Seeing an artist’s studio, a place where they do their work, is typically a difficult feat. Artists can be very protective of their “work in progress,” or allowing others to view their tools of the trade. Many artists’ supplies consist of unusual materials or reveal techniques that are not normally used. Artists’ studios are full of interesting things, and the studio often contains works that are commissioned or pieces not to be viewed by the public until finished.

On March 29th from 10:00am until 4:00pm, several Las Vegas, Henderson and Boulder City artists will be opening their studios to the public. As a fundraiser for Desert Sculptors of Las Vegas, a number of artists will allow people to see, hear, learn, and purchase art in the studios in which it was created. 

Bronze sculptor, Don Trippy’s studio is part of the tour. He pours the bronze from his home-built casting furnace in Las Vegas. To create a bronze, his crucible is filled with molten bronze at temperatures of over 2,000 degrees. His studio is like no other, located nine feet below ground! The walls were built with 243 hand poured concrete blocks weighing eighty pounds each, which are embedded with stones collected from around the world. Mr. Trippy’s largest work is a 1,400 pound eagle with a nine and a half foot wing span. It stands at the Fighter Weapons School at Nellis Air Force Base. 

Many of the sculptures on the streets of Boulder City were done by artists that will be on the studio tour. Sculptor Sandra Messina has several permanent pieces in Boulder City. Her interesting studio, located on several acres in Las Vegas, is included on the tour.

Local Boulder City artist, Lynn Jordan, will also be making her studio available for the public. It will be very interesting to see how she creates her wood pyrographic pieces. During the tours, the artists will be explaining how they create their work. There will also be pieces available for purchase.

What a great way to gain knowledge on how artists do their work. This is an opportunity that may not come again. For tickets or further information, call (702) 501-9219.