104°F
weather icon Cloudy

Nine statues unveiled on Art Walk

On the surface, a desert tortoise, wise old owl, polar bear, Anasazi family and Olympic diver would seem to have nothing in common.

But they do.

All are subjects of works of art created for this year’s Boulder City Public Art Scape exhibit in downtown.

The outdoor gallery debuted nine pieces during the ninth annual Art Walk on Saturday afternoon. About 50 people participated.

“I am extremely pleased,” said Darlene Burk, who helped create and spearheads the Public Art Scape committee. “It went out on a very good note.”

Although the Public Art Scape has funds for this year’s exhibit as well as to purchase several statues, the nonprofit group’s board agreed to disband the organization late last year.

Burk and her husband, Vern, who are the primary force behind the project, cited health issues as the reason for them to step down.

Since the Public Art Scape began, the group has purchased 22 statues valued at $250,000, which it has donated to the city for permanent display. Additionally, four pieces have been purchased by individuals and two were purchased by groups of community residents.

“It takes a vision, and passion and an idea. Vern and Darlene had an idea of what culture can do for this town,” board member Eric Estes said.

He said the downtown gallery has helped make Boulder City a destination for visitors.

Most of the nine artists whose work is on display walked along with the group, offering the stories behind what inspired them or the meaning of their pieces.

Additionally, they thanked Burk for her hours of work on the Art Scape project and told her how much it meant to share their sculptures with the Boulder City community.

After the Art Walk, participants attended a reception at the hotel where awards were presented for the best pieces in the 2014-15 exhibit season.

In the bronze division, Gregory Johnson’s piece “Jack’s Storytime,” which features a young boy reading to a Mother Goose, a frog, turtle, rabbit and pig, won first place. The statue was purchase by a group of residents and has been permanently installed at the Boulder City Library.

Taking second place was Jerry Anderson’s “Pegasus.” The sculpture features the winged horse taking flight from the hands of Zeus, who is also throwing a thunderbolt. It becomes part of the group’s permanent collection.

In the mixed media category, Sandra Messina’s “Majestic Monarch,” a colorful statue of a butterfly, placed first.

Second place was awarded to Damian Radice’s “This Is Living!?” The kinetic sculpture incorporated an old parking meter and its eyes would light up and spin if someone put a coin the man’s left ear.

For more information about Public Art Scape, visit pretto.com/artscape/.

Hali Bernstein Saylor is editor of the Boulder City Review. She can be reached at hsaylor@bouldercityreview.com or at 702-586-9523. Follow @HalisComment on Twitter.

MOST READ
THE LATEST
Summer is a time to be safe

It’s a safe bet that the one thing we all have in common every summer is managing the extreme heat and our body’s reaction to the excessive temperature prevalent in our geographic location.

Free fishing fun

Logan Davis, along with his kids Winter and Maverick, tried their best to catch a fish Saturday, along with all the many others who enjoyed the city’s free fishing day at the pond at Veterans Memorial Park.

Ordinance promotes cleanliness, accessibility of public places

Individuals camping in public spaces has increased dramatically in the past few years across the nation. On May 27 the city of Boulder City joined the cities of Reno, Las Vegas, Henderson, and Sparks, along with Clark, Washoe, and Nye counties in passing a measure to expand the prohibition on camping in public places within city limits. The new ordinance goes into effect on June 19, 2025.

And all that jazz (in the park)

A relatively small but appreciative crowd turned out Saturday evening for Jazz in the Park, sponsored by the Boulder City Parks and Recreation Department and the Las Vegas Jazz Society. The evening featured the Marlane Coker Quintet and guest at Bicentennial Park.

Flushing faux pas may lead to clogs, costly repairs

When it comes to plumbing clogs, we can definitely apply the adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”…or in this case, a quart of Liquid Plumr.

Art exhibition to showcase work of Connie Ferraro

Connie Ferraro has worn many hats in her life. They have included Broadway dancer, actress, wife of longtime Boulder City Mayor Bob Ferraro and these days, artist.

Year ending on high note at Mitchell Elementary

From the first day to the last, it takes a great deal of energy to get through a school year. The students, staff, and families are ceaseless in their efforts to ensure that we have a great year from beginning to end. We are successful because we are supported by our community.

Mental health in an aging population

The American Psychiatric Association defines mental illness as health conditions involving changes in emotion, thinking, and behaviors.

Sunflower Breakfast celebrates King’s parent volunteers

Boulder City’s commitment to community was on full display at this year’s annual Sunflower Breakfast, a heartwarming event dedicated to honoring the incredible volunteers who help our school thrive.

Reframing language in mental health

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of.