By LAURA ROBISON
The Progress
The annual Moapa Valley Art Guild (MVAG) Spring Art and Craft Show, in conjunction with the Old Logandale School Open House was held last weekend, March 1-2.
Art was created by 10 artists, some of whom have been award winners: Susan Perez, Janet Trobough and Joy Lamb. They displayed their work in various media, to show and sell to the general public. About 400 patrons visited the exhibit over the 2-day event.
Kim Delgadillo, MVAG president, welcomed guests as they arrived. She explained that the Guild has about 33 members, with different talents including crafting, painting, ceramics, sculptors and more. The annual show helps support the MVAG scholarship fund.
Susan Perez and Pam Secord demonstrated how to do colored pencil drawings, while on-lookers could ask questions and follow along. Perez showed the textured charcoal paper she uses. “If you want to get started on learning to draw, take your time, relax and just do it!” she said. “If you make a mistake you can always start over.”
One of the featured artists was Janet Trobough, who had just won Best of Show the week prior in Mesquite.
“I have gotten inspiration for my art from various sources, but mostly I am self-taught,” Trobough said.
Trobough began painting with watercolors, then branched out to wood-burning designs on gourds. She is now doing alabaster sculptures, and makes beautiful patterns on stained glass.
A special art section was from students at local schools. Megan Barnes, a 6th-grader from Mack Lyon Middle School showed her pencil drawing of a very intense-looking snake with long fangs.
“I like art at school,” she said. “My sister draws so I thought I could too.”
Megan mentioned that she had completed this remarkable drawing in less than five minutes.
A few vendors were on hand for shoppers, including Native succulants by Evelyn Brewer, baked goods by Carolyn Marshall and Kaitlyn Brown, signs made from license plates by Barbara and Larry Hubbard, and more.
Rosie Jensen and Sherri Jensen came from Mesquite to have a girls day at the art show. Both had said they love this event and were especially interested in a diplay of ceramic pots.
Visitors didn’t have to peruse the art in silence. Entertainment was provided by locals from Moapa Valley and Mesquite. Clint Brill, Senior Line Dancing, The Jumping Fleas – Ukulele Group, Moapa Valley High School Jazz Band, dancers from Las Vegas Parks and Rec, and Jane and Drue Solomon all kept the place lively for the crowd in attendance.
“We, in the Guild, believe that art in everyday life is not a luxury, but a necessity,” explained Kim Delgadillo. “It is so wonderful to see the amazing talent this valley has. Talent that not only includes visual arts but also performing arts.”
Robin Maughan is the facilitator and manager at the Old Logandale School Historical and Cultural Society (OLSHACS) which maintains the old building. Last weekend’s event was also an open house to show updates to each museum room. Tours were given as attendees learned about the museum and all the displays on site.
“There are so many people in the Valley who don’t know about this museum,” Maughan said. “We want to save Valley history and family history.”
There is a great Native American room at the facilities.
The building is open during the week, but can give private tours at any time.
“We are preserving history for future generations,” Maughan said. “We have no problem opening the building for anyone who wants to see what we are all about.”
For more information about OLSHACS, please call 702-398-7272.
For more information about joining MVAG, please call 702-397-6444
