Art, Music and More

ArtFest of Henderson celebrates its 10th anniversary Saturday and Sunday with work from more than 200 national and local artists as well as food and live entertainment.

More than 50,000 people are expected to attend the event in downtown Henderson, down Water Street from Army Street to just past Basic Road and surrounding areas including the new Henderson Events Plaza and the Henderson Convention Center at 200 S. Water St.

Sadegh Aref, specializing in acrylic and oil painting, is the featured artist. Born in Shiraz, Iran, the now-Californian moved to the United States in 1984.

His work largely is influenced by Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso.

Parking for ArtFest is free.

Art on display will range from traditional, such as ceramics and paintings, to woodcuts and mixed media.

In addition, French action painter and performer Jean Francois Detaille, known for creating spontaneous, colorful pieces of art within minutes, will paint on the Henderson Convention Center stage at 1:15 p.m. Sunday.

He will donate a painting to ArtFest's silent auction, which will be in the big tent in the Henderson Events Plaza. Proceeds from the silent auction will benefit Henderson Libraries.

Inspired at a young age by the art he saw on trips with his parents to Spain and the south of France, Jean Francois is known for removing painting from the realm of studios and galleries and transforms it into high-energy public entertainment. He uses nontraditional painting techniques to craft bold and colorful artwork that combine comedy and art in a show choreographed to music.

Jean Francois has performed in Las Vegas productions at MGM Grand, Caesars Palace, Bally's and New York-New York, as well as private functions for Prince Charles, Prince of Whales, Pope John II and the Sultan of Brunei.

Music entertainment includes Tony Branco Trio, Smokin' Joe Escriba Quartet, Rick Arroyo Quartet, Shapiro Project Quartet, John Nasshan's Quintessence, Coronado High School Jazz Band, Henderson Symphony Woodwind Quintet, Henderson Clarinet Quintet, Ricky Ray, Carl Grove Combo, Killian's Angels, Martin Percival School of Irish Dance, Triple Threat, Show Biz Kids and Las Vegas Shakers.

Culinary fare, in front of the main stage in the Henderson Events Plaza, will include a wine garden presented by the Eldorado Casino.

All mothers will receive free rose candles on Sunday.