DESIGN CONNECTION

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.

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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.

Stephen Leon is President of Soleil Design Intl. Inc. and has been designing and manufacturing custom furniture and cabinetry for over 25 years. He is currently on the Board of Directors of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) serving as Communications Director for the Central California-Nevada Chapter. Stephen can be reached at soleildesign@cox.net or 702-873-5358.