hancock and Cathy Huff, both of Mesquite.
The Annual Christmas Boutique is in full swing at the gallery, with plenty of unique, handmade gift items for sale through Dec. 29. The boutique is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Monday to Saturday, and at the same times on an extension day, Sunday, Nov. 26.
The popular Palette & Pour Party has been extended in December with additional parties: from noon to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 12; from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 7; and also 3 to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 14. Each party has a different picture to paint. For more info, call (702) 346-1338.
