As an interior designer,
it’s been my distinct pleasure to visit art galleries
of all types and sizes from London to New York and from
Beverly Hills to Changmai in northern Thailand—and
points in between. Often they are very cut-and-dried
affairs, (well maybe not in Changmai, where much of
the art and sculpture seems to be covered in layers
of dust or even cobwebs!). The typical gallery will
showcase artists in a serene but sterile setting usually
devoid of warmth and congeniality. They are simply galleries
for the express purpose of viewing art—nothing
more and nothing less.
What a treat then to
recently discover The Gallery at Summerlin located in
the Village Square at Fort Apache and Sahara, which
is a gallery to be sure—but oh so much more. From
the moment I first opened the front door I was enveloped
by an atmosphere of “gemutlichkeit” that
I have seldom experienced. (Gemutlich, by the way, is
a German word and the only one that I could think of
to convey the cozy and comfortable surroundings of this
gallery.)
Opened in April of
2006 by Debra Blitzer and her daughter and partner Sandy
Cannon, the gallery is certainly unique and not just
for its welcoming vibration—usually enhanced by
burning incense, beautiful flowers and calming music.
Since its inception, the gallery has been dedicated
to serving more of the local community rather than out-of-town
tourists who usually frequent the galleries at the Forum
Shops and Caesar’s Palace.
The Gallery at Summerlin
has been founded on the fundamental principle of creating
and fostering an atmosphere that will encourage everyone
from the curious observer to the well-schooled art aficionado
to come in and, in the words of Debra Blitzer, “explore
their relationship with art.” She went on to say
that she welcomes people “to come and look at
a lot of art and spend time in the gallery where there
is even a charming back room in which clients can take
all the time they like to contemplate the many choices.”
And for those who
need additional help and guidance in their decisions
as to what would be right for them, there is an art
consultation program available, wherein clients are
able to have art brought to their home so that they
may live with a particular piece for a while before
deciding to purchase. Debra and Sandy fervently believe
that “art should feed you daily, and it should
be heartfelt and bring you joy each day.” It’s
a personal commitment on their part and one that any
art lover would surely embrace.
Both mother and daughter
truly understand art and artists, as it is very much
their own background as well. Debra, a native of Kansas
City, says that her love of art and beauty has always
been a part of her, it’s “in her blood,”
she says. And from a background in pharmaceuticals (where
she met her husband of 20 years) she went on to become
a brilliant ceramics artist in her own right with her
wonderful collection of “The Boys at the Bar”
selling with regularity for the past 14 years.
Daughter Sandy’s
background is steeped in art experience as well, having
served as art director for the Montessori schools and
being responsible for the task of actually setting up
the art curriculum, which in turn has led to a strong
connection with various art publications.
This has no doubt
gone far in helping the gallery to assemble its eclectic
array of fine art executed in a variety of media, which
includes figurative art of which mother and daughter
are justly proud. Three-dimensional art is certainly
an exciting addition to any gallery, and this one boasts
quite a collection.
The gallery’s
uniqueness is further enhanced by a professional custom-framing
service headed by framer extraordinaire, Dennis Marable,
who comes to the gallery with a colorful background
himself having worked in the theatre for many years.
Currently Dennis is serving double duty as he works
as wardrobe specialist (after hours, of course) for
the fabulously rousing “Love” (the Beatles
musical) now playing at The Mirage.
Debra feels proud
of the roster of artists that have sought out the gallery’s
representation since its founding. Artists such as Prince
Duncan Williams who works in a medium he refers to as
“silk mosaics” where thousands of silk threads
in vibrant colors are laid in place individually with
no two works ever alike. His work is really something
to see, quite unique and unforgettable.
Also Beti Kristof’s
three-dimensional resin torsos which are displayed both
free-standing as well as framed are no less memorable
and distinctive. You can see a number of Beti’s
creations at a gallery show in February that will not
only showcase her art, but the equally extraordinary
work of local stone artist Sharon Gainsburg. This show
will be fascinating not only for the art on display,
but also for the poetry being written for the event
by a group of poets as an ode to the brilliant creations
of these two wonderful and talented ladies and their
work.
Also represented
by the gallery are Dottie Burton, water colorist Barbara
Yoerg, oil painter Diane Eugster, and Roy Butler whose
sculptures in resin and bronze I have personally long
admired.
And during the month
of December, the gallery will host a show featuring
the art handbags of Debbie Brooks, as well as the incredibly
stunning, exotic jewelry of Isha Elafi with its “nomadic
knotting” and semi-precious stones; perfect timing
for holiday shopping for yourself or that special someone
in your life. Don’t miss this opportunity to purchase
amazing wearable art at great prices.
Don’t wait
any longer to visit The Gallery at Summerlin and discover
what makes this gallery such a noteworthy addition to
our local art scene.
The Gallery
at Summerlin is located at 9330 West Sahara Avenue.
They can be reached by calling 702-228-6013.
