New Horizon Academy’s Art Show and Auction, Las Vegas’ longest running art auction event, has been renamed the Barry Becker, Jr. Art Show and Auction in honor of Becker, a former student and prominent Las Vegan who died unexpectedly last year at the age of 36. 

The event, to be held Saturday, May 2, will benefit the New Horizons Academy, a school for children with learning differences. Held at the New Horizons Academy, 6701 W. Charleston Road campus, activities will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a silent auction and ‘Quick Draw’ exhibition where prominent artists create quick masterworks live before the attendees. The artworks will later be sold during a live auction.  The event is free and open to the public. 

To commemorate the event, ‘Rich and Famous’ personality Robin Leach will propose a champagne toast joined by all artists and attendees. Mr. Leach’s comments will take place at 6 p.m.   

Las Vegas reporter KY Plascon will be MC and helping with the live auction. 

Vital Germaine of Las Vegas has been named the Featured Artist. Vital, a former Cirque du Soleil performer turned his stage passion into painting following a severe injury which ended his performing career. His artwork has been featured on TV, in magazines, high-end model homes and numerous art expositions throughout the U.S.  

Born in the former Belgian Congo during a horrific civil war, Vital was raised in London before moving to Belgium in his late teens. His journey, since birth, has carried him over 7,000 miles to Las Vegas where, in addition to his art, Vital runs his own company of Cirque entertainers. His artworks can be seen at www.artofvital.com. 

The Live Auction portion of the event begins at 7 p.m. Fine art expert and Art encounter Director Rod Maly will curate the event and act as auctioneer. All proceeds go to benefit the school. 

Founded in 1974, New Horizons Academy is a licensed, private, non-profit, alternative day school. It is Nevada’s only private education facility dedicated to serving students, ages 5 through 18, with learning differences.  

Barry Becker Jr., beloved son of Barry and Susan Becker Sr. passed suddenly of a brain seizure in 2008. A graduate of Arizona State University in Fine Arts, Barry attended New Horizon’s as a child. He worked on numerous real estate projects as an agent/principal with the family’s Becker Realty business. Barry Becker Jr. will long be remembered for his love of family and art. 

For more information contact, Rod Maly, Art encounter at 227-0220, or email rod@artencounter.com.  Also visit www.artencounter.com for upcoming events.