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ON MAY 5TH the Contemporary Arts Collective (CAC) opened a new exhibition titled "Those were the 2000's." This exhibition serves to dismantle outdated stereotypes of what it means to make ceramic art. While each artist exhibits their own truly unique approach, the combination of high skill level and socio-political narrative provide an extravaganza of color, style and wit. This exhibition is located at 101 E. Charleston Blvd., Suite 101, Las Vegas, Nevada and will continue through the month of May.
 As we shared with you in the April column, the Contemporary Arts Collective is moving in June to the Holsum Lofts (Holsum Bread Building), 231 W. Charleston, Suite 110, Las Vegas, Nevada. Jacie Maynard, President of CAC comments, "We have needed more space for a long time. Moving to the Holsum Bread Building will give us an alternative until we can secure our own building in the future. The growth of the organization requires us to expand our services to the community and to better accommodate the needs of our membership." In 2005 CAC had over 400 entries in its juried shows and its number of exhibitions per year expanded to eight. In addition, the number of benefactors, associate members and corporate sponsors has increased; among them, R & R Partners, Streamline Tower, Global Art Transport, Whirligig, The Arts Factory, and LaPour Grand Central, LLC.
To commemorate this historic move, the Contemporary Arts Collective is holding a party "Electrify Your Art" on May 27th from 6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. Master of Ceremonies for this event will be Darren Peck, Emmy Award Winning Weatherman and Chief Meteorologist for Fox 5 in Las Vegas. This celebration is meant to thank and say goodbye to all the individuals and organizations that have added to the success of CAC at the Arts Factory for over the past 10 years. There will be a modest donation of ten dollars for each attendee. Debbe Sussman, board member of the CAC and chairperson for the event states, "The CAC is moving forward, but not without showing our appreciation to friends and members who serve as the foundation for our continued growth."
"Electrify Your Art" will start at CAC's old location, 101 E. Charleston Blvd, Suite 101, Las Vegas, then proceed with a walk to CAC's new location at 231 W. Charleston Blvd., Suite 110, Las Vegas. After a short reception and toast at the new location, attendees will be asked to return to the Arts Factory for a reception and entertainment. In addition, individuals will have the opportunity to purchase electric switch plates decorated by CAC artist members, hence the theme "Electrify Your Art." Funds generated from the sale of these switch plates will help to provide additional funds for some of CAC's moving expenses. Anyone who is unable to attend this event but is interested in donating to CAC to help defray moving costs should contact Natalia Ortiz at 382-3886.
You might be asking if there is anything else happening in the near future with the Contemporary Arts Collective? There is and it is the first exhibition that will be held at CAC's new location. This first exhibition, Art Quotient, will feature works of middle and high school students in Nevada, California and other parts of the country. Art Quotient is a nonprofit organization focusing on promoting children's art through an annual publication printed in full color and in catalog style. This annual is distributed to galleries, libraries, offices, schools and public venues that are frequented by children. In addition to the annual publication Art Quotient provides exhibition opportunities and juried competitions for students. It offers students the opportunity for exposure to a far wider audience than just simply their school. Debbe Sussman, president of Art Quotient states, "Some of our student artists may well become our future Masters." The opening date for the Art Quotient Exhibition will be June 2nd from 6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. at CAC, 231 W. Charleston Blvd, Suite 110, Las Vegas, Nevada. A reception for the artists, their families and the public will be held on June 3rd from 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. You can find out more about Art Quotient by going on the web to www.ArtQuotient.com.
If you wish further information about these three important events at the Contemporary Arts Collective, call Natalia Ortiz or Debbe Sussman at 702-382-3886.
In this May column we want to feature three high school student artists as an introduction to the exhibition that will be opening on June 2nd. Studies show that children who participate in the arts, on average, are academically stronger and more socially responsible. Michelle, Cameron, and Meagan certainly exemplify this statement.
 Michelle
Michelle's medium of choice at the moment is fused glass. One of the challenges she states about glass is that glass is very temperamental and what comes out looking intact can quickly disintegrate into just a pile of broken glass. Initially Michelle focused on functional pieces; however, she says that as her skills and techniques have improved with fused glass her interests  have moved toward a more sculptural style. Michelle doesn't see any on-going theme in her glass pieces. She states "Each of my pieces has its own expression and feeling." Almost all of her glass pieces use bright colors or a gradient of colors. This she believes helps to bring out the expression of that particular piece.
Michelle has entered several competitions with her art. In April her efforts in art were rewarded by being selected as one of fifty out of 20,000 entries in a national competition in New York City.
What does Michelle want to do when she enters college? "I want to major in biochemistry with of course, a minor in art."
 Cameron
Cameron's work has focused primarily on two dimensional art; however, he says that he is starting to work with clay. As he smiles and laughs about his new medium he comments that his initial clay pieces show that he has a ways to go yet.
 Cameron's body of work in painting and chalks ranges from the representational to a very stylized form. Most of them however use a great deal of color that adds to the expression that he is trying to achieve. In the past his subject matter has been more buildings and inanimate subjects. Today he wants to focus more on people and their expressions and complexities.
He plans to enter college this fall and major in architecture. He comments that all his art study has helped him to understand that fine art has a definite place in the overall scheme of architecture and design.
 Meagan
While many individuals have appreciated Meagan's work, she states, "In terms of my art, I do it for me."
Her art work initially focused on two dimensional in a comic-book style, but she got to the point in this medium where she felt stuck and uninspired. That led to her present work in clay. Her style is functional. Meagan  likes to create things that are pieces of art, but can be used for specific reasons such as teapots or vases. Meagan states, "Clay is a great medium for me because it can easily be changed. It is more fluid and flexible. I like that a lot."
Meagan plans to enter college this fall and wants to major in biochemistry like Michelle. When asked about any minors that she might pursue in college, Megan comments, "I think that I would like to pursue my interest in art. Do artists make good money?" We will let others comments on that for you Meagan.
On behalf of Art Quotient and its community partner, the Contemporary Arts Collective, we want to wish these three artists good luck. It is through their and others works that art is strong and alive. Who knows, Natalia and I might have interviewed a future master.
In closing, Natalia and I want to invite all of you to visit our new location in June, as well as, to extend an invitation to you for the "Thank You" party and June exhibition. On a personal note, I (Ed) will no longer be a columnist for the Contemporary Arts Collective. I want to thank Vegas Community Online for the opportunity to share with you important changes and events at the Contemporary Arts Collective. I am confident that Natalia will continue to be a great columnist and introduce you to the great events and happenings at the Contemporary Arts Collective. For further information about the Contemporary Arts Collective you can go to www.cac-lasvegas.org or call Natalia Ortiz at 382-3886.
Natalia and Ed
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