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Desert Sculptors Association Inc.Contributors to the Las Vegas Cultural Art Scene
AMONG THE MANY unknown aspects of the cultural art world that exists here in Las Vegas is the presence of a talented group of sculptors and artists of many mediums. The Desert Sculptors Association was formed in Feb. of 1986 by three local Las Vegas sculptors: John Kane, John Stockton and John Benton. The groups main intent was to promote sculpture and create an atmosphere that sculptors could get together and share thoughts and develop a common fellowship of creative people with sculpture as the central focus.
The group developed slowly and in 1989 there was a rapid growth with the help of the city managers, the mayor and the city council of Las Vegas. With their blessing, the group was allowed to use the abandoned swimming pool building at the southwest corner of Lorenzi Park. The interior of the main building was converted into a working sculpture studio.
The studio yard and the newly acquired work areas were used to work in clay, carve stone and a foundry was setup for the bronze sculptors to create and learn new techniques and approaches to creative endeavors.
The home made furnace was used to teach bronze casting methods.
The studio was ideal for the Desert Sculptors and they were allowed to use the space for approximately five years when the building was torn down to make way for the Sammy Davis Junior Outdoor Theatre Plaza. Being unable to find another studio in Las Vegas, a member Steve Ligouri offered a building in Boulder City and the group relocated.
With members Jeanne D'Agostino and Bill Joanitis providing the leadership, the group established the first outdoor sculpture garden in Southern Nevada. The Sculpture Garden was called the Reflection Center and received the Nevada Governors Award for its contribution to the local community.
The first Annual Sculpture show was held in the Reflections Center in Sept, of 1995. The exhibit earned the Beyond the Neon Certificate of Appreciation from the city of Las Vegas for the Desert Sculptors Group.
The Desert Sculptors are back in Las Vegas again and a group of excited and enthusiastic members have rekindled the excitement by establishing the annual bronze pour. All members are encouraged to participate. There are experienced members to guide the newcomer through the fascinating lost wax process and on to the thrill of watching the molten bronze pour into the refractory mold that contains the shape of the original creation.
The creations of the sculptures are not limited to bronze as members also work all types of stone and wood, and in any material that can be carved, chiseled, melted, welded, shaped or assembled.
I interviewed Don Trippy, former President of DSA.
BR) What other activities and expertise, can new members look forward to when they join DSA?
 DT) Our group schedules trips to stone quarries that are located within 100 miles of Las Vegas that usually includes a picnic along with the gathering of stones. Also the knowledge and the individual expertise within the group about stone carving, bronze casting and other sculpture related procedures is readily shared with all members. There are also members that offer classes in all aspects of sculpture.
BR) What types of work do your members specialize in?
DT) I think what you are referring to be that we have traditionalists, modernists, and those who thrive on the avant-garde.
BR) How does one join your association?
DT) Presently we have a little more than 75 very active members and we welcome new interested members. If anyone would like to experience the excitement of the world of sculpture they can call our hot line. (702) 878-1348, or write The Desert Sculptors Association Inc. 176 Erie Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89123.
BR) What is the basic purpose of the DSA?
DT) The purpose of DSA is to foster the arts for the cultural and economic benefit of Las Vegas and the state of Nevada by encouraging and promoting local sculptors, and providing a positive, non-critical environment to allowed the development of free expression in all areas of the art of sculpture. This atmosphere will be maintained in all areas related to or governed by the DSA organization. Community support systems will be developed and all efforts will be directed toward the enrichment of the quality of life.
AUTHORS NOTE: As a relative newcomer to the Arts in Las Vegas it is to my surprise that this group of talented sculptors and artists hasn't had a greater recognition among the collectors in this area. I predict that with the advisory assistance of Ms. Audrey Roberts and our profiling of these and other artists from Las Vegas it will upgrade the cultural arts scene in Las Vegas. 
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