Every work of art among the record 52 entries shows red, from the massive explosion of geraniums painted by Geraldine Zarate to the tiniest “little piggy” toenail slyly drawn by Chris Sinclair. How each artist “sees red” is the underlying theme of the current display at the Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery showing through August 4. “I’m Seeing Red,” is the second in the Gallery’s summer art competitions. Local businesses underwrite the four month series, with MesquiteCitizen.com sponsoring “Red.” The series is staged by the Virgin Valley Artists Association (VVAA), the nonprofit organization that operates the Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery.

Art professionals who have judged this competition, awarded the following Judges’ Choice prizes:

BEST OF SHOW: “Murder of Crows,” # 41, by Artist Moss Picard

BLUE RIBBON-FIRST PLACE: “Anasazi,” #50, by Artist Janet Trobough

RED RIBBON-SECOND PLACE: “Ceremonial Costume,” #18, by Artist Judy Heusner

WHITE RIBBON-THIRD PLACE: “Maiden in Red,” #4, by Artist Janet Trobough

HONORABLE MENTION (ALPHABETICAL ORDER BY ARTIST)

“Brakkie,” #13, by Artist Judith Hetem

“A Radiant Beauty,” #37, by Artist Doreen Kinkade

“A Red Journey,” #7, and “Blue, Purple, Red,” #46, by Artist Kathleen Ludwig

“Boot Bouquet,” #6, Artist Carole Pedersen

“Seeing Red,” #44, by Artist Barbara Rowley

“This Little Piggy,” #51, by Artist Chis Sinclair

“Seeing Geraniums” #15, by Artist Geraldine Zarate

On Thursday afternoon, July 19, a favorite entry, as voted by Gallery visitors, will be announced as winner of the “People’s Choice” award. MesquiteCitizen.com editor, Barbara Ellestad, and her staff will also name their selection for the “Sponsor’s Choice” ribbon. The cash prizes and Special “Choice” winners will be awarded at the public reception held Thursday, July 19, 4pm.

Photos of many winners will be published at a future date.

VVAA has run the summer series to keep artists and visitors connected with the Gallery during the hot season when so many snowbirds vacate their Mesquite nests. With the membership growth of the organization over the past three years, the competitions have grown to now attract this month’s biggest-ever field of entries in many art mediums. Entry is not limited to members, however, and information about future competitions can be found at the website, www.mesquitefineartscenter.com.

VVAA was recently awarded a “Partners in Excellence” grant by Nevada Arts Council. NAC financial support goes toward facility rent and operations, as well as partly funding the VVAA community art education program of classes, exhibitions, lectures, concerts, and other cultural events offered by VVAA throughout the year.

Funding and in-kind support is also provided by NEA Artworks, Nevada Council on Tourism, City of Mesquite, Greater Mesquite Arts Foundation, Mesquite Resort Association, and the generous donations of private businesses and individuals. VVAA aims to sustain its programs through sale of original artwork and unique gifts at the Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery and gift shop. Locally-produced art is displayed with pride, and the gallery and VVAA’s pottery studio are staffed by all-volunteer member artists. Located at 15 West Mesquite Blvd, Mesquite Nevada, the Gallery has become a “must-visit” attraction for locals and I-15 travelers. The Gallery summer hours are 10am-4pm, Tuesday through Saturday. Phone 702-346-1338.