Taste the Town!

by Birdie Jaworski

Tiny Dancers at the 2007 Sabor de Las Vegas

Soft cocoons of blue and wilted yellow vibrate, collected together in a nest spun of capillary and experience. Scored into four equal segments surrounded by deliberate black void, Alex Ellis' encaustic painting, "Mystery Map #1," reminds the viewer of tired eyes, of internal organs fighting for direction, for space to expand. At once otherworldly and deeply intimate, Ellis' work examines themes of alienation, spiritual longing, interconnectedness, and the necessity of kindness.

"I've never thought of working this big," muses Ellis on the piece. "It's a quad of 12 inch by 26 inch panels - that's 12 square feet. I used seven pounds of beeswax, one pound each of damar resin and marble dust, and lots of cocoa, coffee, salt, chili powder, and ash. I'm very happy with it. It's fun to encounter, and after a few weeks with it, I find that it's very dynamic in the way it shifts depending on the light and mood of the hour."

Ellis' work can be experienced this Saturday, September 13, during his opening at deMare Fine Art as part of the fourth Second Saturday Artwalk. Coinciding with the fifth annual Sabor de Las Vegas, the event features dozens of galleries, restaurants, studios, and special events in a symphony of art, culture, and beauty radiating from the Old Town Plaza throughout the town's different art districts.

"We're trying to reach critical mass," explains MainStreet Las Vegas Board Member Roy Montibon, "especially for those people who want to make a trip into town. There are so many events that you simply can't see everything. It creates excitement. Each month it takes on a different flavor. We have more and more artists, galleries, and entertainers joining each month. There's a move to create an artist's coop. Once we reach a certain mass on Saturdays, it will spill into Friday nights, and people will come in from out of town and stay in one of our beautiful hotels."

This month's flavor is captured by the Sabor de Las Vegas, sponsored by the Old Town Commercial Club. Sabor means "taste" in Spanish. Local restaurants will set up booths under the Plaza's generous shade trees, offering seven "tastes" for a ten dollar ticket. Last year's bounty included plates of green chile chicken enchiladas, miniature meatball submarine sandwiches dusted with rosemary, rich chocolate mousse under dollops of fresh-whipped cream, artfully crafted tiny cakes, and delicate empañadas stuffed with piñon and pork.

"We have twelve restaurants participating in Sabor this year," explains event coordinator and Old Town Commercial Club member Tito Chavez. "This year we're having it in the shade of the historic Plaza Park. We'll have mariachis in the bandstand as well as popular singer Reynaldo Maestas." Chavez paused, a grin spreading from his mouth to his eyes. "And this year, we have something special planned - a salsa contest!"

The salsa competition begins at 12:30 p.m. Saturday after a half-hour registration for competitors, with categories for children, college students, adults, and kitchen professionals. Sponsored by Alta Vista Regional Hospital, the fiery contest is sure to be a crowd-pleasing hit, with budding Iron Chefs wielding knife and jalapeño in the hopes of winning a 50 dollar top prize.

"Everything has to be fresh, made on sight," says Chavez. "Bring your own ingredients. We're encouraging people to shop at the Tri-County Farmer's Market. Entrants will have just fifteen minutes to make their very best salsa. We're still looking for judges," he laughs, "so any adventurous folks can call me at Tito's Gallery if they want to taste test."

Visitors to Sabor de Las Vegas can work off their indulgences while taking in some of Las Vegas' artistic treats. The Las Vegas Arts District covers an easily walkable portion of the city - from the Railroad Depot where the horse-drawn trollies once collected tired train travelers, through the new 5th, 6th and 7th Street Art District to National and Bridge streets, ending at the Old Town Plaza. Many restaurants in both New and Old Town are keeping their doors open until 9 p.m. during the event.

Highlights of this Second Saturday Artwalk include the CCHP walking tour of historic Las Vegas beginning 10 a.m. Saturday at their offices on Bridge Street. Docents will regale partakers with both discussions on architecture as well as "this happened here" stories that will surprise and delight. Tomb on the Range is sponsoring a morning program for children called "The Dragon Wagon" with dragon tales, a puppet show, and crafts at 10:30 a.m.

"A cool thing that happens with the Second Saturday Artwalks is at some vacant buildings, owners are putting art in their windows," smiles MainStreet Las Vegas Director Cindy Collins. "We're trying to get more building owners to sign on. It makes the event even more special."

In addition to Ellis' "Inner Cartography" opening, artist Linda Wooten-Green will hold a reception for her new show at Traveler's Cafe, "Interlude of the Landscape," and WarDancer Gallery will feature tin artist Gene Gurule, whose expertly crafted mirrors and wall hangings reflect an elegant Southwestern charm and grace.

"As far as the Second Saturday Artwalk and the Sabor de Las Vegas, we want to encourage people to bring their friends and family into town, to drag people away from the TV set," says Montibon. "We see that people are having a really good time at these events."

"This is the way Las Vegas used to be when I was a girl," interjects Collins. "People used to be in the Plaza Park, smiling, having a good time. We need to come back to the heart of our city and gather as a community. Enjoy it. Sabor it."

Sabor de Las Vegas, Saturday September 13, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Plaza Park. Salsa Competition, 12:30 p.m., please register at Noon if you wish to compete. Call Tito Chavez at 425-3745 if you wish to judge the event or for more information. Second Saturday Artwalk, Saturday September 13, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. For a complete listing of events, please see the posters around town or call MSLV at 425-2606, or visit www.mainstreetlvnm.org.