54°F
weather icon Clear

Pahrump Arts Council receives National Endowment grant

Pahrump Arts Council President Loretta Lindell is applauding a $10,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.

The agency’s chairman, Jane Chu, approved more than $30 million in grants as part of the NEA’s first major funding announcement for fiscal year 2017.

The Challenge America grant to the Pahrump Arts Council is for “Arts Americana,” a series of performances that feature uniquely American creativity, according to a press release.

The Challenge America category supports primarily small and mid-sized organizations for projects that extend the reach of the arts to underserved populations, where opportunities to experience the arts are limited by geography, ethnicity, economics, or disability.

“The arts are for all of us, and by supporting organizations such as the Pahrump Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts is providing more opportunities for the public to engage with the arts,” said NEA Chairman Jane Chu. “Whether in a theater, a town square, a museum, or a hospital, the arts are everywhere and make our lives richer.”

Lindell, meanwhile, said it was a privilege for the PAC’s arts programs to be recognized for the second year at the national level by the NEA.

“The arts are inclusive, regardless of age or income level, and our programs reflect that.”

Additionally, Lindell said Arts Americana will feature live performances by artists in jazz, western music, cowboy poetry, body percussion, and step dancing, including the Shapiro Project which is a multi-genre jazz quartet from Las Vegas, headed by Eugene Shapiro.

T.J. Casey is a working cowboy from Montana known for his love of western music and cowboy poetry.

Jason Nious of Molodi Live, Las Vegas, has performed around the world with a unique brand of body percussion and step dancing.

Lindell noted that jazz and step dancing have deep roots in the African-American experience.

She also said the music of the American West is known internationally, with roots in the romanticized image of the lonesome cowboy singing to his cattle.

“All of the artists will include school demonstrations as part of their performances,” Lindell said. “We hope to create larger events around each of the performances to provide arts experiences that are fun and accessible for everyone. The performance schedule will be announced after the first of the year.”

To learn more about the Pahrump Arts Council call 775-751-6776.

For more information on projects included in the NEA grant announcement, visit arts.gov/news.

Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.
THE LATEST
Looking for some family fun for Easter? Hop over to Simkins Park

Anyone looking for a fun, family-friendly festivity to enjoy this holiday can hop on over to Simkins Park to join the Mills family as they celebrate Easter Sunday with worship music, free food and an enormous 14,000-egg hunt that is sure to bring a smile to hundreds of faces.

Campground fees to increase at Death Valley National Park

DEATH VALLEY, Calif. — Visitors to Death Valley National Park can expect a slight increase in entrance fees for various campgrounds beginning on May 1.

Clerk staffer Cori Freidhof appointed interim leader

Nye County Clerk Mark Kampf’s time in office officially comes to a close on March 31 and deputy clerk Cori Freidhof has now been selected to assume that vacated seat. Freidhof will take over the office as of Monday, April 1 and fulfill the unexpired term ending Jan. 1, 2027.

Gaming can have impact on us

When does gaming cross the line from recreational relaxation to problematic behavior? How do video games and gambling relate? What resources are available for those who find themselves struggling to control their relationship with video games and gambling?

County eyeing impact fee increases

The cost to develop in Pahrump could go up, with a public hearing on a proposal to raise local impact fees set for next month.

Here’s who filed as political candidates in Nye County

Locals have filed their political candidacy as of March 15 and this year two major offices in Nye County will be up for grabs in the general election. Nye County residents have to first narrow down their preferred party candidate on June 11 in the primary and then vote in November to support their preferred candidates.

Second Source donation for Sleep in Heavenly Peace

Nye County Sleep in Heavenly Peace is now better off thanks to a second donation from The Source dispensary’s Round Up program.

Beatty riled by sheriff’s substation closure

Lone staffer will be relocated to Pahrump to help with workload there; be onsite in Beatty just once a month.

Sales tax question headed to the ballot

Road conditions in the Pahrump Valley are a sore point for many drivers as well as a source of frustration for the crews dedicated to maintaining them but with only so many road dollars to go around, it can be hard to keep pace with the demand.