Briefs: Art, theater and more
Arts and crafts
PRESERVE SALUTES
MEXICAN POTTERY
Mexico’s innovative Mata Ortiz pottery basks in the Springs Preserve spotlight this Labor Day weekend with displays and demonstrations that enable visitors to explore by seeing — and doing.
Intricate wood carvings, jewelry, textiles and pottery will be on sale, including work from master potters Lila Silveira and Carlos Carrillo — a husband-and-wife team representing the second generation of Mata Ortiz potters. Silveira and Carrillo will be on hand to share their knowledge throughout the long weekend.
At noon Saturday, DeSilva Imports will present a program on Oaxacan folk art traditions, while a Jan Diers jewelry presentation and slideshow will begin at noon Sunday; both programs will be in the Big Springs Theater, where 4 p.m. daily screenings of “The Renaissance of Mata Ortiz” also are scheduled.
The Mata Ortiz programs run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Monday at the Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd. Demonstrations are free for members or included with paid general admission ($10.95-$18.95); for more information, call 702-822-7700 or go online to www.springspreserve.org.
Exhibit
FASHION INVADES
COUNTY MUSEUM
It’s hats off to a shoe thing as “Top to Toe: A Look at American Hats and Shoes” checks in at the Clark County Museum.
The exhibit explores decades of casual and workplace fashion, accessories and advertisements, from the Gilded Age to the Digital Age.
Among the items on display: wool felt fedoras from the Roaring ’20s, disco-era vinyl platform shoes, sneakers, construction hard hats and Native American headgear.
Advertisements (“If the shoe fits, wear it”) and accessories (a 19th-century shoe polish stand, 1940s hat blocks) provide context for the headgear and footwear on display.
“Top to Toe: A Look at American Hats and Shoes” continues through Dec. 31 at the Clark County Museum, 1830 S. Boulder Highway, Henderson; the museum is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children 3-17 and seniors 55 and older; for more information, call 702-455-7955.
Discussion
EX-GOVERNOR
VISITS LIBRARY
Nevadans have had plenty of time to get to know Bob Miller, the Silver State’s longest-serving governor.
Locals can get to know him even better Thursday evening when he discusses his book, “Son of a Gambling Man,” at the Clark County Library.
Review-Journal columnist Steve Sebelius will join Miller to discuss the former governor’s path from Chicago, where he spent his early years, to Nevada, where he encountered a variety of “colorful characters” — and prominent politicians — on his way to becoming a politician himself. (Son Ross Miller has followed in his father’s footsteps, currently serving as Nevada’s secretary of state.)
A book signing and reception will follow the free talk, which begins at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Clark County Library, 1401 E. Flamingo Ave. For more information, call 702-507-3459 or visit www.lvccld.org.
Benefits
CLARION, INSERT COIN(S)
HOST CHARITY EVENTS
Two separate benefits combine good vibrations and good causes this weekend.
Saturday afternoon at the Clarion Hotel’s Wolf Theater, a “Giving Back” concert features Jennifer Knight, Luggnutt Keyz and the Supreme Reflections performing in support of His Love Street, which serves the homeless. Proceeds from the concert will go toward a work placement agency, education center and food pantry, according to event promoter Trey Noran.
The concert begins at 3 p.m. Saturday in the Wolf Theater at the Clarion Hotel, 305 Convention Center Drive; for tickets ($37.95), call 702-990-1524.
On Sunday, downtown’s Insert Coin(s) video game arcade provides the backdrop for the second annual Hometown Heroes BMX Exhibition and street party, benefitting the Downtown Boys & Girls Club.
Hosted by BMX pro and MTV reality star Ricardo Luna, the all-ages Hometown Heroes event will feature amateur and professional BMX riders and a raffle with BMX bikes, autographed skateboards and a downtown “night out” among the prizes.
The street party runs from 7 to 8:30 p.m. outside Insert Coin(s), 512 Fremont St. Following the street party, Insert Coin(s) welcomes those 21 and over inside to an after-party featuring former Life is Beautiful showcase artists and local DJs. Bar proceeds also support the Boys and Girls Club. For information, visit www.insertcoinslv.com.
Theater
ONYX THEATRE HOSTS
‘STREETCAR’ ON TOUR
Do you know the way to one of the greatest dramas in American theater?
Just ask Blanche DuBois: “They told me to take a streetcar named Desire, and transfer to one called Cemeteries, and ride six blocks and get off at Elysian Fields!”
And if all you know of Tennessee Williams’ “A Streetcar Named Desire” is Marlon Brando bellowing “Hey, Stella!” in the 1951 movie version, a touring version of the original play opens a two-weekend run Friday at the Onyx Theatre.
When faded Southern belle Blanche DuBois seeks refuge from the cold, cruel world with her sister Stella — and Stella’s earthy husband Stanley Kowalski — the stage is set for visceral (sometimes violent) yet haunting drama. (Any similarities between “Streetcar” and Woody Allen’s new movie, “Blue Jasmine,” are hardly coincidental.)
Melita Sagar directs a cast that includes Adon Chau, Kenric Green, Kama Maccoli, Dana Martin, Jeremy Minagro and Michelle Petro.
“A Streetcar Named Desire” will be staged at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Onyx Theatre, 953 E. Sahara Ave.; additional performances are at 8 p.m. Sept. 6 and 7 and 2 p.m. Sept. 8. For tickets ($20), call 702-732-7225 or go online to www.onyxtheatre.com.
— By CAROL CLING
