Valley art happenings

Staff Reports

Benefit art show through Sunday

Nevada and California artists are featured in the Carson Valley Art Association scholarship benefit show, today through Sunday at the CVIC Hall in downtown Minden.

Proceeds from the show provide scholarships for Douglas and Whittell high school students continuing their art education.

The categories for the show include work in oil, acrylic, water media, photography, mixed media, pastel and sculpture. Awards include ribbons, a Best of Show award of $100 and first-place awards of $75 in each media.

Show judge is David Foster, retired Lake Tahoe Community College Art Department chair. Show times are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

Meet the artists at a reception, 6-8 p.m. today, featuring snacks, wine, punch and a door prize. A raffle drawing is 2-3 p.m. Sunday for prizes donated by area businesses and individuals with proceeds benefiting the CVAA Scholarship Fund. Information, Carolyn Denning, 783-9639.

Second Saturday at East Fork Gallery

Stained glass artist Kas Monson will be giving a demonstration of design work with antique plates, bevels and specialty glass, 1-3 p.m. Saturday at East Fork Gallery, 1503 Highway 395, Gardnerville, 782-7629. Light refreshments will be served.

Artisans Gallery closing at end of the year

The Artisans International Gallery in Minden Village will be closing Dec. 23, but customers will be able to shop for gifts and jewelry online as Artisans International continues business on the Internet.

"I am downsizing until the economy recovers," said Artisans International Gallery owner Bronwyn Mason. "I will be putting my efforts into the online store and trying to figure out my next steps with regard to a storefront in Carson Valley. I don't want to rule out any opportunities for my customers to still find great items for their friends and themselves. It has been a great experience meeting and becoming friends with some incredibly fascinating and wonderful people who live in this community."

The entire stock is on sale until the store closes. Founded in 2003, the gallery is known for jewelry, art and decor.

The gallery's Month of Giving auction to benefit Carson Valley Trails Association ends 5 p.m. Saturday. Winning bidders will be contacted the following week to collect and pay for their items. All bid amounts over the minimum will be donated to Carson Valley Trails Association.

The Wild Horses exhibit will remain on display and for sale at 20 percent off until Dec. 20. Artisans International is at 1653 Lucerne St., Suite B in Minden Village. Information at artisansinternationalinc.com or 783-8881.

Holland featured artist at Artistic Viewpoints

Reno oil painter Eric Holland is the featured artist through Nov. 30 at Artistic Viewpoints Gallery and Studio, 1572 Highway 395, Minden.

Holland, who specializes in painting landscapes and old buildings, has studied at the Chicago Academy of Fine Art, the Art Students League of New York and the San Francisco Academy of Art. Holland has been making a living as an artist since 2003 by painting, teaching art and working as a cartoonist for several Nevada publications. An advocate for preserving the natural areas in Nevada, he has organized several group art shows at Patagonia featuring the threatened areas of Nevada.

Holland's awards include a professional artists grant from Sierra Arts, a Best of Show at the first Sierra Arts Faces and Places, and a first place in oils from Nevada Artists Association. He teaches art at Rainshadow Charter High School and works with Sierra Arts and Very Special Arts.

Meet the artist at a wine and cheese reception 4-7 p.m. Nov. 13 at Artistic Viewpoints. Information, 783-0633.