Las Vegas Sun

May 8, 2024

Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Artist Zanella’s works unveiled at ‘Rainforest’ reception

These are fortunate times for Las Vegas residents to enjoy the richness of important art exhibitions.

Recently Las Vegas Art Museum board trustee, retired Judge Gil Yarchever, and his wife, Edythe Katz Yarchever, sponsored the opening reception for "Rainforest: Contemporary Paintings by International Artists." On display through March 3 at the museum, the exhibit includes major works by Joseph Raffael, Hartmut Neumann, Joe Palermo, Sue Irion and others. On view as well is "A Russian Odyssey: The Art and Times of Ivan Djeneeff," a historical exhibition spanning four decades in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Unveiled during the evening were two works by Leon Zanella, an artist of international acclaim who resides in Provence, France. Recently honored by the United Nations, Zanella will be featured in an upcoming issue of the United Nations' widely distributed magazine.

Zanella's works are unique as they are painted upon Limoges porcelain and fired color by color in a lengthy creation process. The Yarchevers, personal friends of the artist and collectors of his work, helped greatly in arranging the donation of the paintings for the permanent collection at the Las Vegas Art Museum.

Present for the festivities was David Haik, president of Pacific Art International, representing Zanella, as well as museum supporters Joan LeMere, Andy Katz, Frankie Williams, Jean Baker, Hyman and Frieda Gendloff, Lorenzo Doumani and artist Palermo.

Also seen in the crowd was Deidre Jenkins with Bob Belford, Jerry and Lottie Polis, Sharry and Tim Quillin and Dr. Barry Katz, who recently returned from a mountain-climbing vacation in Mexico. Jeff McDermott, manager of Roy's restaurant in Summerlin, contributed a delightful array of tropics-inspired appetizers and fine wines for the occasion.

Such a deal

High winds and seemingly arctic temperatures last week did not lessen the enthusiasm or attendance at In Business Las Vegas' Deals of the Year gathering.

A true celebration of our city's economic progress, the ceremonies held at Cili at Bali Hai Golf Club honored major players across Southern Nevada, both individuals and businesses, in the fields of sports, real estate, gaming, entertainment and more.

Linda Robinson, wife of University of Nevada, Las Vegas Athletic Director/coach John Robinson, accepted his award for sports as he was away on a recruiting trip. Others sharing in the ceremonies included John Edmond of UrbanAmerica (retail real estate); Manny Cortez of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (marketing); Glenn Christensen of Station Casinos (gaming); and newcomer Johnny Brenden of Brenden Movie Theatres (arts), to name just a few.

Looking on were Elizabeth Trosper, Selma Bartlett, Denny Weddle, Steve Schorr, Rob Powers and Terri Maruca, as well as event sponsors Mark Tratos of Quirk & Tratos, Clark Peterson of XO Communications and Kevin Elliott of Roel Construction.

Newcomers' milestone

Started informally with meetings at private homes and with a desire to make a difference, the Westside Newcomers' Club has soared to mammoth numbers since its inception 10 years ago. With 952 dues-paying members, the club weighs in as the largest independent nonpolitical women's organization in Nevada.

Founding members Pam Graven, Sandra Dinsmore, Debby Strang and Clare Beske were recently recognized at a luncheon commemorating the club's first decade. The elegant affair at Red Rock Country Club included awards ceremonies for the founding foursome led by Nevada's first lady Dema Guinn, with assistance from Lia Roberts.

The Westside Newcomers' Club meets monthly for luncheons and activities, and regularly contributes to the community through service projects. Membership information can be obtained by calling 396-3524.

Events scheduled

February offers many events, among them a terrific dinner followed by ballet on Feb. 21. Opening night for "Mozart to Joplin," presented by Nevada Ballet Theatre, will be prefaced by early cocktails and a private dinner at Lawry's The Prime Rib. Maggie Moazez and Gianna Buchanan will co-chair the evening, with Sherry Lombardi at NBT (243-2623, ext. 230) handling reservations.

On Sunday Planned Parenthood of Southern Nevada will again host its annual Wine and Beer Celebration. Fine wines, specialty beers and delectable foods will be served in the ballroom at the Palms from 3-6 p.m. Community leaders on the committee include Diana Wilson, Kris Amerine, Mary Hausch, Brian Korlicki, Judge Nancy Saitta and Dr. Pam Moore. Tickets are available in advance by calling Planned Parenthood at 878-3622 and at the door.

archive