BLVDS Las Vegas "Giving" issue 17

Page 1

issue 17

community

culture

design

flavor


Holiday revelers can walk through the Arbor that’s adorned with festive eco-friendly LED lights in the Springs Preserve’s eight-acre garden wonderland.

Escape the craziness. Get away to the Winter Lights Festival, a magical celebration filled with wonder and colorful excitement. Where more than a half-million eco-friendly LED lights transform the gardens into a wonderland. Enjoy strolling madrigal singers, festive arts and crafts, community performers, sleigh rides, hot cocoa and other holidayinspired treats. Experience Christmas tree and Menorah lighting ceremonies, a Kwanzaa display, as well as special Night of Choirs and high school orchestra performances. The young ones will delight in visits with jolly old St. Nick – captured at Santa’s Photo Station and preserved as a perfect holiday memory.

December 11-13 and 18-24 – 5-9 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for children 5-12, free for children 4 and younger. • Additional fees apply to all rides. Tickets available online or at the gate (advance purchase available). • 702-822-7700 • U.S. 95 and Valley View Blvd.


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COMMUNITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

COMMUNIT Y

Spotlights Rommel Pacson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Thom Reilly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 J ew i s h Fa m i l y S e r v i ce Ag e n c y A Haven of Help and Hope for a Community in Need . . . . . . . . 14 N a t h a n A d e l s o n H o s p i c e ’s C a m p M a r i p o s a A Place to Grieve, A Place to Heal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

BLVDS

w h a t ’s i n s i d e

ARTICLES & HIGHLIGHTS C U LT U R E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 3

C U LT U R E

T h e C AC Tu r n s 2 0 Contemporary Arts Center Celebrates a Milestone. . . . . . . . . . 24 Shoes for Children Annual Event Benefits Local Kids and Entertains Us All

. . . . . 29

DESIGN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

DESIGN

CANstruction Competition B u i l d i n g R e l i e f f o r t h e Va l l e y ’s H u n g r y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 4 Durette Candito Studio and Design I t ’s A l l i n t h e D e t a i l s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 8

F L AV O R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

F L AV O R

Gaia Flowers • Gifts • Art Sustaining the Planet, Supporting Our Community . . . . . . . . . 43 S t u d i o 8 Te n Where Giving Gives Back. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

ON THE COVER: Giving; macro photography, collage, and photogram (2009)

© Diane Bush THIS PAGE FROM LEFT: First Friday at Gaia © Garrett Winslow; Hard at work at Studio 8

Ten © Greg Warden


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This year I enjoyed a special treat. I had the opportunity to walk through the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village all by myself. The Music was not yet playing, the weather was crisp, the decorations and lights truly magical. It reminded me of that first run down a newly groomed ski slope. Later in the week I went with my son Ian and had the chance to see it through the eyes of a 5 year old which made it even more MAGICAL. Many organizations and corporations come together to make this event possible, and it is great fun for young and old alike. This year we had the good fortune to work with the Contemporary Arts Collective (CAC) to have a contest for our “Giving” issue. We had so many wonderful entries. We absolutely love our cover by Diane Bush. It’s titled, appropriately, Giving. At the end of this rollercoaster year, and to celebrate the beginning of this upcoming year, my message is simple…the best gift you can give is a contribution to those less fortunate than yourself. Happy Holidays! — Jan Craddock, Publisher

B L V D S

contributors

THE TEAM Jan Craddock President & Publisher Sherri Kaplan COO & Co-Publisher Pat Marvel Consulting Editor Kimberly Schaefer Managing Editor Randi Daniels Ar t Direction & Design C O N TA C T U S 1000 N. Green Valley Pkwy, Suite 440-178 Henderson, NV 89074 (p) 386.6065 (f ) 386.6012 blvdslv.com

THE TEAM

EDITORIAL BOARD Brian Paco Alvarez Debra Blitzer Durette Candito Jack Chappell Audrie Dodge Nancy Higgins Gina Jackson Wendy Jordan Pam Lang Debra March Randi Chaplin-Matushevitz Kimberly Maxson-Rushton Karen Rubel Kristin Sande Rick Sellers Shaun Sewell

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Becky Bosshar t Joyce Gorsuch Wendy Kveck Pam Lang Patricia Mar vel Sara Nunn Shaun Sewell Kimberly Schaefer PHOTOGRAPHY Grace Rakich Greg Warden Garrett Winslow

Copyright 2009, by BLVDS, Inc., all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written permission from BLVDS, Inc. Every effort was made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication, however, BLVDS, Inc. assumes no responsibility for errors, changes or omissions. BLVDS, Inc. accepts editorial and photography submissions. Please send all submissions to: editor@blvdslv.com.



FRom aSSiSTinG HoLocaUST SURViVoRS WiTH RePaRaTionS To SUPPoRTinG THe HomeLeSS anD UnemPLoYeD, THe JeWiSH FamiLY SeRVice aGencY oFFeRS HoPe anD HeLP To a DiVeRSe commUniTY in neeD. cHiLDRen anD aDULTS GRieVe THe LoSS oF a LoVeD one in DiFFeRenT WaYS. aT camP maRiPoSa, STaFF anD VoLUnTeeRS FRom THe naTHan aDeLSon HoSPice PRoViDe cHiLDRen WiTH a PLace To HeaL WHiLe enJoYinG acTiViTieS THaT HeLP THem emeRGe FRom THeiR SaDneSS anD iSoLaTion.

B L V D S

commun it y

THe LocaL SPoTLiGHT

artIcLes spotlights rommel pacson Local Talent Lends His Voice to Others . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 thom reilly Changing Lives through Commitment to Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Jewish family service agency A Haven of Help and Hope for a Community in Need. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 nathan adelson hospice’s camp mariposa A Place to Grieve, A Place to Heal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

facing page: Holocaust Resource center at JFSa © Greg Warden


pure. powerful. arts. Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck is proud to support the efforts of the

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RommeL PacSon

Loc a L TaLenT LenD S HiS Voice To oTHe RS Rommel Pacson moved to the United States from manila when he was six years old. Having spent years performing all over the world as a dancer on cruise lines, at epcot center, at the Grammy awards with madonna, and on Broadway in a 1996 performance in a revival of The King and I, Pacson now calls Las Vegas his home. He has performed in several major strip productions including EFX at mGm Grand and decided to make Las Vegas his home after becoming a dancer in celine Dion’s A New Day. and now he’s reinventing himself, working hard to become a triple threat in the entertainment industry—an actor, a singer, and a dancer. He is the kind of performer who never wants to stagnate. He took a year and a half off, he says, but, “i figured out that i needed to be on stage.” Having danced

and while he helps others through what he calls “acting on the airwaves,”

for the majority of his adult life, it would have been easiest for Pacson to

Pacson also finds his time spent as a “reader” helps him by improving his

return to the stage as a dancer. But, “that wasn’t challenging enough for

own speaking and acting voice.

me. You have to challenge yourself to stay sharp.” With whom would you like to trade jobs? in order to grow on stage, Pacson knew he needed to be able to sing and

With madonna.

act. But instead of seeking out an agent and booking gigs as a singer or actor, he simply started auditioning for local productions, so he could

What’s the best kept secret in Las Vegas?

practice singing and acting while actually on stage.

That there are great shows produced that are not on the Strip.

Since then, he has performed at the Las Vegas Little Theatre, for Signature

If you could have a “do-over,” what would it be?

Productions, and at the college of Southern nevada. His roles have certainly challenged him: in Las Vegas Little Theatre’s Take Me Out, he played a Japanese character and had to learn all of his lines phonetically;

i would like to have started singing when i was younger and not listened to all my teachers that said “you can’t sing.” now, i know i can.

in Bent, he “got to die on stage;” and in Signature Theatre’s Thoroughly

What makes you say “wow”?

Modern Millie, he “sang on stage for the first time.” He most recently

When i see talented people doing their thing.

choreographed Signature Theatre’s production of The King and I, a process that he says taught him “patience and perseverance.” at cSn, Pacson

What’s next?

performed in The Mother of Modern Censorship, and he also performed in

To have a principal role in a musical and sing my face off.

asylum Theatre’s series of one acts, Moments of Paws. But there’s yet another role that Pacson plays to help others in our community. a longtime listener of public radio, he pursued a volunteer opportunity five years ago with nevada Public Radio’s Radio Reading Service. Radio Reading Service provides readings from a wide range of newspapers, magazines, and books for print-impaired residents of Southern nevada. Pacson began as the Las Vegas Review-Journal “reader” and now reads the Las Vegas Sun and trains other “readers” on the craft.

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issue 17 g i v i n g B L V D S L a s V e g a s 1 1


commUniT Y the local spotlight

THom ReiLLY

cHanGinG LiVeS THR oUGH commiTmenT To SeR Vice With a long career spent in the service of others, there is really no way to know how many lives Thom Reilly has touched. even his education was spent in preparation for helping his fellow man. Reilly holds both a doctorate and master of Public administration degrees from the University of Southern california, a master of Social Work from arizona State University, and a B.a. from memphis State University—his hometown school. Reilly’s career serving others began after college with what he describes as “Peace corps-type work with the catholic church” in new York city, Los angeles, and colorado. From there he explains that his interest grew from working one-on-one to improve the lives of others to the “macro. How can we impact large segments of the population?” That interest in the “macro” eventually led Reilly to become county manager/chief administrative officer for clark county, a position he held for five years. He followed that up with a stint as corporate Vice President

says Reilly. and while he encourages his students’ creativity, he also teaches them pragmatism (and humor): “i always tell them that if you get control of the budget, then you can have the most impact.” in addition to all of his professional service, Reilly also serves on the

of Social Responsibility for Harrah’s entertainment, inc., where he was

Board of Trustees of Three Square, on the national boards for the meals

responsible for managing and developing global social responsibility

on Wheels association of america Foundation and the Gay and Lesbian

and corporate philanthropy programs through the efforts of the Harrah’s

alliance against Defamation (GLaaD), and as an advisor to the Black

Foundation. at Harrah’s, Reilly focused the Foundation’s efforts on helping

mountain institute.

seniors primarily through meals on Wheels and aaRP. The Harrah’s Foundation has been in existence since 2002 and just hit the $70 million

What’s one thing you want to do before you die?

mark in total giving.

i’d like to be proficient in Spanish.

He is currently President and ceo of The Reilly Group, inc., a firm

What’s the one thing people don’t know about you?

specializing in corporate responsibility, community relations, and public

i have goats and chickens. one of the goats is named Lena Horne.

outreach for public, non-profit, and private organizations. Through The Reilly Group, he is still running The Harrah’s Foundation in addition to

Where would you most like to travel?

advising non-profit organizations and businesses of all sizes in planning

i haven’t done a lot of traveling in South america. i’d particularly like to

and implementing community relations or corporate philanthropy

visit Brazil and argentina.

programs. What’s your greatest indulgence? if all of that weren’t enough, Reilly is a professor and director of the School

Doing long trail runs.

of Social Work at San Diego State University. He finds academia to be both beneficial and balancing to his other professional endeavors. “ever since

When you lay your head on the pillow at night, what do you think?

the late ‘80s, i have taught a course every semester regardless of what job

i’m a list person, so i usually think about the things that i need to do the

i’ve had,” he explains. “Being in the classroom, especially at the graduate

next morning. The people i work with end up inundated with emails from

level” is a perfect venue for recruiting the best and the brightest. “it also

me when they wake up in the morning.

keeps you grounded. it gives you the chance to associate with students who are very inquisitive and interested in thinking outside boundaries,”

12 B L V D S L a s V e g a s g i v i n g i s s u e 1 7

b l vd s l v. c o m


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facing page: Reading at Holocaust Resource center © Greg Warden

commUniT Y the local spotlight Becky Bosshart

JeWiSH FamiLY SeRVice aGencY

a HaVen oF HeLP anD HoPe Fo R a commU niT Y in neeD W I t h t h e u n e m p L o y m e n t r at e h o V e r I n g at 1 4 p e r c e n t a n d t h e n u m b e r o f n e Va d a n s o n f o o d s ta m p s e x p e c t e d t o d o u b L e t o 4 0 0 , 0 0 0 b y t h e e n d o f 2 0 1 0 , n o n p r o f I t s L I k e t h e J e W I s h fa m I Ly s e r V I c e a g e n c y a r e at t h e c r o s s r o a d s o f t h e a m e r I c a n e x p e r I e n c e . m o r e n e e d y p e o p L e . m o r e d I V e r s e b a c k g r o u n d s . L e s s o f a buffer bet Ween them and the streets. in JFSa’s sparsely decorated office at eastern and Tropicana avenues,

at JFSa, recent calamity intersects historic crisis at the Sperling-mack-

50 families a day file through from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., monday through

Kronberg Holocaust Resource center. Here are visitors like Wladimir

Friday. They’ll fill out an application in Spanish or english. The homeless

Zandt, a French citizen whose mother was killed at auschwitz. as a baby

will take a pink bag, printed with the logo of a company that sells fine

he was hidden by a French catholic family. Zandt came to Las Vegas

european lingerie, but is filled with canned foods, a roll of toilet paper,

to meet family he only recently discovered. This 68-year-old created

and a plastic bag of hygiene items donated by Strip hotels. Families

a web site to help Holocaust orphans find family members who

receive more supplies, often with a package of pull-up diapers inside.

immigrated to america. He’s come to the center to publicize his web site,

Food pantry visitors have nearly doubled during the economic downturn,

holocaust-zandt.org, which “promotes and explains hidden children.”

says agency executive Director Joshua abbey, who has been on the job

JFSa also partners with Legal aid center of Southern nevada to help

since late august. He also works as chairman of the city of Las Vegas arts

survivors apply for a new reparations program from the German

commission and the director of the annual Las Vegas Jewish Film Festival.

government. according to Kimberly abbott, pro bono project director for

abbey wants to see art give more aid to social causes. With his new role

the Legal aid center of Southern nevada, 26 local survivors have applied so

at the agency, abbey is seeing how great the need is in Las Vegas.

far for the German Ghetto Work Payment Program. The application is about

“We have a diverse array of programs and services,” he says. “We want

seven pages long and takes about five hours to complete. a portion of it

people to learn who we are and what we do.”

includes testimony about the experience of working in a German-controlled

14 B L V D S L a s V e g a s g i v i n g i s s u e 1 7

b l vd s l v. c o m



commUniT Y the local spotlight this page: Research materials © Greg Warden

ghetto. “This can get emotional,” says abbott. “one or two survivors decided

are. They’re former doctors, attorneys, and accountants, explains christina

not to go forward with the application because their financial situation

Primack, Project eZRa vocational services director. They’re aged 17 to 85,

wasn’t worth the pain of reliving the experience,” she says. others live on

and they’re looking for jobs. This nonprofit, nonsectarian aid program

a fixed income and the supplemental $3,100 grant is welcome.

run by JFSa received a $250,000 grant earlier this year from the Jewish

The survivors are in their 90s. Some require interpreters. abbott says the pro bono attorneys work hard to assist the survivors, often taking

Federation of Las Vegas and the Board of Rabbis. The agency quickly expanded to help with job placement, counseling, and emergency aid.

hours to spend time documenting their stories. “That generation is very

“many people will come in here and two days later have three or four job

conversational,” abbott explains. “They didn’t want to just answer the

offers,” Primack says. She helps each client with resume and interviewing

attorney’s questions. They want to tell their story.”

skills, sometimes even salary negotiation.

about 350 Holocaust survivors live in Las Vegas, says JFSa Program manager

By early november the program had placed 162 people out of about 400

Danielle Pokroy. She estimates 80 percent of them receive a pension from

clients. clients can receive work clothes from ezra’s closet. clients come

the German or Swiss government. The agency assists more than 60 local

away with a job, a few outfits to get through to the first pay check, and

survivors and extends educational outreach to 25,000 teachers, students,

some mental support.

and visitors annually. The agency works with Holocaust survivors by assisting them with filing material claims, private counseling sessions, financial assistance, home care, transportation, and food programs.

Primack says long-term unemployment often leads to depression, or stressful socio-economic situations for those who lived middle-class lives before the downturn. Loss of friends. a change in social activities. These

in the offices for Project eZRa, which is the Hebrew word for help,

clients are referred to the agency’s clinical director, Dr. Havi mandell, who

well-dressed, middle-class folks prepare for job interviews. The Great

also conducts couples’ counseling and specialty workshops. Dr. mandell

Recession is challenging the traditionally held view of who the “needy”

averages 120 clients a month, which is a 50 percent increase over the year.

16 B L V D S L a s V e g a s g i v i n g i s s u e 1 7

b l vd s l v. c o m


this page froM Left: JFSa food pantry © Greg Warden; Jewish Film Festival © Desert Space

Jewish clients can also receive emergency aid from a special fund set up

“in order to make this more of a community project, i invite different

for those who need a mortgage payment, or help paying a utility bill.

Jewish agencies, organizations, and synagogues to be presenting

This is all in an effort to help Jewish families with immediate needs to

sponsors,” he says. “They present the individual films and pay a

keep them in their home, explains Primack.

participation fee. They keep all the box office proceeds. if they sell

in order to fund these programs, the JFSa is the beneficiary of the 9th

two-thirds of the house, it becomes a profit for them.”

annual Las Vegas Jewish Film Festival. in addition to its documentaries,

The primary venue for the Las Vegas Jewish Film Festival will be the

art house flicks, and narratives, this year the festival is taking corporate

adelson educational campus Theater. not all movies and venues have

sponsorships to benefit the agency. “i think there’s potential for this to become a major cultural institution,” says abbey, who directs the festival through his family organization, Desert Space Foundation. “i would like to see it become more prominent, and send a message that the arts can directly benefit social services.” Desert Space has always broken even on the festival, he says. abbey

been selected for the January festival, which will screen approximately 15 films, including the acclaimed new documentary by Gaylen Ross, Killing Kasztner. This film tells the story of Reszo Kasztner, who headed the Zionist aid and Rescue committee in Hungary, and negotiated with nazis to rescue Jews. For festival tickets, venue directions, and show times visit desertspace.org.

would like for it to raise money this year. “The agency has a million dollar

For information about Project eZRa and the reparations program, call the

annual budget and the goal is to maintain that and to expand on it so we

Jewish Family Service agency, or visit jfsalv.org.

can increase our programs and services,” he explains.

Jewish Family Service agency

But abbey is realistic. in this economy, $1 million is a difficult goal to

4794 S. eastern ave., Suite c

attain. But the film festival is working toward the goal of being profitable

Las Vegas 89119

while maintaining its roots.

732.0304

b l vd s l v. c o m

issue 17 g i v i n g B L V D S L a s V e g a s 1 7


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this page: Torino Ranch © NAH

J oyc e g o r s u c h

naTHan aDeLSon HoSPice’S camP maRiPoSa

a PLace To GR ie Ve, a PLace To HeaL

c h I L d r e n g r I e V e d I f f e r e n t Ly f r o m a d u Lt s ; t h e y f o c u s o n W h at ’ s h a p p e n I n g n o W. a d u Lt s , b y c o n t r a s t, n e e d m o r e t I m e t o t r a n s I t I o n f r o m a m o m e n t o f I n t e n s e g r I e f. W I t h o u t W o r d s t o e x p r e s s g r I e f, a b e r e aV e d c h I L d c a n f e e L a Lo n e. To help, year-round volunteers at nathan adelson Hospice offer time to

parent hears them, then request a snack, watch TV, or change the subject.

play with other 7 to 12-year-olds who have lost loved ones at a two-day

meanwhile, the adult’s emotional pain may overwhelm everyone, blocking

summer experience at camp mariposa. Funding from the Speedway

out clues about a child’s needs. These differences can amplify suffering.

children’s Foundation and others means that the camp costs nothing for the child’s family.

additionally, some children handle loss by trying to take care of others and ignoring their own need to mourn. “The child learns early that ‘if i

as a full-time bereavement coordinator at nathan adelson and as a

have a lot of trouble with this death, it makes my surviving parent really

volunteer co-director of camp mariposa, cynthia Drew spends much

upset,’” says Drew. all this worrying about others can create feelings of

time with surviving family members. She guides them through what she

isolation. mariposa, the Spanish word for “butterfly,” evokes a beautiful

describes as an educational process for the family.

winged form that emerges from the quiet cocoon. Similarly, the camp helps children to break out from their loneliness, and be kids again.

“emotions pass through children, they don’t linger for hours the way they do for adults,” says Drew. a child might ask whether a departed

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issue 17 g i v i n g B L V D S L a s V e g a s 1 9


commUniT Y the local spotlight this page froM Left : Fun in the sun; art therapy © NAH

at camp mariposa, children take part in summer activities they might

mccain says the volunteers don’t expect to fix everything for the

not otherwise get to experience: rock climbing, archery, and swimming,

campers. instead they focus on solace—giving it and getting it. “it’s a

along with the healing experience of art therapy—decorating both sides

comfort you cannot put a price on, being around others who know what

of a papier-mâché mask. “The outside of the mask represents what the

you are going through,” says mccain.

child shows to people,” says Julie mccain. “The inside represents how the child really feels.”

This past august, 46 children attended camp at the Torino Ranch site in Lovell canyon, at a site approximately 35 miles west of Silverado

mccain is a full-time chaplain at nathan adelson, and is the other

Ranch Park in Henderson. mccain says the camp has the capacity for 70

volunteer co-director of camp mariposa. mccain says many volunteers

children. To find them, staff members at nathan adelson reach out to

are nathan adelson employees, or former clients who have spent at least

people at public schools, hospitals, and community counseling centers,

one year working through their own grief. Time at the Torino Ranch site is

and to mental health providers. They select local children who have had

a gift for volunteers and children alike. “even volunteers who don’t go to

at least three months to grieve any manner of death of a loved one.

camp, but help us manage the finances, would agree it is our honor and

a family need not have gone through hospice to send children to camp.

privilege to do this,” says mccain. “it helps us process our own losses.”

There’s also an age requirement. Beginning this past summer, the minimum

To create a safe place for bereaved children to feel the losses, dozens

age for campers increased to seven. “it’s a better use of staff time; six-year-

of volunteers pitch in for a year-long planning process, and undergo

olds are too young to be away from home,” says mccain. as for teenagers,

background checks and fingerprinting. They receive specialized training

Drew and mccain hope eventually to offer them a camp every year, too.

to understand better how children grieve with some volunteers learning

So far, 2008 has been the only year to provide a weekend for 18 kids,

to work with pet therapy dogs.

aged 13 to 17. That was in addition to 55 children, aged six to 12.

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this page froM Left : Therapy dog; Rock climbing at camp mariposa © NAH

Why no camp for teens in 2009? more planning is needed. Volunteer

information for the nathan adelson Hospice’s 2010 camp mariposa will

training must account for teens’ needs and interests. “Teens are more

be available in February. Families interested in sending children to camp

comfortable being among their peers, and no one else,” says Drew.

should call 796.3167.

also, camp planners need to consider the body chemistry of teens or “hormonal concerns,” as Drew puts it. For now though, Drew, mccain, and others are thinking about the holiday season. in addition to eight-week counseling sessions that take place throughout the year, the staff members at nathan adelson organize special events to help families through that first holiday without a loved one.

For more information about nathan adelson Hospice, their programs, or how you can help by volunteering or making a donation, please visit their website at nah.org. nathan adelson Hospice 4141 Swenson St. Las Vegas 89119 734.0320

one is “Light Up a Life,” a memorial service at which participants read out loud the names of those lost in the past year. another is the bereavement group known as “Getting Through the Holidays.” mccain also hopes to one day have the staff resources to organize a holiday reunion for camp goers. For now she enjoys unofficial reunions, when parents come back and help at the camp.

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thiS yeAr the ContemporAry ArtS Center CeleBrAteS 20 yeArS oF promotinG ViSuAl ArtS throuGh eDuCAtionAl proGrAmS AnD AVAnt-GArDe eXhiBitionS.

their 20th AnniVerSAry ShoWCASe

tAKeS A looK At the CAC’S hiStory throuGh the WorK oF itS FounDerS AnD SuStAininG memBerS. For 14 yeArS, the lAS VeGASClArK County liBrAry DiStriCt hAS preSenteD ShoeS For ChilDren, A perFormAnCe eVent to BeneFit loCAl younGSterS.

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cult ure

e n t e r tA i n m e n t & A C t i V i t i e S

arTicles The cac Turns 20 Contemporary Arts Center Celebrates a Milestone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 shoes for children Annual Event Benefits Local Kids and Entertains Us All . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

facing page: Danielle Kelly with her creation at CAC © Garrett Winslow


facing page: Gallery-goers at CAC © Garrett Winslow

C u lt u r e e n t e r t a i n m e n t & a c t i v i t i e s

W e n dy K v e c K

the CAC turnS 20

ContemporAry ArtS Center CeleBrAteS A mileStone T h o s e i n v o lv e d i n T h e l o c a l a r T s c o m m u n i T y a r e awa r e o f T h e b i r T h d ay c e l e b r aT i o n Ta k i n g p l a c e d o w n T o w n o v e r T h e c o u r s e o f T h i s pa s T y e a r . f o r T h o s e o f y o u n o T i n T h e k n o w, i T ’ s n o T T o o l aT e T o j o i n T h e f e s T i v i T i e s a n d pa r T i c i paT e i n a n i m p o r Ta n T l a s v e g a s m i l e s T o n e , a n d T o c o n s i d e r i T s i m p l i c aT i o n s a n d p o T e n T i a l . T h e c o n T e m p o r a r y a r T s c e n T e r i s c e l e b r aT i n g i T s 2 0 T h y e a r . though the versions vary slightly, the early CAC, formerly the

art icons Suzanne lacy and eleanor Antin. unlV remained very much

Contemporary Arts Collective, was formed in 1990 by a group of seven

involved, with Dave hickey curating the critically acclaimed Gorgeous Politics

like-minded individuals from unlV’s Department of Art—students and

that traveled to lACe (los Angeles Contemporary exhibitions).

faculty members looking for alternative spaces to show their art. the group took over a dormant 501(c)3, and the name “the Contemporary Arts Collective,” which had $15 in the bank.

there is a consensus amongst CAC founders that the relationship with the university was instrumental in the early development and success of the CAC. early board member lisa Stamanis, now the Senior Cultural

Still homeless, the first CAC meeting was at president Sarah Vinci’s home

Activities Specialist with the City of las Vegas office of Cultural Affairs,

and exhibitions were curated and shown in library galleries and other

describes the period: “CAC would have happened without this, but the

non-profit art spaces. Vinci describes the search for a permanent space:

initiation of the mFA program, Dave and libby touting las Vegas as

“An old ski chalet store had been empty for over two years on maryland

ground zero for contemporary art and theory, the ambition and time

parkway. tiberti Construction owned the site, and i convinced them to

of unlV art students, unlV visiting artists, it was one of those times in

give it to us rent free, if we would fix it up and use it for an art gallery.

history when the stars literally aligned.”

this became the first site of CAC.” the space was named the temporary Contemporary, blatantly and proudly borrowed from the l.A. moCA.

Four moves and 20 years later, the organization, now located in the Arts Factory, has seen its share of tribulations—rotations in leadership have

unlV professor of Art mary Warner, a founding member, curated

led the CAC away from its mission statement, its volunteer base and bank

numerous exhibitions over the years. the mission was, and is, to present

account balance fluctuating to alarmingly low levels. it is surprisingly still

new, high quality contemporary art from artists working both in and

standing, thanks to the generosity and flexibility of the Arts Factory’s Wesley

outside of las Vegas and to cultivate, engage, and sustain an audience

myles and the commitment of las Vegas artists. “From my perspective, the

for contemporary art. “historically, a lot of it was guerilla,” Warner recalls.

strong participation of artists has kept the organization going. Artists know

Artists maintained the gallery, sat the gallery, wrote grants, organized

on a visceral level what it means to have an organization like CAC in their

fundraisers, and reached into their own pockets when times were tough.

community and won’t let it fade into history,” Stamanis says.

the “golden years” included successful fundraisers, the generous support of

perhaps the stars are realigning. Former unlV mFA students were recruited,

local benefactors, and membership exhibitions juried by the likes of feminist

with Chad Brown and markus tracy serving as exhibition committee chairs.

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C u lt u r e e n t e r t a i n m e n t & a c t i v i t i e s THiS page: CAC president David Sanchez Burr © Garrett Winslow

they elevated the standards and goals of its programming, culminating

consistency and stability over the long term, the ultimate goal being the

in Catherine Borg’s 2008 exhibition Untitled that was reviewed in Art in

acquisition or charitable donation of a larger space, where the “Center”

America, all of which drew previously disappointed artist members back

in the CAC will be just that, a place for the organization to extend its

into the fold.

mission statement outwards.

this 20th anniversary year has yielded dynamic programming and

Curated by forefather and benefactor James Stanford, the 20th Anniversary

growth. Off The Strip (a performance and video art event that drew

exhibition showcases work by CAC founders, recent artist volunteers, and

internationally recognized artists,) metasonic/off the grid, (an installation

board members, with an audio narration of these individuals’ recollections

of video, sound and sculpture) and twenty twenty, (an exhibition by unlV

and aspirations for the organization. entitled Your Future Starts Here, it is a

graduate art students) all lived up to the CAC’s mission. CAC president

call to arms for the small but mighty arts community to learn from history,

and artist

build on the momentum of the present, and look forward.

David Sanchez Burr has been working intently to re-group and rebuild the membership through improvements to the website and database. in addition to creating more efficient communications systems and membership incentives, Sanchez Burr is working on re-establishing relationships with former sponsors and new partnerships within the community. BlVDS-CAC juried cover design art by Diane Bush is one example that provides both a unique art (or viewing) experience for the community and an opportunity for CAC members to show their work.

For more information about the Contemporary Arts Center, events, and membership, visit lasvegascac.org or call 382.3886. Your Future Starts Here December 3 - January 28 Contemporary Arts Center 107 e. Charleston, Suite 120 las Vegas 89104

Sanchez Burr sees his role as implementing structures that will provide

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Open Nightly November 21 - January 2 Sunday - Thursday: 5:30pm - 9:00pm Friday & Saturday: 5:30pm - 10:00pm

Fun for Everyone Beautiful decorations & millions of lights Nightly entertainment • Photos with Santa Two passenger trains • Antique carousel Gingerbread house display • Storytime Cabin New this year: Santa’s Speedway Tickets available at all Las Vegas area CVS/pharmacy locations All proceeds benefit people with disabilities at Opportunity Village Stop into a participating Las Vegas area Shell Station for your chance to win Magical Forest prizes

W i t h T h e S m i t h C e n t e r fo r t h e Pe r fo r m i n g A r t s u n d e r c o n s t r u c t i o n, a l u x u r y b o u t i q u e h o t e l by C h a r l i e Pa l m e r i n t h e wo r k s , a n d t h e C l eve l a n d C l i n i c Lo u Ru vo C e n t e r fo r B ra i n H e a l t h n ow s e e i n g p a t i e n t s , Sy m p h o ny Pa r k i s t ra n s fo r m i n g d ow n t ow n L a s Ve g a s i n t o a c o m m u n i t y o f a r t s , i d e a s a n d wo r l d - c l a s s m e d i c i n e.

w w w.sy m p ho ny p a r k .c o m Located at 6300 West Oakey Boulevard Call 225-XMAS (9627) or visit www.MagicalForest.org for more information

©20 09 Actual development may var y from developer’s vision. No guarantee can be made that development will proceed as described.


Friends of Rainbow Company

Up Next

Unsung Characters

of the Silver State

February 5, 6, 11, 12, and 13 at 7pm February 7, 13, and 14 at 2pm Coming Soon

Make a Difference Nothing says love more than a cold nose and wagging tail. You and your dog can become pet therapy volunteers at Nathan Adelson Hospice. For more information contact Lisa Browder 938-3961 or lbrowder@nah.org

The Orphan Train Jack and the Beanstalk

Reed Whipple Cultrual Center, Studio Theatre (702) 229-6553 www.rainbowcompany.org Rainbow Company is a program of the City of Las Vegas Arts & Community Events Division, Department of Leisure Services

Special thanks to the Toby Benedict Charitable Fund & Nevada Community Foundation for their support.


paT R i c i a M a R v e L

ShoeS For ChilDren

AnnuAl e Vent BeneFitS loC Al KiDS AnD enter tAinS uS All For the past 14 years, the las Vegas–Clark County library District has held

Admission to these concerts is free, but attendees are asked to bring one

a performance event and shoe drive to benefit children in our community.

new pair of children’s athletic shoes sized to fit preschoolers to high school

Co-founded by entertainer “Sweet lou” Collins and hosted by him for many

youth. Donations will also be accepted through December 23rd at all las

years, entertainment has included local school choirs, dance, music, and

Vegas-Clark County library District branches.

comedy. the performances have showcased the community’s talent while celebrating the spirit of the season by providing shoes for needy children. this year’s 15th Annual Shoes for Children benefit event will feature classically trained performers and “divas of color,” the Soprano Sisters. this dynamic trio will perform a program of jazz and blues with classical undertones reminiscent of Broadway’s Three Mo Tenors. the Soprano Sisters are nicole pryor, Kimberly Kidd, and Joël rene. pryor can currently be seen in Phantom—The Las Vegas Spectacular. Kidd sings italian opera and neapolitan songs at the Venetian hotel resort & Casino. Joël rené is an actress and singer who was seen most recently in the role of

For more information, call 507.3989 or visit lvccld.org. West las Vegas library theatre 951 W. lake mead Blvd. las Vegas 89106 Saturday, December 19th at 3 p.m. Summerlin library theatre 1771 inner Circle Dr. las Vegas 89134 Sunday, December 20th at 3 p.m.

lisa in the las Vegas production of Mamma Mia!

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viSiT BLvdSLv.cOM fOR MORe deTaiLS On aLL evenTS C u lt u r e e n t e r t a i n m e n t & a c t i v i t i e s

deceMBeR

Joseph and the amazing Technicolor dreamcoat

now - december 13, 2009 The Rainbow Company Charleston heights Arts Center 226-6553, rainbowcompany.org

a christmas carol: Scrooge & Marley

chanukah at the district – community Menorah

Big Band pops christmas featuring Tony Scodwell

net Weave earrings with chris ipri

vino di Lago Wine Tastings

december 12, 2009 6:30 -8 p.m. the District at GVr thedistrictatgvr.com/events.php

december 12, 2009 2 p.m. Gaia Flowers Gifts Art 997-0222, gaiaflowers.com

now - december 13, 2009 Nevada Conservatory Theatre Judy Bayley theatre 895-ArtS, unlvtickets.com

christmas with the Musical arts Society

Beyond the neon: Street exposures by Tom Jones iv

december 19, 2009 2 p.m. City of Las Vegas Charleston heights Arts Center 229-6383, artslasvegas.org december 19, 2009 2-5 p.m. MDA montelago Village montelagovillage.com

La posada december fiesta

now - december 16, 2009 8 am to 9 pm image Gallery CSn Cheyenne Campus 651-4651

december 13, 2009 3 p.m. Southern Nevada Musical Arts Chorus & Singers CSn horn theatre (Cheyenne campus) 651-liVe, snmas.com

december 19, 2009 5-8 p.m. City of Las Vegas east las Vegas Community Center 229-1515 lasvegasparksandrec.com artslasvegas.org

clark county centennial celebration: 1909 – 2009

Las vegas youth philharmonic concerto competition

pine cone christmas Trees

now - december 31, 2009 Clark County museum accessclarkcounty.com

december 15, 2009 6:30 p.m. reed Whipple Cultural Center 229-6211

altered States: artists Reimagine the Book

True West

now - january 02, 2010 City of Las Vegas reed Whipple Cultural Center 229-1012, artslasvegas.org

december 15, 2009 6:30 p.m. Endless Productions reed Whipple Cultural Center 229-6211, artslasvegas.org

Magical forest

now - january 03, 2010 5:30 p.m. Opportunity Village oakey Campus opportunityvillage.org

The nutcracker

Winter Lights festival

a Spectacular phantom Holiday concert

december 18 - 24, 2009 Nevada Ballet paris las Vegas theatre 243-2623, nevadaballet.com

december 11 - 24, 2009 5-9 p.m. Springs Preserve springspreserve.org

chicks Who click

december 11, 2009 5-9 p.m. Studio 8 Ten 644-9418, studio8ten.etsy.com

Mutts on Main Street

december 12, 2009 11-2 p.m. the District at GVr thedistrictatgvr.com/events.php

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december 18, 2009 noon City of Las Vegas lloyd D. George Federal Courthouse artslasvegas.org

Tenors for U concert

december 19, 2009 noon City of Las Vegas historic Fifth Street School 229-3515, artslasvegas.org

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december 19, 2009 2 p.m. Gaia Flowers Gifts Art 997-0222, gaiaflowers.com

Rites of passage “crossing Over” and Kwanzaa celebration

december 27, 2009 2 p.m. City of Las Vegas West las Vegas library theatre 507-3989, artslasvegas.org JanUaRy

nevada chamber Symphony’s fanfare for the new year january 9, 2010 3 p.m. Clark County library 507-3459, lvccld.org

don’t dress for dinner january 09 - 25, 2010 Las Vegas Little Theatre lvlt.org

nomad

january 15, 2010 12:00 p.m. City of Las Vegas Downtown Cultural Series lloyd D. George united States Courthouse artslasvegas.org

15th annual Shoes for children Benefit concert january 19, 2010 3 p.m. West las Vegas library 507-3459, lvccld.org

Luljeta Lleshanaku

january 21, 2010 7 p.m. Black Mountain Institute unlV Barrick museum Auditorium blackmountaininstitute.org

an evening with goodfellas: Las vegas and the Mob january 28, 2010 7:00 p.m. Clark County library lvccld.org

The Women

january 29 - february 07, 2010 Nevada Conservatory Theatre Judy Bayley theatre 895-ArtS, unlvtickets.com

The Best Sounds of Rodgers and Hammerstein: Broadway in concert january 30, 2010 8 p.m. UNLV Performing Arts Center Artemus W. ham Concert hall 895-ArtS, pac.unlv.edu feBRUaRy

Moscow festival Ballet performing coppélia

february 04, 2010 8 p.m. UNLV Performing Arts Center Artemus W. ham Concert hall 895-ArtS, pac.unlv.edu

Tomorrow people

february 04 - march 25, 2010 Contemporary Arts Center 382-3886, lasvegascac.org

The Taming of the Shrew february 05 - 06, 2010 CSN nicholas J. horn theatre 651-liVe, csn.edu/pac

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viSiT BLvdSLv.cOM fOR MORe deTaiLS On aLL evenTS Unsung characters of nevada’s past

february 05 -14, 2010 The Rainbow Company Youth Theatre reed Whipple Cultural Center, Studio theatre rainbowcompany.org

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte carlo

february 06, 2010 8 p.m. UNLV Perfroming Arts Center Artemus W. ham Concert hall 895-ArtS, pac.unlv.edu

The future of american conservatism

The Shadow Box

february 19 - march 07, 2010 Las Vegas Little Theatre lvlt.org

When you comin’ Back, Red Ryder? february 19 - 28, 2010 CSN BackStage theatre 651-liVe, csn.edu/pac

connoisseur Series iii february 24, 2010 6:30 p.m. Las Vegas Philharmonic 258-5438, lvphil.com

The Little dog Laughed

february 10, 2010 7 p.m. Black Mountain Institute unlV Student union theatre blackmountaininstitute.org

february 26 - march 07, 2010 Nevada Conservatory Theatre Judy Bayley theatre 895-ArtS, unlvtickets.com

Las vegas contemporary dance Theater - african american choreographic Legends Series

february 27, 2010 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. rainbow library lvccld.org

february 12, 2010 7:30 p.m. Summerlin library lvccld.org

Las vegas contemporary dance Theater - african american choreographic Legends Series february 13, 2010 1:30 p.m. West las Vegas library lvccld.org

vegas pBS Wine & Beer Tasting february 13, 2010 3-7 p.m. Vegas PBS las Vegas hilton 799-1010 ext 5352 vegaspbs.org

Shirley chen chinese culture and folk dancing february 19, 2010 2:00 p.m. City of Las Vegas lloyd D. George united States Courthouse artslasvegas.org

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petstacular pet fair

celebrate Local authors Book fair

february 27, 2010 1 p.m. Clark County library lvccld.org

Masterworks iii Brahms double concerto with Las vegas’ Own february 27, 2010 8 p.m. Las Vegas Philharmonic Artemus W. ham Concert hall lasvegasphilharmonic.com

The Band of the irish guards with the pipes, drums and dancers of the Royal Regiment of Scotland

february 28, 2010 4 p.m. UNLV Performing Arts Center Artemus W. ham Concert hall 895-ArtS, pac.unlv.edu

The Orphan Train

MaRcH

night at the dogs

march 02 - 10, 2010 British National Theatre of America Backstage theatre bntofa.org

pops iii Broadway a La carte march 6, 2010 8 p.m. Las Vegas Philharmonic Artemus W. ham Concert hall 895-ArtS, lvphil.com

The Musical of Musicals

march 12 - 21, 2010 Nevada Conservatory Theatre Black Box theatre 895-ArtS, unlvtickets.com

The Moscow State Radio Symphony Orchestra alexei Kornienko, Music director

march 13, 2010 8p.m. UNLV Performing Arts Center Artemus W. ham Concert hall 895-ArtS, pac.unlv.edu

vienna Boys choir

march 18, 2010 8 p.m. UNLV Performing Arts Center Artemus W. ham Concert hall 895-ArtS, pac.unlv.edu

adam del Monte

march 25, 2010 8 p.m. UNLV Classical Guitar Series Doc rando recital hall 895-ArtS, pac.unlv.edu

april 02 - 11, 2010 The Rainbow Company Youth Theatre reed Whipple Cultural Center, Studio theatre rainbowcompany.org

Masterworks iv chopin’s 200th Birthday celebration

april 03, 2010 8 p.m. Las Vegas Philharmonic Artemus W. ham Concert hall 895-ArtS lasvegasphilharmonic.com

Blurring Borders

april 06, 2010 7 p.m. Black Mountain Institute unlV Student union theatre blackmountaininstitute.org

Maile chapman & vu Tran

april 15, 2010 7 p.m. Black Mountain institute unlV Barrick museum Auditorium blackmountaininstitute.org

The Ruling class

april 16 - 25, 2010 CSN Backstage theatre 651-liVe, csn.edu/pac

a Midsummer night’s dream april 23 - may 02, 2010 Nevada Conservatory Theatre Judy Bayley theatre 895-ArtS, unlvtickets.com

Ricardo cobo and christopher Mcguire

apRiL

Regrets Only

april 02 - 18, 2010 Las Vegas Little Theatre lvlt.org

extremities

april 02 - 11, 2010 Las Vegas Little Theatre Black Box theatre lvlt.org

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april 23, 2010 8 p.m. UNLV Classical Guitar Series Doc rando recital hall 895-ArtS, pac.unlv.edu

BMi fellows in conversation april 29, 2010 7 p.m. Black Mountain Institute unlV Barrick museum Auditorium blackmoutaininstitute.org

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ArChiteCture AnD Design professionALs giVe BACK through the AnnuAL CAnstruCtion Competition. After Designing AnD BuiLDing struCtures mADe from CAnneD fooD, the “sCuLptures” Are DismAntLeD to feeD the more thAn 200,000 hungry resiDents of our VALLey. Durette stuDio meLDs interior, ArChiteCturAL, AnD fAshion Design into A one-of-A-KinD shop speCiALiZing in europeAn DeCorAtiVe hArDWAre, ALong With Lighting, furniture, AnD home ACCessories.

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ArChiteCture & styLe

ArtiCles CANstruction Competition Building Relief for the Valley’s Hungry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 durette Candito studio and design It’s All in the Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

FaCING PaGE: inside the lovely Durette studio © Durette Candito


FaCING PaGE: Delicious fish © CANstruction

Design architecture & style

Sara NuNN

CAnstruC tion Competition

BuiLDing reLief for the VALLe y ’s hungry

W i t h t h e C A N s t r u C t i o N Co m p e t i t i o N, lo C A l A r C h i t e C t u r e A N d d e s i g N f i r m s C A N s h o W o f f m o r e t h A N t h e i r b u i l d i N g p r o W e s s — t h e y C A N f e e d t h o u s A N d s o f l A s V e g A s ’ s h u N g r y. the best act of charity, one might argue, would be any act of charity

the time to be able to do it, especially when it gets busy, to let us take

at all. But a runner-up for that position would likely be one like

the time to do it and do it right.” With CAnstruction, these architecture

CAnstruction, a yearly competition that draws on the creativity and

and design firms get the creative stimulus of a fun project along with

kindness of architecture and design professionals, both supported by

the knowledge that they’re doing good for others—its own

firms and leading teams of students.

immeasurable reward.

CAnstruction, an annual nationwide event started in 1992 by the seattle,

of course the teams aren’t the only ones who ultimately win. the greatest

new york, and Denver chapters of the society for Design Administration,

benefit goes to the food bank that receives every can of food used in

brings these professionals together to create sculptures made out of an

each sculpture, with Las Vegas’ most recent recipient being three square.

unusual, and tasty, material: cans of food.

As megan roeder of JmA Architecture studios shares, “this year we decided to do optimus prime from the movie Transformers, very popular.

each team is given a 10 x 10-foot section of space to work with, and the teams spend months preparing plans and working together to create their vision, often hinged on a cleverly-worded theme. then, after the exhibition space—in our case, the fashion show mall runway—closes for the evening, trucks of canned goods are unloaded. the teams work all night to build their masterpieces in time for the next day’s 10 a.m. opening of the event. “it’s a great way to hone our skills of building and designing and using cans and their labels to create projects. that’s really fun and exciting for a business, and a great way to give back to the community,” says Dori Johnson of long-time CAnstruction participant, Kg Architecture. their last contribution to the event was 2009’s creation of a large gnome, giving rise to their theme of “gnome

the reason why we chose that, our mission was ‘Working together to transform hunger.’ that was our mission, and we really felt that the fact that three square food bank was the recipient of all of the canned goods, that’s such an amazing charity, they do a lot of great work locally, so we thought that would be a great thing to do. “We had several people on our team within the company, and it was just an amazing event,” roeder says, offering an inside look at the process. “the workshops for us to get the creative process rolling were amazing. We did team up with Desimone engineering, they’re a structural engineering firm. We really did need them. it was very difficult to make sure that it did work structurally, just because of optimus’ arms and everything.”

more hunger.” the 2008 creation was a similarly light-hearted tableau of a champagne bottle and glasses paired with cheese and crackers.

roeder also mentions another aspect of the event that she found particularly relevant to the Las Vegas community: “the location of

“it’s just a great opportunity for us as a firm to get together and do something that’s great for the community,” Johnson continues. “We enjoy doing it, and the partners are really great about giving us the funds and

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CAnstruction at the fashion show mall was an excellent place to have the contest,” roeder shares. “once everything was built and the awards were given out, we had an opportunity to bring all of our families down.

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Design architecture & style THIS PaGE FrOM LEFT: hoover Dam in cans; spongeBob fights hunger © CANstruction

i have two sons that, of course, love transformers, and they were just

the grand, like CAnstruction, to something as simple as donating a dollar

focused on everything, they loved it all. every group that worked on

(enough for three meals when donated to three square) or a few hours

CAnstruction just did an amazing, amazing job.”

of your time to volunteer at the food bank itself. When the CAnstruction Competition comes around in the spring, bring a few cans to donate as

John Livingston, Coo of three square, shares the participants’ excitement about the event. Last year was the food bank’s first with CAnstruction. “it was kind of a natural partnership, and they were great

you check out the exhibit, where donation bins will be readily available, and take the opportunity to teach your kids about giving while they marvel at these great creations.

to work with,” Livingston says. or, like the creative minds behind CAnstruction, think about what you indeed, three square’s 120,000-square-foot campus was the perfect fit, with the facilities and manpower to store and serve the cans of food from

can do, whether alone or with a team, to help others—you never know what you’re capable of building.

the dismantled statues as well as additional donations from the event. Just how much did this add up to? Livingston offers numbers that seem

the 14th Annual CAnstruction Competition will take place April 16–18,

almost staggering. Last year’s competition alone resulted in donations

2010 at the fashion show mall runway in the grand hall. to learn more,

of 21,000 pounds of food, or 16,500 meals for the poor and hungry

visit canstruction.org, where you can get involved by making a financial

residents of the Las Vegas Valley. more than 200,000 people in Las Vegas

contribution, volunteering for the competition, or, if you’re a design

live below the poverty line, with 70,000 going hungry.

professional or educator, by joining with or creating a team to compete. more information on the three square food bank can be found at

the 14th Annual CAnstruction competition will no doubt increase awareness and activism, but why not start right now? in the busy times

threesquare.org, where you can find out how to help out by donating food, funds, or your time as a volunteer.

leading up to and during the holiday season, it’s inevitable that our minds and hearts turn to giving. Acts of charity can run the gamut from

36 B L V D s

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issue 17

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Design architecture & style Pa M L a N G

Duret te CAnDito stuDio AnD Design

it ’s ALL in the De tAiLs

it’s true that beauty can be found in the most unlikely places. Durette

pewter handles that look as if they were handcrafted in the 1700s, and

Candito brought that sentiment to life when she leased an old garage

crystal doorknobs. “Beautiful hardware is the jewelry of home design,”

in the Arts District over six years ago. As an interior designer, she could

says Candito.

easily see beyond the crumbling walls and oily floors to create what the Durette studio is today: an eclectic, artistic studio that beckons the inner designer in all of us to come out and play.

the studio is also full of examples of combining rustic pieces with the crispness and brilliance of something contemporary. pieces of vividly painted pottery that could just as easily be displayed on a shelf as art

With an education in interior, architectural, and fashion design there

are actually functional sinks; the top of a vintage wine barrel has a new

isn’t a corner untouched in her vibrant shop or in her expansive

life as an unusual Lazy susan, and antique chandeliers are embellished

collection of ideas on how to make everything around her beautiful.

with new crystals and glass. Candito also offers classes at her main

“i love the crossover of something like a vanity chair that looks like

street shop to help you add a designer’s touch to your own home.

a ball gown,” she explains.

Durette studio and Durette Candito Design

one of her many specialties is the offering of european decorative

1007 s. main street

hardware. if it’s possible to fall in love with a door pull from Lithuania,

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and i believe it is, this is the place where that will happen. housed

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in cabinets that look like large jewelry boxes, opened drawers lined

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in velvet reveal swarovski crystal drawer pulls, art glass towel bars,

38 B L V D s

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issue 17

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the GreeK GoDDeSS PerSoniFyinG the earth, Gaia wouLD Be PLeaSeD with her nameSaKe, Gaia FLowerS∙GiFtS∙art, on CharLeSton in the artS DiStriCt. SPeCiaLiZinG in SuStainaBLe FLoraL arranGementS in LoCaLLy maDe CeramiCS, the Venture aLSo GiVeS BaCK By SuPPortinG LoCaL artiStS anD non-ProFit GrouPS. the GiFtS you Buy From StuDio 8 ten BeneFit not onLy the reCiPient, But the DiSaBLeD aDuLtS who LoVinGLy anD CreatiVeLy maKe eaCh one By hanD.

B L V D S

flavor

D i n i n G & r e ta i L

articles Gaia flowers • Gifts • art Sustaining the Planet, Supporting Our Community. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 studio 8 ten Where Giving Gives Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

FAcING PAGE: art and nature meet at Gaia © Garrett Winslow


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THIS PAGE: Gaia’s window for Casa de Luz © Garrett Winslow

J oyc E G o r S u c H

Gaia FLowerS • GiFtS • art

SuS taininG the PL ane t, SuPPor tinG o ur Communit y G a i a, o n e o f t h e a r ts D i s t r i c t ’s n e w e s t b u s i n e s s e s, o f f e r s f lo w e r s, p l a n ts, a r t w o r k , c e r a m i c s, t e a s, a n D s o m e t h i n G m o r e — s u p p o r t f o r lo c a l a r t i s ts a n D lo c a l c h a r i t i e s. opened in June, entrepreneur Peter Frigeri’s newest venture features

in Las Vegas that raises money for Shriners. a recent glut of trade show

gifts, art, a place for groups to meet, and classes ranging from weaving

plants was rerouted to opportunity Village.

to how to transform recycled items such as buttons into jewelry. and, of course, beautiful floral arrangements created by Gaia’s florist, Gary Griffiths.

in addition to donating plants to non-profits, Frigeri, along with heidi Kyser, Gaia’s marketing director, are enlarging the mission—build a community of friends and fans by showing people the alternatives to

Flowers are the Dna that links Peter Frigeri’s two brainchildren—expo

use-once-and-throw-away living. Kyser says that Gaia’s product mix

ease, a tradeshow planning business, and Gaia. Like many siblings, the

reflects the mission. the flowers and gifts are artistic, handmade, and

two ventures share a street address—about 2,700 square feet of space, at

local. Gaia sells not just physical things, but also experiences—the

4 e. Charleston Blvd. expo ease, founded in 1995, rents flowers and plants

acquisition of skills, knowledge, and like-minded acquaintances.

to trade shows, and then repurposes that same flora for other causes.

Frigeri and Kyser say that since opening in June, Gaia has hosted several

Frigeri likes to support non-profits through his businesses. in october,

groups and demonstration workshops. For instance, every two weeks a

gently-used potted mums from trade shows decorated the Justin

group gets together to discuss permaculture—the practice of gardening

timberlake Shriners hospitals for Children open, an official PGa event

with perennial plants, and selecting a combination of plants to ensure

b l vd s l v. c o m

issue 17 g i v i n g B L V D S L a s V e g a s 4 3


F L aV o r d i n i n g & re t a i l THIS PAGE FroM LEFT: roses at Gaia; Flowers by the stem © Garrett Winslow

that something grows or blooms regardless of season. additionally,

were walking across Charleston discussing their unused window display

Frigeri leads workshops on terrarium building—creating jug-sized

space. Frigeri came up with the idea of donating the space to “advertise”

ecosystems. Gaia welcomes environmental organizations, offering its

the mission of local charitable organizations.

space to them on meetup.com, a social networking tool that helps people with common interests to arrange group meetings.

the holiday window display houses a 1950’s thanksgiving-themed scene for Casa de Luz, a local charity that focuses on helping families with

in keeping with their mission, Gaia seeks suppliers of certified

job training, resumé writing help, food donations, child care referrals,

sustainable products. Frigeri, Kyser, and Griffiths look to organizations

and other resources. the display was created by local designers erin

such as Veriflora and ecoflora. whenever possible, the Gaia team of three

Bakke, erica Deutsch, B.J. Lipari, and Diane mifsud Giusti and features

works with flowers that have traveled the shortest possible distance,

furnishings donated by the Funk house, retro Vegas, and other

blooms that are local or from California.

downtown antique stores. Gaia is collecting food donations for Casa de Luz and those who bring in a donation will receive 10% off a plant or

Gaia’s mission isn’t limited to sustaining the earth. the shop is sustaining

floral arrangement.

the local arts community by providing gallery space to exhibit work. Currently on display are works by local painter Dan hooker, featuring tones from opposite sides of the color wheel close together, for vibrant effect. his Old and New Works shares space with ceramics made by robert arnold and other local artists. Gaia’s support for the community has recently become more visible to

to learn more about Gaia, visit gaiaflowers.com Gaia Flowers-Gifts-art 4 e. Charleston Blvd. Las Vegas 89104 997.0222

passersby, as well. as Kyser recounts, after lunch one day, she and Frigeri

44 B L V D S L a s V e g a s g i v i n g i s s u e 1 7

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F L aV o r d i n i n g & re t a i l k I M B E r Ly S c H A E F E r

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for you and your pets—all designed, created, mixed, and packaged by

gem of a shop known as Studio 8 ten.

the folks who work there. Custom orders are welcome. in fact, custom holiday cards are available right now and can be ordered online or in

Studio 8 ten is a 3,200 square foot art studio with a 900 square

the store.

foot gift shop where visitors can interact with the artists and watch products being made. operated by transition Services, Studio 8 ten

Studio 8 ten is the perfect spot to find unique, meaningful gifts

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for your friends and family all year long. So when you head out to

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purchase holiday cards or gifts this season, check out Studio 8 ten.

individuals gain a sense of ownership in their work while participating

and let your gifts keep on giving, and giving, and giving back to our

as an important member of a small-business team” at each of their

community.

multiple locations around the valley. Studio 8 ten features handmade papers crafted on site, note cards, journals, and stationery made from recycled materials. their most popular stationery item is their “plantable” paper. each sheet contains seeds, so the paper itself is not only recycled, but can be repurposed in your garden. Studio 8 ten also sells adorable baby clothes, tote

46 B L V D S L a s V e g a s g i v i n g i s s u e 1 7

Studio 8 ten 810 Las Vegas Blvd. South Las Vegas 89102 702.644.9418 studio8ten.etsy.com monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. open late every First Friday

b l vd s l v. c o m


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issue 17 g i v i n g B L V D S L a s V e g a s 4 7


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Artist’s rendering. Card not available.

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