julie murray - Writer`s Residence

Transcription

JULIE MURRAY
Making a Difference
People
Community
Philanthropy
Cuisine
Fashion
Culture
August 2012
R o c k s o li d L E G A L R E P R E S E N T A tiO N .
More than 40 years of firm Litigation for Southern Nevada
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C O N T E N TS
vol 2 | no 8 | august 2012
REAL ESTATE
las vegas
FEATURE: JULIE MURRAY
“If you can give people the means to feed themselves and help keep
them healthy, especially at an early age, then the problems of
hunger and crime will be reduced.”
Cuisine: Fresch Catch
Chef Bartolotta’s serves up a high-tech approach to
his seafood delicacies.
Cuisine: Power Lunch
Neiman Marcus’ personal shopper, Phil Hernandez,
dishes about Fashion’s Night Out, food and fall trends.
Wine & Spirits: ROSE
“Rosé is really a misunderstood wine. Because of its
color, people assume it’s sweet. But most rosé is actually dry and quite complex,”
Good Deeds: Clinics In Schools
Dr. Noah Kohn is making Southern Nevada healthier
... one child at a time.
PROFILE: Automotive Bliss
Towbin women bring a spiritual twist to the
family business.
TRAVEL: Weekend in Chicago
Home to Magnificent Mile, Lake Michigan and worldclass dining, the Windy City is your perfect
summer getaway.
The Wall: Making Something out of Nothing
Vegas artist draws on his grandmother’s inspiration
for his latest exhibit at MCQ Fine Art.
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50
54
69
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fine homes
See Page 59
About the cover
An (almost) native, Julie Murray moved
to Las Vegas with her family when she
was just 6 years old. It was the influence
of her family that gave Murray the
desire to make the world a better place.
More than 20 years later, Murray has
been making a difference in Southern
Nevada—and nationwide—as one of
Nevada’s leading social entrepeneurs.
Publisher
Editor
Creative Director
Jimmy Foster
LESLIE FRISBEE
NILS LEUFVEN
editorial
contributing writers
Jessi C. Acuña, Amiee White Beazley, Chris Carney, Sabrina Chapman, Lynn
Comella, Marisa Finetti, Jarret Keene, Christie Moeller, Kate Silver
cover photographer
Jerry Metellus
jerrymetellus.com
contributing photographers
Tom Donoghue
donoghuephotography.com
Eric Ita
ericitaphoto.com
Sabin Orr
sabinorrphotography.com
Duane Prokop
prokopphoto.com
Lucky Wenzel
luckywenzelphotography.com
hair & makeup
Zee Clemente
zeestylz.com
media
director of communications
Kipp Cooper
whisperinggiants.com
web master
Dunn Hill Malait
filsupport.com
s a l e s a n d m a r k e t in g
director of sales & business development
Jamal Parker
whisperinggiants.com
ad partner relations
Jennifer Hixson
events manager
Lisa Goulston
s p e ci a l t h a n k s
Julie Murray
© SSF Media, LLC Holding Company
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c on t r i bu t or s
Marisa Finetti
jarret keene
SABIN ORR
A journalism major from Cal
Jarret
include
After spending 10 years living
A graduate from SIU, Sabin Orr
Poly landed Finetti a job at
“The Underground Guide to Las
in and writing about Las Vegas,
has been shooting professionally
Paramount Pictures and a career
Vegas,” an unauthorized rock
Kate Silver moved to Chicago,
for more than a decade. Before
in entertainment public relations,
bio of The Killers “The Killers:
making the Windy City her latest
moving to Las Vegas in 2006,
before making the switch to
Destiny Is Calling Me,” and “Las
muse. Her work also appears
Orr
editorial. You’ve seen her work
Vegas Noir”. His primitive nuclear
regularly in Chicago Tribune,
Chicago where he specialized in
Nevada
doom metal band Dead Neon
Men’s Health, Spirit Magazine,
product, portrait, sports, tabletop
Magazine, Las Vegas Magazine,
terrorizes Sin City dive bars. He
Midwest
and
DAVID and VEGAS Magazine,
is a regular contributor to Vegas
website, thekatesilver.com.
as well as health blogs like
in
Spirit
magazine,
Keene’s
books
Living
and
on
her
had
is
own
advertising
studio
in
photography.
One of Vegas’ most respected
Seven and Desert Companion
food
her
magazines, and lives in the heart
photographed the top restaurants
own blog, bestbewell.com. While
of downtown with his wife and
and chefs from around the world.
all this work-related talk is good
two young sons.
To see more of Sabin’s work, visit
hivehealthmedia.com
and
and all, her first real passion is
her family, as they inspire her
each day to be better than the
day before. Follow Marisa on
Twitter at @MarisaFinetti.
14
Kate Silver
AUGUST 2012
photographers,
Orr
his website orrdigital.com.
has
le t t er f ro m t he p ubl i s her
the s t y le y o u cra v e .
T he e x perience y o u d e s er v e .
It’s not every day that you get to wake up and build something special. I remember the day that I did—it was June 2011. A team of men
and women were recruited for an assignment to build a solution for a
highly respected client. After hours of meetings, we set out to create
a custom publication designed to earn the respect and attention of a
niche group of individuals. Our goal, from the very beginning, was to
find our own unique voice. Intentionally, we chose not to be like any
other publication. Instead, we chose to focus on our community and
the clients we serve.
I’m proud to say that almost a year after our debut issue, Diamond
Cake has not waivered from our mission: Deliver a high-end, highquality publication that creates an intelligent dialogue between our
audience, partners and advertisers.
Today, Diamond Cake is much more than a magazine—it’s a platform. DC is platform for partners and brands to communicate with
the members of our community. Communicate and community—
two words that share the key root mun, which means to share. Each
month, Diamond Cake strives to “share” with our audience and partners, stories, relationships and information that we believe can (will)
make us a better neighbor, community and City.
In this issue we feature several individuals that are truly making a difference in our community, including our cover feature Julie Murray,
who has set the standard for paying it forward. A new addition to the
Diamond Cake family, Miles Dickson introduces us to Dr. Noah Kohn,
medical director and founder of Clinic’s In Schools, a non-profit organization that serves uninsured youth of Southern Nevada.
I’m also excited to introduce Diamond Cake readers to food writer
Jim Begley and photographer Sabin Orr, who team up to bring us
a great feature on James Beard award winning chef Paul Bartolotta
from Wynn Las Vegas. And behind the scenes, Diamond Cake welcomes Jamal Parker, who heads up the sales and events division; and
Lisa Goulston, Diamond Cake’s talented event’s manager.
So, as Diamond Cake continues to grow and evolve, we hope that you
will join us on our journey by following us on twitter @Diamondcakemag, like us on Facebook at facebook.com/DiamondCakeMagazine,
Also, be sure to sign up for our email blasts at diamondcakemagazine.
com and let your friends know they can pick up your complimentary
issue of Diamond Cake at Flecther Jones Imports in Summerlin and
Sambalatte at Boca Park.
Gentlemanly Sophistication, with Hints of Irreverence
in
Thank you for reading.
o f f ice
home
J imm y
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AUGUST 2012
f o s t e r
or
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le t t er f ro m t he E DIT O R
pictured left to right: Caleen Norrod Johnson, Yvette Masterson, Jeanne Frederick, Beth Schwartz,
Leslie Frisbee
When you think about Las Vegas it’s easy to get caught up in all of the glitz,
glamour and over-the-top um, well, everything that has become synonymous
with Sin City. However, what many people don’t recognize is that Vegas is a
city rooted in strong charitable giving. And one woman leading the charge is
philanthropic expert Julie Murray.
This month’s cover subject has been making a difference in Southern Nevada
for more than two decades. As co-founder of Three Square, Murray set the
standard and created a model for community food banks across the country.
Today, Murray is president and CEO of Moonridge Group, an organization
that works with major donors throughout Nevada to help them build a strategic charitable giving plan. With more than 4,000 non-profit organizations
registered in Clark County, Moonridge helps match donors with the right
foundation for effective giving opportunities.
Clinics in Schools is just one of many Nevada-based non-profit organizations
that Moonridge Group works with. Founded by Dr. Noah Kohn, CIS provides
free health care, vaccinations, sports physicals and checkups to any child under the age of 18, and anyone 18 years or older still enrolled in school. Since
opening its doors in 2009, CIS has served more than 15,000 children. Diamond
Cake contributor Miles Dickson introduces us to Dr. Kohn, and the amazing
work he’s doing through CIS to make Southern Nevada’s youth healthier.
Mixing a little glitz, glamour and charity (it is Vegas, after all), this month we
also feature the Piaget trunk show at The Shoppes at The Palazzo to benefit
Make-A-Wish Foundation and Fashion’s Night Out.
Entering its fourth year, Fashion’s Night Out (Thurs., Sept. 6), has become
a global shopping extravaganza. This year, more than 18 countries and top
retail destinations, including Las Vegas, are expected to participate in FNO
celebrations. Many of Las Vegas’ top retail centers have teamed up with local charities for a festive evening of fashion, shopping and cocktail events.
For a full list of FNO events, check out Diamond Cake’s Guide to FNO on pg.84.
As editor of Diamond Cake Magazine, I’m exposed to so many incredible things
our city has to offer every day, many of which we’re showcasing in our new
Covets section this month. However, the most gratifying part of my job are
the stories I get to share about people like Julie Murray and Dr. Kohn, who
are doing phenomenal work in our city; it really is the people that make Las
Vegas so special. ... Okay, I have to admit, the glitz, glamour and over-the-top
fabulousness of the 37-carat (plus) rubellite, emerald and diamond Piaget
“Watermelon Dream” cocktail ring is pretty darn special, too (in case you’re
reading, Love). ... It is Vegas, after all.
LESL I E
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AUGUST 2012
F R I S B EE
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covets...
Each month Diamond Cake brings you limited-edition items, oneof-a-kind finds and exclusive events that can’t be missed; Here’s
what we’re obsessing about this month:
Stunning Piaget “Watermelon Dream” cocktail ring set
in 18-carat yellow gold with a cushion-cut rubellite, 280
brilliant-cut diamonds, 4 rubellite ball, 34 brilliant-cut
yellow diamonds and 45 brilliant-cut diamonds. Sold at
Piaget in The Shoppes at The Palazzo
After an unprecedented five-year run, Phantom—the Las
Vegas Spectacular at The Venetian, drops its final curtain
Sept. 2. For tickets go to phantomlasvegas.com.
Bond No. 9 Las Vegas is an exclusive fragrance
available only in the U.S. at Saks Fifth Ave. Las
Vegas (Fashion Show Mall), $325.
The Smith Center kicks off its first full season with the opening
of Wicked, Wednesday, Aug. 29. For tickets and dates, go to
thesmithcenter.com.
Las Vegas Restaurant Week to benefit Three Square
returns, Aug. 27 - Sept. 2. For more information and
participating restaurants go to threesquare.org
Giuseppe Zanotti crystal-studded, no-heel
bootie, $2,950. Sold at Neiman Marcus
(Fashion Show Mall).
Third annual Mandalay Bay Wine & Spirits
Weekend, Aug. 17-19 at Mandalay Bay
Resort & Casino, featuring chef Hubert
Keller. For tickets and information go to
mandalaybay.com/vino.
Congratulations to all of Olympic athletes representing Las
Vegas: Amanda Bingson, Conner Fields, Michael Hunter and
Khadevis Robinson!
With only 300 bottles available in the U.S., elit Pristine Water Series
Himalayan Edition by Stoli, is the perfect gift for any vodka connoisseur, $3,000. Elitbystoli.com
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AUGUST 2012
Grace Kelly Collection ballpoint pen. Royal purple precious
resin with champagne-tone gold-plated clip and trim set with
a petal-cut pink topaz, $715. Sold exclusively at Saks Fifth Ave.
(Fashion Show Mall).
Limited-edition Dior Cosmetics Tailleur Bar Palette, $75.
Sold exclusively at Saks Fifth Ave. (Fashion Show Mall).
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Cu i s i ne
by jim begley, photos by sabin orr
FRESH CATCH
Chef Bartolotta serves up high-tech seafood delicacies
It is safe to say that Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare at Wynn Las
Vegas is not your everyday seafood joint. Executive chef Paul Bartolotta has a fervent passion for serving the freshest Mediterranean
seafood he can find and exerts extraordinary efforts to provide it at
his eponymous restaurant on a nightly basis.
Bartolotta’s passion was cultivated during his youth as he has fond
memories of visiting fish markets with his father. When it came
time to choose where to celebrate his birthday, he would always
choose Milwaukee seafood restaurants such as Beyond the Sea
rather than opting for pizza or hot dogs. This adoration of seafood
continues to fuel him today.
Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare is the culmination of 30 years of relationships paired with Steve Wynn’s desire to work with only the
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AUGUST 2012
best culinary talents he can find. Interestingly enough, though, the
concept we now know as a showcase for “Italian-speaking fish,” as
Bartolotta likes to refer to his selections, was not the plan.
“when you get a call from a guy like Steve Wynn, you take the call;”
however, he had a slightly different concept in mind.
Wynn originally approached Bartolotta with the desire to replicate
Circo at Bellagio on an even grander scale. He had selected a space
just off a lagoon with his property still under construction at the
time and was looking for an executive chef meeting some very specific criteria: a James Beard award-winner specializing in Italian cuisine who was willing to relocate to Las Vegas. As you can imagine,
there were very few individuals meeting with these characteristics.
Bartolotta had just recently returned from a Mediterranean sailing
trip and had marveled at the simple yet memorable meals which
had been prepared on a boat with just fresh seafood with simple
preparation techniques. With these meals fresh on his mind, he
toured the spot where the current restaurant stands and focused on
the lagoon views. “When I saw the lagoon element, I thought it’d
be great to do something like an Italian seafood concept that had
never been done before.”
Having won the award for Best Chef Midwest while at the helm
of Chicago’s Spiaggia and willing to discuss a move, Bartolotta fit
the bill. Exploring the opportunity was a given because, as he put it,
Wynn was originally lukewarm on the subject and discussions
stalled as Bartolotta tried to convince the gaming mogul to bet big
on his idea. It was over a dinner at Circo where he made his final
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Cu i s i ne
pitch and with the input of his then-wife Elaine, the dinner culminated with Wynn agreeing to “get the man his fish.” With the green
light, all Bartolotta had to figure out was how to procure said fish.
Bartolotta found it difficult to establish those initial contacts. He
quickly discovered “Italy has little to no culture for exportation.
Italy is a tiny peninsula with very strict and limited quotas on how
much they can ship out. But because you drive two miles in any
direction and you’re in the drink, there’s an amazing culture for
seafood. There was just no expertise in exporting.”
Bartolotta found in Italy that the affordable restaurants actually
imported fish, while the high end ones—“more expensive than
mine”—used the limited Italian supply controlled by strict fishing
quotas. He spent a fair amount of time on the ground in Italy mining the relationships he previously built through his time and travels
overseas. Essentially, the price for his fish today reflects the painstaking care it took him to establish this closely guarded team of
suppliers that now source product from more than a dozen markets
throughout Italy.
Finding the suppliers was only one obstacle—getting the seafood
shipped fresh was another. In the beginning, shipments would arrive with dying seafood, so he gathered his team to determine how
they could determine what was going wrong. These meetings resulted in the thermal microchips he now uses for every delivery
which track temperature and box movement every 20 minutes, giving Bartolotta instant access to the seafood’s travels when it arrives.
On the receiving end, Wynn’s marine biologist has established tanks
to support the seafood upon arrival. This includes replicating water salinity, bacteria, temperatures and lighting to afford the seafood
conditions most like those found in the wild.
Bartolotta’s sourcing methods result in the appearance of unique
delicacies on his menu rarely seen outside the Mediterranean. While
his is the only restaurant in the Western Hemisphere with access
to live langoustines, uncommon seafood such as balano—goose
barnacles found on rocky seashores—and moleche—Venetian softshell crabs only available seasonally—also arise as nightly offerings.
Bartolotta indicates his restaurant created “a whole learning curve
for a seafood trattoria with simple foods. It was the first opportunity
I had to create a menu with food that I wanted to eat.” He found
the concept resonated with his clientele. “As you get older, you become less concerned about yourself and more concerned about the
customer. My customers want to eat what I want to eat. They’re
interested in more authentic dishes and less in the artistic. They’re
interested in what is more real and a more product-driven restaurant
than a chef-driven restaurant.”
Strangely enough, Bartolotta claims “this is the least amount of
cooking I’ve done in my career, because I’m touching the food
the least. I think that’s the best respect I can give to the food.” We
couldn’t agree more.
ALWAYS ENJOY RESPONSIBLY. ©2012 Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A., Stella Artois® Beer, Imported by Import Brands Alliance, St. Louis, MO
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AUGUST 2012
C U ISI N E
POWER LUNCH
With Neiman Marcus’ Phil Hernandez
Inspired by his father’s keen sense of style, Phil Hernandez has been working as Neiman Marcus’ personal shopper since
arriving in Las Vegas more than 25 years ago. The go-to guy for the city’s most stylish men and women, Hernandez’s
power-packed Rolodex is a who’s who of Vegas elite. Pristine in a Zegna suit, Isaia shirt, Tom Ford tie and Magnani shoes,
Hernandez, recently sat down with me over a power lunch to talk fashion, food and fall trends.
by leslie frisbee, photos by sabin orr
What makes Neiman Marcus a power lunch spot?
Because Neiman Marcus is located at Fashion Show Mall,
in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, it is an ideal location
to meet for lunch. The quality of the food and the atmosphere at the NM Café is impeccable. It is the perfect
place to meet for lunch after a morning or afternoon of
shopping. Ease of accessibility from the many businesses
in the area is also a plus.
How did you get started in the business?
My love of fashion started in my early teen years, watching my father’s fashion sense. After arriving in Las Vegas
from a job in California, my first thought was to apply for
a job at Neiman Marcus.
How long have you been working as the go-to personal shopper for men and women in Las Vegas?
I have been with Neiman Marcus for over 27 years. I
started as a sales associate in Men’s Furnishings and became the Men’s Personal Shopper in 1992. I was the first
in the company.
Two of fashion’s biggest events happen in September: FNO and Fall Fashion Week. What are some
must-have fall trends that we can expect to see?
For women, green is the color of fall—any shade, mixed
together and paired with navy, which Neiman Marcus
considers the “new neutral” for the season. Another
trend for women this fall is menswear-influenced jackets
and leather pants. Gucci’s fall collection did a great job
with menswear inspired pieces. Trends for accessorizing
are smoking slippers—my favorite styles are from Charlotte Olympia—brooches, and the statement handbag.
Fendi has great handbag styles this season, including the
Silvana flap-top.
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AUGUST 2012
Men’s trends include colored pants, which are carried
over from spring. Spice colors are especially hot for fall.
A motorcycle jacket is a must this fall.
Is Neiman Marcus doing anything special for FNO?
Neiman Marcus has been participating in Fashion’s Night
Out since 2008, and each year gets bigger and bigger!
This year we’ve partnered with Make-A-Wish Southern
Nevada for an evening of fashion and philanthropy. The
Beauty Event returns as well as special games with fashionable prizes, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, plus a fashion show featuring fall trends.
Do you think Las Vegas will ever be considered a top
fashion destination?
We have come along way in Las Vegas. I venture to say
that we have become a fashion destination. At Neiman
Marcus we have some of the top designers in the industry, both for men and women.
Who are some of your favorite designers?
For men, my favorite designers include Tom Ford, Ermenegildo Zegna, Giorgio Armani, and Brunello Cucinelli. For women, my favorites are Armani Black Label,
Michael Kors, Alexander McQueen and Dolce & Gabbana.
How would you classify your style?
Business classic with a twist.
If you could have a power lunch with anyone living
or dead, who would it be?
The founder of Neiman Marcus Mr. Stanley Marcus
On the menu: Mezze Sampler, Shrimp Green Goddess,
Chicken Paillard, Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookie
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W I N E & SPI R ITS
Miss Understood
A rosé by any other name …
BELIEVE...
Th e re’s
a
change
around
the
corner
by leslie frisbee
Ostracized by many (American) oenophiles, rosé has widely been
considered the redheaded stepchild of the wine family. Judged
more on looks than character, rosé is oft-labeled a sweet, simple
summertime fling. However, those in the know will tell you
that this vino is anything but sweet and simple.
“Rosé is really a misunderstood wine. Because of its
color, people assume it’s sweet. But most rosé is actually
dry and quite complex,” explains Robert Smith, master
sommelier at Picasso in Bellagio.
Using any red grape varietal: pinot noir, syrah,
grenache, cinsault and cabernet sauvignon, rosé
is produced from the juice of red wine. In what
is called the Saignée or bleeding method, some
of the fermenting juice is siphoned off before
the grapes are pressed. The resulting red wine is
more concentrated in color, and the juice that’s
bled off is used to make rosé. “The amount of
time of contact between the skin is just a brief introduction. Think of it as meeting for coffee instead
of dinner for a first date—it’s like dipping your toe in
to test the waters,” analogizes Smith.
And to know her is to love her:
Conceived in Provence more the 2,000 years ago by
ancient Greeks, who brought vines and wines to southern
France around 600 BC, rosé was highly regarded throughout
the Mediterranean for its exceptional quality. However, it wasn’t
until the Middle Ages that rosé saw substantial growth in popularity. Around the 14th century, nobility and military leaders acquired
many of the vineyards in Provence and began modernizing the
viticulture process. It was during this time that rosé earned its respect among royalty and aristocrats nationwide.
Photo
by
B r itt a n y R u li s P h o t o g r a p h y
Today, there are many regions throughout the world that produce quality rosé. “Regions, who are known for rosé have been
creating rosé for a long time, and they do it incredibly well,”
says Smith. “Some of my favorites come from Spain, Slovenia
and Provence. Our number one selling wine at Picasso—year
round—is Champagne rosé by the glass.”
A perfect complement to game, poultry, seafood, cheese and charcuterie and ethnic foods, rosé is versatile, charming and vibrant—
the perfect package. So, for a summer fling that’s guaranteed to turn
into a long-term love affair, give this blushing beauty a try. I promise, she won’t disappoint.
From Infertility to Family
F I RS T P R I VA T E I V F C L I N I C I N T HE U . S . | E L I T E , I ND I V I DUA L LY T A I L ORED CARE
T RA I NED UNDER NO B E L P R I Z E W I NNER
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AUGUST 2012
|
F I RS T CHO I CE O F PA T I EN T S F RO M 2 3 COUN T R I ES
Geoffrey Sher, MD | Jeffrey Fisch, MD | 5320 S. Rainbow Blvd. Suite 300 | Las Vegas, NV 89118 | 702.892.9696 | www.haveababy.com
WELL BEING
King of Color
Stylist to the Stars Reigns Supreme by marisa finetti
At age seven he won a coloring contest at a shopping mall. The
future colorist and stylist to the stars, Michael Boychuck, had
been experimenting with colors from a very tender age. What
got him his prize that day was his use of artistic, bold and unique
color applications—similar techniques to how he delivers a new
level of creative coiffure for his clients today.
When you enter into COLOR—A Salon by Michael Boychuck
inside Caesars Palace, you’ll notice that the “color” really comes
from the clientele. Brushed silver walls, polished white marble
floors and crystal chandeliers provide an elegant, monochromatic backdrop for showcasing his clients’ beauty. The luxury
salon is all about sassy and sophisticated hair colors, classic to
progressive hairstyles, beautifying makeup and high-gloss nails
that make a statement all their own.
While his salon is the ultimate spa-style salon, Boychuck boasts
about the personalized service and loads of pampering that his
clients receive. From his love-seat pedicures, to the lather lounge
for the ultimate hair wash, an afternoon in COLOR is a relaxing
and inspiring experience.
“Everyone is a celebrity when they come here,” says Boychuck,
who is the preferred colorist to stars like Paris Hilton, LeAnn
Rimes and Holly Madison. He and his staff work hard to make
sure that everyone that comes through any of his salons receive
personal treatment. “Ever since I came to Las Vegas, I developed big relationships with my clients; I care about them and I
make sure they get the best.”
In addition to his full-service salon, he owns an express salon,
Color Boutique, also inside Caesars Palace, that offers $35 blowouts. His newest salon is located inside Life Time Fitness in
Summerlin.
LifeSpa + Salon by Michael Boychuck offers guests a full-service
beauty experience without the bustle of the Las Vegas Strip.
Highly trained LifeSpa artisans deliver a number of exemplary
makeup, hair and nail services for guests to enjoy. Open to the
public, not just members of the fitness center, Life Time clientele
and non-members alike enjoy the convenience of high-quality
beauty services while on-the-go or after a workout session.
LifeSpa + Salon by Michael Boychuck patrons also have access to
Life Time’s spacious childcare center during their visits. Boychuck
says through his new salon, he aims to enhance the health and
vitality of his clients, and of course, add color to their lives.
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AUGUST 2012
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FASHION
GEORGE KATSIOPOULOS
Celebrity stylist and co-host of E! Fashion Police George Kotsiopoulos dishes with
Diamond Cake about FNO, fall fashion trends and Vegas style. by leslie frisbee
How important is FNO to the fashion industry and community? FNO is a wonderfully celebratory evening for people in the industry. It’s also an opportunity for people who are either completely unaware of fashion or afraid of it to be exposed to a
world that may have seemed out of reach. The bottom line is:
It’s a fun night to visit elegant stores full of glorious clothes and
beautiful people. Everyone is beautiful on FNO. LAS VEGAS 2012
by leslie frisbee
Fashion enthusiasts from Paris to New York are dusting off their
Dior’s and polishing up their Prada’s in preparation for one of
fashion’s most anticipated events. Entering its fourth year, Fashion’s Night Out (Sept. 6), now a global shopping extravaganza,
will transform some of the world’s chicest fashion destinations
into a shopper’s paradise for one night.
What started out as a way to boost the economy and support retail
in New York and 12 other international cities, will involve more
than 100 cities this year, including Las Vegas. Stores, restaurants
and salons up and down the Strip are extending their hours to
host an exciting evening of shopping, entertainment and fashion
events during the festive celebration. Fashion’s Night Out is collaboration between Vogue, The Council of Fashion Designers of
America, NYC & Company and the city of New York. Diamond
Cake Magazine has put together a complete guide of what the top
retail centers in Las Vegas have in store for this year’s FNO.
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AUGUST 2012
Tell us about the FNO event you’re hosting Thursday,
Sept. 6 at The Shoppes at The Palazzo? I will be hosting a very special VIP event at The Shoppes from
5-6 p.m. followed by an equally special public event from 6-8 p.m.
At each I will be presenting the hottest looks for fall and of
course have lots of fun with all the guests. I’m sure I will be
doing a bit of “policing,” because people inevitably want me to
critique their outfits. What are some fall trends that you love this season? For women, I love the sleek leather looks that are a more grownup take on the rock ‘n’ roll leather trend from past seasons, the
pant suit trend is super huge going from ’60s Carnaby Street
psychedelia inspired prints to ’90s power dressing, and I also
love the elaborately baroque looks.
What is one key piece that a woman should have in her
wardrobe? What’s one key piece a man should have? The one key piece both women and men should own is a quality,
well-tailored trench coat. It adds instant chic to any outfit and
can be worn in both fall and spring. Every major metropolitan city seems to have its own style.
How would you describe Las Vegas’ style? Las Vegas style is all about the glitz and glam giving everyone the
opportunity to get all dressed up as if every night is a fabulous
premiere making it your own personal runway extravaganza. In your last two years as co-host for E! Fashion Police, is there
one fashion offender that really sticks out in your mind? I yearn for the fashion offenders because at least they are taking
chances and having fun. Ladies like Lady Gaga and Katy Perry
always come to mind, but they are given a free pass because they
are pops stars. If they were actresses it would a whole other
story! Who is a celebrity that always seems to get it right? Emma Stone to me embodies everything that a true movie star
should be: chic, fashion-forward, relatable yet unattainable at the
same time and of course FUN. She just seems to get it. I also
admire Angelina Jolie for her consistency. She always looks very
elegant in simple, classic looks that are never fussy. What show(s) are you really looking forward to seeing this
year during Fall Fashion week?
OMG, all of them of course! But in particular Marc Jacobs (as
well as Louis Vuitton), both Miu Miu and Prada, Lanvin, Balenciaga, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Givenchy, Christian Dior
(can’t wait to see what Raf Simons does next), Yves Saint Laurent (DYING to see what Hedi Slimane does), Celine (Phoebe
Philo just oozes cool) and Proenza Schouler. Who are some young, up and coming designers that are
making an impact in the industry?
My favorite hot new designers are Juan Carlos Obando, Creatures of the Wind and Cushnie et Ochs along with shoe designer
George Esquivel and the jewelry line Hoorsenbuhs. Is there one fashion trend that you wish would go away—
forever? People please stop wearing Ugg boots in public with mini skirts
and shorts they are great slippers but not a fashion item. While
I’m at it, the tracksuit is for the gym ONLY-- not to be worn
to dinner, shopping or at the airport. And don’t get me started
on yoga pants. … With just a tiny bit of effort anyone can be
glamorous!
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The Shoppes at The Palazzo, The Grand Canal Shoppes at
The Venetian and Fashion Show Mall:
Crystals:
Located at the entrance to CityCenter, is one of Las Vegas’ most
exquisite shopping and dining destinations. Crystals at CityCenter
offers a 500,000-square-foot journey through couture and cuisine.
From the striking architecture to the stunning interior design,
there is no other venue that hosts such an exquisite collection of
luxury retail brands and prestigious dining experiences all under
one spectacular roof.
Fashion’s Night Out will include participation from over 100
retailers, including Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Henri
Bendel, Kate Spade, True Religion, Cole Haan, Montblanc and
Van Cleef & Arpels—to name just a few.
On Thursday, Sept. 6, The Shoppes at The Palazzo and The
Grand Canal Shoppes, in partnership with The Palazzo and The
Venetian, host a not-to-be-missed Fashion’s Night Out fête.
George Kotsiopoulos, fashion expert, celebrity stylist and cohost of “Fashion Police” on E!, headlines a chic celebration you
won’t want to miss. The public event is from 6 - 8 p.m. near the
Chloé rotunda in The Shoppes at The Palazzo.
The stylish soiree continues throughout the evening and weekend with the Kiss & Tell Beauty Bar, live entertainment, gift
with purchase, exclusive in-store events and shopping incentives
from over 100 participating retailers and much, much, more.
For additional information, call 702-414-4525 or go to
theshoppesatthepalazzo.com.
Gift with purchase—throughout the entire FNO weekend (Sept. 6
– Sept. 9), when shoppers spend $250 or more they will receive an
exclusive China Glaze nail polish kit; $750 or more you will receive
a $75 dining gift card to enjoy at some of our exclusive restaurants.
Celebrate Fashion’s Night Out with Saks Fifth Avenue as they
kick-off the evening’s festivities with a preview of fall’s newest
styles on the runway at Fashion Show. Music, makeovers, champagne, and special enter-to-win drawings throughout the store
from 5 - 8 p.m.
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AUGUST 2012
Neiman Marcus and Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada invite you
to join us for an evening of fashion and philanthropy on Fashion’s
Night Out, Thursday, Sept. 6, in-store from 6 - 8 p.m. Enjoy
beauty services, special games with fashionable prizes, cocktails
and hors d’oeuvres. Be sure to catch the fall trends fashion show
and enter for your chance to win special prizes, including a Neiman Marcus gift card.
Special Events All Weekend include:
• Live Runway Shows at Fashion Show featuring the latest
fashions and trend ideas
• Lipstick Readings at our exclusive Kiss & Tell Beauty Bar at
The Shoppes at The Palazzo
• Secrets of a Stylist Seminars highlighting coveted insider
tips & tricks at Fashion Show
• Canyon Ranch Spa experience select mini-services from
the world renowned spa along with a chance to enter to win
a $1,000 spa giveaway at The Shoppes at The Palazzo on
Sept. 6.
• Exclusive Rock & Roll Wine Bar at LAVO Thursday, Sept. 6
• Retail Therapy at TAO with Special FNO Cocktails & Light
Bites to kick-off the weekend!
• Style Horoscope—what’s your fashion sign?
• Enter to win a trip for two to Hawaii, complete with a $500
shopping spree at Ala Moana Center and a three-night stay
at The Modern Honolulu!
crystals at citycenter - fashion’s night out 2011 - lanvin - carrie henderson with lanvin fno bag
Recognized as one of the country’s premier retail destinations,
Crystals is home to several flagship locations for some of the
world’s most renown luxury brands: Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci,
Tiffany & Co., Tom Ford and Ermengildo Zegna.
Crystals at CityCenter celebrates Fashion’s Night Out in high
style, Sept. 6 from 6 - 11 p.m. Throughout the evening, Crystals will offer unique in-store experiences and fashion tips from
Emmy-award winning costume designer, Patricia Field. Crystals is
also featuring the second annual “Charity Crawl,” where participating retailers at Crystals will donate a percentage of sales to a
local charity partner they have selected for the evening.
crystals at citycenter - fashion’s night out 2011
- dior - michael shulman dj
crystals at citycenter - fashion’s night out 2011
- tag heuer - audra hendley, bobby baldwin,
joyce johnson, larry ruvo & camille ruvo
Crystals’ FNO will feature The Dream Racing Pit Stop—a roped
off space dedicated to men—offering 3-D Ferrari racing simulators; a spa lounge with sample massages by Spa & Salon Vdara; an
interactive social media photo booth; art displays from The Gallery Row at Crystals’ artists; and special performances by Nevada
Ballet Theatre.
Admission is free and open to the public. For additional details
on FNO, visit crystalsatcitycenter.com and fashionsnightout.com.
Follow Crystals on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news.
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35
The Forum Shops:
Home to some of the top luxury retailers in the world: Versace,
Fendi, Dior, Giuseppe Zanotti and Valentino, The Forum Shops
at Caesars is a 700,000-square-feet fashion wonderland. Perfectly
located in the heart of the Strip, Forum Shops features more than
160 specialty boutiques and restaurants uniquely situated on a Roman streetscape. Recognized around the globe as the ultimate retail
destination, The Forum Shops set the standard of high-end fashion
in Las Vegas when it opened in 1992. More than 20 years later, this
fashion emporium continues to be a top Las Vegas attraction.
The Forum Shops celebrates Fashion’s Night Out Thursday, Sept.
6 with a variety of events. Stop by Michael Kors for your chance
to win a MK handbag, with purchase. Giuseppe Zanotti steps out
in style with a designer’s trunk show while Emilio Pucci celebrates
with Champagne and dessert. Enjoy 10 percent off and complimentary skin care consultations at Kiehl’s Since 1851 or shop for
a cause at St. Johns’, who teams up with American Lung Association of Nevada. Other events and specials are being held at
Donald J Pliner, Elie Tahari, De Beers and Agent Provocateur.
Several restaurants in The Forum Shops are also participating in
Fashion’s Night Out with specialty cocktails and menu items, including Spago, Max Brenner, Palm and Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak
& Stone Crab, who will be donating $1 for every piece of seasonal
pie sold on FNO to Three Square.
Chloé (Wynn Resort and The Shoppes at The Palazzo)
Chloé will celebrate Fashion’s Night Out Thursday, Sept. 6 with
live music and specialty cocktails. Join us from 6 - 9 p.m. as we
launch of our much-anticipated iconic bag, Alice. Discover this
sophisticated yet casual “must-have,” showcased in Clare Waight
Keller’s signature windows. Explore the modern elegance of Alice
while sipping an exclusive “Alice” cocktail.
Chloé will be offering an exclusive gift for FNO on all purchases
over $1,000.
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AUGUST 2012
P R O FI L E
Creating A Spectacle
A.J. Greco has an eye for design by jessi c. acuña, photos by er ic ita
It pays to be different. From designing women’s shoes to customizing a popular 2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8 featured at trade
show SEMA, design extraordinaire A.J. Greco proves just that.
“I’m really fortunate, because I get to do what I love,” Greco, a
longtime Las Vegas resident, is quick to point out. His array of
artistry, most notably eyewear design, has left his interweaving
of retro and modern mark throughout many fields. On a Saturday afternoon, in a studio near the Strip, Greco models a series
of his expressive eyewear collection.
Bored with the lack of unique eyewear, the self-taught designer
set out to create his own original work hoping to make available the unusual options often found in Europe. According to
Greco, he eventually caught the interest of moviemakers and
ultimately found himself designing eyewear for films such as
Ultraviolet and The Matrix. This is easy to believe as each pair
is accompanied by a telling of its history—a description of its
intricacy and inspiration.
As an independent designer, it’s not just business for Greco. He
stands behind his art. It’s clear his passion stems more from a
desire to make things different and beautiful rather than to produce a product for the sole sake of consumption. The process
of perfecting frames for his clients’ goes far beyond personal
fittings. He recognizes the significance of people opening their
homes to let him capture their essence in custom-made designs.
This trust allows Greco to “live my dream.” He takes pleasure in
transforming people and things. “I look at how can I change it,
to turn something better,” he says. This parlays past eyewear, including to his latest project-in-development: a custom-car shop,
an aspiration dear to his heart.
As an avid shopper, Greco feels he relates best to woman, but
he also relishes in designing for men. He notes that a stylish pair
of frames (costs range from $300 to $600) often transitions into
more confidence and interest in appearance for his male clients.
Greco reiterates it isn’t merely about distinct eyewear, “I want
people to see better and to be seen better.”
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AUGUST 2012
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39
black tie reminder
s e p t e mb e r
y o u r garage attract s d u s t ,
o u r s h o w r o o m attract s b u y er s .
Spread the Word Nevada | Annual Storybook Gala | 9.15.12
The Venetian | spreadthewordnevada.org
The Public Education Foundation | 16th Annual Education Hero Award Dinner | 9.22.12
Mandarin Oriental | thepef.org
Positively Kids | Let Our Children Shine Gala | 9.28.12
Paris Hotel & Casino | positivelykids.org
octob er
Volunteers in Medicine of Southern Nevada | 4th Annual Volunteers in Medicine Ball | 10.6.12
The Venetian & The Palazzo | vmsn.org
Sunrise Children’s Foundation | A “Chair-ity” Affair / 10.13.12
MGM Grand | sunrisechildren.org
Women’s Club of Summerlin | Annual Charity Event | 10.18.12
J. W. Marriott Las Vegas | womensclubofsummerlin.org
Nevada State College | 10th Anniversary Gala | 10.19.12
Green Valley Ranch Resort | nsc.nevada.edu
Lied Discovery | 30th Annual Fantasy Gala | 10.20.12
Mirage Resort & Casino | discoverygala.org
N o v e mb e r
Las Vegas Natural History Museum | 20th Annual Dinosaur Ball | 11.10.12
Four Seasons Hotel Ballroom | lvnhm.org.
Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation | 19th Annual Profiles of Courage Gala | 11.17.12
Bellagio Hotel & Casino | nvccf.org
s p o n s o re d b y
send requests to be listed to Jimmy Foster
[email protected] | 702.202.4120
To learn more about the High Performance Consignment Program, contact Ryan Hamilton or Ken Tangen.
3325 Las Vegas Blvd South Suite 200 Dal Toro | Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
Located on the Strip inside the Palazzo Hotel
40
AUGUST 2012
702.818.1031 | www.celebritycarslv.com
FEATURE
making a
difference.
by chr is carney, photos by jerr y metellus
When I first hear Julie Murray’s voice as she answers with a hello,
greeting me like the oldest of friends, I instantly am awash in a
sense of wellbeing. I feel safe. She cannot know my worries; the big
and small things that allow stress to injure my day, but somehow it
seems that she does. Instantly, I am aware that she is one of those
far to rare individuals who have a real ability to inspire. I want to
know more about this woman, and I want to know what I can do to
help her make the world better.
42
AUGUST 2012
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43
FEATURE
“Just do one thing”
Julie is pictured with the first lady and her son Riley Foley at a breakfast she co-hosted for the First
Lady at the Las Vegas Springs Preserve.
“Just do one thing,” Murray tells me when I ask what the average
Las Vegas resident can do to help. Too often when confronted
with the massive social problems facing Southern Nevada and
the country at large many of us freeze. There’s nothing I can do
about (insert social issue here).
This attitude is easy to understand. Childhood hunger is a massive and difficult problem in America. Access to quality healthcare, despite or perhaps because of Obamacare, remains an issue that can destroy families and devastate lives. The education
system in the United States has sunk considerably in world rankings, coming in as “average” in one recent study. Any one of
these problems alone seems staggering. Combine them into a
fierce juggernaut of social destruction and they seem positively
insurmountable.
Yet Julie Murray doesn’t see it that way, and for a woman who
has been a fierce social architect for over two decades, building
and guiding numerous charitable and philanthropic organizations, her vision deserves attention. She provides a glimmer of
light at the end of the proverbial tunnel and she strives daily to
bring that illumination closer. She provides hope.
She will be the first to tell you that she has not done this alone.
In truth, she emphatically states that it is impossible to do alone.
Throughout her career she has been blessed to work with some
amazing and diverse people who all share in her desire to leave
the world a better place than she found it. To her, this is the core
of charity and philanthropy.
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AUGUST 2012
From L to R: Madison Alder, Bishop Gorman High School student and Moonridge Group Intern;
Eric Hilton, Conrad N. Hilton Foundation; Julie Murray; Miles Dickson, Moonridge Group
reinvented the food bank concept by approaching previously
untapped sources, such as grocery stores and hotel chains. With
the help of these businesses, she was able to take food that otherwise would have been wasted and used it to feed the estimated
210,000 Las Vegas residents that do not get enough to eat.
A native of Apple Valley, California, Murray’s family moved to
Las Vegas when she was just six years old. In a city that has become famous for its transiency, that more than qualifies her as
a lifelong resident. She counts her parents and grandparents as
her earliest and most strident mentors. It was through them that
she first got the hunger to improve the world around her. She
quickly learned that she was good at it, and that she could inspire
people and rally them to come together.
Just five short years after conception, Three
Square now distributes 16,000,000 meals a
year through 600 partner programs.
One of her earliest endeavors was the I Have A Dream Foundation, which “adopted” 55 at risk children and “committed to
stay involved in their development through high school and beyond.” Over $225,000 was secured annually by the efforts of
Murray and her team. The program has also seen an 83 percent
graduation rate—three times higher than their peers. It has been
lauded as one of the most successful K-12 education models in
the country.
Recently, she has taken on what may be her biggest challenge
to date with the Moonridge Foundation, a consulting firm that
partners charitable organizations with philanthropic donors in
order to “get the biggest impact for their philanthropic giving.”
Murray understands that to be truly effective, a charity doesn’t
just need money or volunteers, but a passionate partnership between those who do the daily work of change and those capable
of funding it. Murray even went so far as to suggest that if philanthropists begin to look at their giving as an investment, the rewards
will be greater with a monetary outlay that will have a more positive
impact on their communities.
She was also heavily involved with the Andre Agassi Charitable
Foundation and helped secure $36 million in funding for the
Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, a K-12 charter
school that gives Las Vegas students from the city’s most at risk
neighborhoods a great education.
While Murray remains involved with both groups in an advisory capacity, she moved on to co-found a truly revolutionary
organization in Three Square that would become a model for
food bank organizations across the country. Conceived at her
dining room table, Three Square (as in three square meals a day)
It was through Julie Murray’s fundraising acumen that Three
Square was able to grow from a simple idea to the model for
food banks nationwide.
That is what it is truly all about. If a sense of community can be
built where we all feel like we are home then we may all find ourselves inspired. “It has been difficult in Vegas to build a culture
of community,” Murray says. There are few longtime residents,
and many people come and go without ever really calling Vegas
home. If those who simply live here can come to call it home
then the first step toward improving not only our city, but also
our country and our world, will have been taken and our world
will have been taken.
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45
FEATURE
From L to R: Diana Bennett, Brian Greenspun, Myra Greenspun and Julie Murray at Moonridge Group’s
2012 Philanthropy Leaders Forum, Feb. 29, 2012
When I ask her about her proudest achievement thus far she immediately says her children. “When somebody tells you that your
children are compassionate, smart human beings it is difficult
not to feel proud,” Murray says. This proves one of Murray’s
core beliefs, that if you start small and can inspire just one other
person to make a difference, the world will grow better.
It is a surprise to no one that one of her core philosophies can
best be described as pay it forward, and that she is particularly
proud to see those she has helped do just that. “I recently ran
into one of my Dreamers who started in the projects and now is
on her way to be a teacher,” Murray tells me.
With the Moonridge Group, Julie Murray hopes to create new
ways to connect and engage philanthropists to help solve the biggest social ills this country has. “Healthcare and education are the
two biggest social problems we face today,” Murray told me.
“If you can give people the means to feed themselves and
help keep them healthy, especially at an early age, then
the problems of hunger and crime will be reduced.”
What makes her so good at her job is her deep understanding of
the interconnectedness of all people. When children are hungry,
lack medical care and have no access to education it damages not
only the child, but also all of those around them. She is passionate about helping to create systems that will ensure that these
problems disappear one small, inspired step at a time.
“Just do one thing,” Murray tells me. “Whether it is volunteering
an hour to feed the hungry or a million dollars to help build a
school, we are all capable of inspiring others.”
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AUGUST 2012
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G O O D D E E DS
CLINICS IN SCHOOLS
Dr. Noah Kohn: Making Southern Nevada Healthier … One Child At A Time
by miles dickson, photos by lucky wenzel
Some years ago, and many miles away in Corinth, Vermont,
when he was just seven years old, Dr. Noah Kohn went to see
his town’s only doctor for a badly hurt wrist. “The doctor told
my mother my wrist might be broken, but he couldn’t know for
sure without x-rays, which he didn’t have a machine to take.”
Rather than hustle Kohn into the nearest big city and spend a
lot of money, his mother took him to their town’s veterinarian
who had an x-ray machine. Kohn did not have a broken wrist,
but the experience left him with empathy for kids in need of
effective health care.
In 2008, Kohn shuttered his private pediatrics practice to launch
Clinics In Schools, a nonprofit organization that provides quality healthcare and related services to any uninsured child enrolled
in school in southern Nevada. With just two medical assistants,
Kohn is working around the clock to serve some of our community’s most in-need children—he is doctor, nurse, administrator and advocate. As a result, Clinics In Schools has seen more
than 14,000 students through their school-based health centers
at Cunningham and Martinez Elementary Schools.
With over 120,000 uninsured children in Nevada, “Clinics In
Schools needed to happen,” Kohn explains. As part of its mission, the organization serves children who, because of lack of
resources and insurance, would not otherwise have access to
care. With nearly one in five kindergarten students having no
form of medical coverage, the need is critical. Indeed, almost 90
percent of the families Clinics In Schools serves live at or below
the Federal Poverty Line, with an average annual household income of a little more than $13,000 per year. “[Our kids] cannot
afford to go to a doctor’s office or a hospital … care is out of
their reach,” laments Kohn.
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AUGUST 2012
Notably, Clinics In Schools’ work goes beyond important daily
services like treating stomachaches, sniffles and scrapes. In their
two on-campus clinics, they provide checkups, vaccinations, and
health and safety education as well as chronic condition management for kids with asthma and similar challenges. “We often talk
about the catastrophic illnesses that would not have been discovered without Clinics In Schools,” board member Alisa NaveWorth explains. Referring to instances when cancer and similarly
grave medical issues were identified in the Clinics In Schools
clinic. “However, we can’t forget that without preventive care or
sports physicals, kids cannot live up to their potential.”
Beyond healthfulness, Clinics In Schools is about educational
attainment. With an undergraduate degree from Vassar, internship experience at Harvard, and his Doctor of Medicine from
Georgetown, it’s not surprising that Kohn is equal parts education and health champion. “It’s impossible for kids to be academically successful when they lack basic care, and even more when
they face the kinds of health issues we see,” explains Kohn. For
Nave-Worth, Clinics In Schools’ pro-education agenda is key,
too, asserting “healthy children learn better and have a better
chance in life.”
However, for as much good as Clinics In Schools is doing, Kohn
is quick to point out there are still tens of thousands of students without care. To help meet that need, Kohn and his board
are hustling to raise enough money to operate two school-based
health centers that are currently dormant. Reaching that goal
will allow them to serve an additional 6,000 students annually.
In the meantime, Kohn will keep practicing by his tenet “catchas-catch-can.”
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G O O D D E E DS
Single ?
Nevada’s Philanthropic Prospectus
S u cce s s f u l , Selecti v e , A ttracti v e , Si m pl y t o o b u s y ?
by miles dickson
Miles Dickson with Julie Murray at KNPR’s cocktail party at J2, in The Ridges
Miles Dickson with Alexandra Epstein and Trinity Schlottman at Veterans Village of Las
Vegas Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
While I’m not a big fan of the word synergy, I love its meaning.
So, last month, my business partner Julie Murray and I hosted a
working lunch on that very topic. We’ve been organizing several
of these meetings, lately. Some on behalf of our clients, others
designed just to start a dialogue about what we all need to do
(individually and collectively) to make Las Vegas a greater city.
Those who join us in these discussions make me hopeful—they
are dedicated, smart and resourceful. In short, they are people
who can get things done.
At our last meeting, a friend and colleague announced, “enough
is enough. Enough with the poor quality of life, we have enough
resources and enough good people to improve our circumstances.” I absolutely agree—our city is ready for its next coming of
age, and we have the capacity to get there.
Take for example The Smith Center for Performing Arts. Eighteen years ago, a group of leaders declared they had enough
(enough of not having a world-class cultural center and enough
resources and goodwill to get it built). Through the efforts of
many people working together for a common belief, Las Vegas
now has a “heart of the arts” in The Smith Center.
As cities around the country strive to recover from the economic
recession, and determine their place in an evermore globally
connected world, philanthropy is playing a significant role. Philanthropists are investing their resources—capital, ideas, influence
and time—to develop more dynamic workforces through public
education reform. They are revitalizing once stagnant urban cores
by connecting low-income people, entrepreneurs and neighborhoods to economic opportunities. They are uplifting people with
meaningful public health solutions and infusions of culture.
While Las Vegas’ economy remains slow going, we have an exciting and unique opportunity: apply the same dogged passion
with which we built a state-of-the-art performing arts center,
to building great global American city. And like it was with The
Smith Center, philanthropists can lead the way.
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AUGUST 2012
M A K I N G L OV E H A P P E N .
A W A R D E D “ T O P M A T C H M A K E R I N T H E W O R L D 2 0 1 0 & 2 0 11 ”
Jill Kelleher & Amber Kelleher-Andrews
Founder & CEO
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P R O FI L E
A lot of it has to do with Carolynn’s passion for meditation. Prior
to her husband’s death, she was a partner and dealer in the business
for 20 years and had completed two years of study with mind-body
healing teacher Deepak Chopra at the Chopra Center for Wellbeing
in Carlsbad, California. She became a certified primordial sound
meditation instructor, but then had to quickly assume the chairperson role of Towbin Automotive Enterprises—Towbin Dodge,
Towbin Infiniti, Towbin Motorcars (Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin,
and Bentley), Towbin’s Prestige Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram and
Towbin Fiat. The abrupt transition has left her little time to refine
her spiritual knowledge. Until now.
Next month Carolynn plans to install a mediation chamber a.k.a.
the Bliss Room in the dealership, the first of its kind. A massive
antique door from India marks the entrance, a sight that somehow
makes sense lodged amid the clean, contemporary lines of Towbin Motorcars—check out the beautiful Aston Martin, Rolls Royce
and Bentley showrooms—on Sahara Avenue and Lindell Road.
Carolynn will resume teaching meditation in July, she says, because
many of her earlier Vegas (and California) students keep asking her
when she will return.
“It’s hard to do this job for 12 hours and then switch to my practice,” she admits. “But I do manage to meditate every morning.”
Meditation keeps her in touch with her true self and many incredible memories of creating a life, family and career here. She and
Dan, both originally from New Jersey where Dan already enjoyed
success as a dealer, bought a Vegas vacation home in 1986. Seeing
opportunity, Dan and Carolynn opened Towbin Infiniti in 1990.
The rest is nothing short of a history of vehicle sales in the valley.
General Motors recognized Dan as Dealer of the Year, and he was
nominated in ’08 for Time Magazine’s Dealer of the Year. He also
received GM’s Jack Smith Leadership Award.
Automotive bliss
The Towbin women continue the family car business—with a spiritual twist
By Jarret Keene
The late Dan Towbin was a car dealer in Las Vegas for more than
22 years before passing away in 2009. But it’s not like he’s really
gone. His presence is felt every moment you’re in the company of
his wife Carolynn and daughter Jesika. Indeed, the Towbin women
are dedicated to honoring the memory of a husband (of 34 years!)
and father who changed the auto business in Vegas. And they’re
equally committed to taking car sales to a whole different level—
one that addresses the spiritual.
54
AUGUST 2012
At times the entire Towbin family and its legacy have been overshadowed by the bombastic charisma of Josh “The Chopper”
Towbin. His reality-TV show “King of Cars” was a hit for A&E,
and his energetic infomercial series “The Chopper Show,” which
Josh hosts, remains a hit regionally. Carolynn and Jesika adore Josh
(framed magazine cover stories of him adorn the walls of their offices), and learned to deeply cherish one another even more during
a difficult time.
“We overcame a lot of obstacles and pulled together as a family,”
says Jesika. “We couldn’t have done it without each other, which is
what my dad always taught us. He was our rock, and a genius. He
pushed us outside of our comfort zones and made us realize our
skills and hone them.”
Jesika, now Director of Operations and Co-Owner of Towbin
Motorcars, credits her father with teaching her and Josh how to
work hard and be prepared for anything. At 15, she began
filing paperwork and answering phones, eventually working in every department at the Towbin dealerships. Initially
she earned a degree in communications from Loyola Marymount University with the aim of landing a job in TV production and jewelry design and to live anywhere but Vegas.
But her father kept presenting her with summer jobs that
gradually led to a career.
“He loved mentoring,” says Jesika. “It was
his favorite thing to do. He even assisted a
few people from Towbin in starting their
own businesses. He was happiest and most
in his element when helping others.”
Lending a hand to others is a Towbin tradition. Carolynn
is a founding member of Three Square, having served on
the organization’s operational and executive board. Towbin
Automotive Enterprises continues to mentor and sponsor
a classroom at Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy
for many years now.
Carolynn and Jesika have plans to unveil a memorial artwork
to Dan outside Towbin Motorcars in October. But they’re
also determined to be forward-looking and to transform
Towbin Motorcars into a destination rather than just a fancy
place to buy luxury vehicles. In addition to the Bliss Room,
there are plans for laying down a putting green so visitors
can enjoy casual golf. Already there are incredible artworks
on display (thanks to art consultant Michelle C. Quinn Fine
Art Advisory)—everything from Tim Bavington’s sleek
“Symphony for the Devil” to Richard Serra’s grittily resplendent “Level 1” to Ellsworth Kelly’s minimalist mixedmedia works. Indeed, Towbin Motorcars has nearly enough
visual art to match the automotive sculptures on display, like
the gorgeous Aston Martin Virages that emanate luxury and
power. The showrooms are so breathtaking that Rolls, Bentley and Aston are sending company execs and other dealers
from around the country to Vegas to see what Carolynn and
Jesika have accomplished at Towbin Motorcars.
“It’s been so gratifying to keep the business going, growing
and healthy,” says Carolynn, who has four grandsons. (Jesika
gave birth to a baby boy last year.) “I’m still learning something new every day, and I’m joyful to be doing this with the
most important people in my life.”
diamondcake
55
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other and the advertisers through various event formats such as wine tastings, dinner parties, business and
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2341 Dolphin Court
HENDERSON, NV 89074
List Price $1,399,000
8,878 square feet / 5 bedrooms / 9 baths
FLORENCE Shapiro
702.378.3879
Ivan Sher
702.400.2400
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BOULDER CITY, NV 89005
Amazing Boulder City home showcases spectacular Lake Mead views! Tons of water
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AUGUST 2012
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This custom masterpiece in Red Rock Country Club features elegant stonework as well as
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Beautiful light & airy home in the guard gated Fountains community
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306 Barcelona Court
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FLORENCE Shapiro
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11 Morning Sky Lane
Las Vegas, NV 89135
Unique and contemporary home in Promontory within The Ridges community features 9 ft.
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LAS VEGAS, NV 89134
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Incredibly authentic 18th century French provincial inspired home within the prestigious
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AUGUST 2012
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30 Golf Estates DRIVE
Las Vegas, NV 89141
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Fabulous custom estate on close to an acre of land located in The Estates at Southern
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9804 Moon Valley Place
Las Vegas, NV 89134
Incredible custom home on a corner lot within the guard gated Mountain Trails community. With the
finest of finishes and open floor plan, this home exemplifies superior luxury living at its finest!
64
AUGUST 2012
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FLORENCE Shapiro
Cristine Lefkowitz
702.378.3879
702.595.8505
[email protected]
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641 St. Croix Street
HENDERSON, NV 89012
Magnificently modern estate located in The Foothills at MacDonald Ranch. With the use of
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Boasting a warm and inviting ambiance; this home is an entertainers dream!
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Magnificent Del Mar opportunity right on the sand. From the moment you enter this beautiful home,
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Las Vegas, NV 89145
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juLY 2012
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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
TRAVEL
Keep Memory Alive
First Friday Las Vegas
Purple WINGS
keepmemoryalive.org
firstfriday-lasvegas.org
purplewings.org
Clinics in Schools
Foundation for Recovery
Ronald McDonald House Charities LV
clinicsinschools.org
forrecovery.org
rmhlv.com
Springs Preserve
Girls Rock Vegas
Safe Nest
springspreserve.org
girlsrockvegas.org
safenest.org
Goodwill
Special Olympics of Nevada
sngoodwill.org
sonv.org
Habitat for Humanity Las Vegas
Spiegel Burn Foundation
habitatlasvegas.org
spiegelburnfoundation.com
Helping Hands of Vegas Valley
Spread the Word Nevada
hhovv.org
spreadthewordnevada.org
Horses4Heros
Sunrise Children’s Foundation
horses4heroes.org
sunrisechildren.org
Jewish Family Service Agency
The Animal Foundation
jfsalv.org animalfoundation.com
Las Vegas Natural History Museum
The College of Southern Nevada
lvnhm.org
csn.edu/foundation
Las Vegas Philharmonic
The Neon Museum
lasvegasphilharmonic.com
neonmuseum.org
Las Vegas Speedway Charities
The Rape Crisis Center
lasvegas.speedwaycharities.org
therapecrisiscenter.org
Lied Discovery Children’s Museum
The Shade Tree
ldcm.org
theshadetree.org
Life Long Dreams
The Smith Center
lifelongdreams.org
thesmithcenter.com
Miracle Flights for Kids
Three Square
miracleflightsforkids.org
threesquare.org
Nevada Ballet
UNLV Foundation
nevadaballet.com
foundation.unlv.edu
After-School All-Stars
asaslv.org
Aid For AIDS of Nevada
afanlv.org
ALS of Nevada
alsofnevada.org
American Heart Association
heart.org
Andre Agassi Foundation
agassifoundation.org
Arthritis Foundation
arthritis.org
Best Buddies of Nevada
bestbuddiesnevada.org
Big Brothers Big Sisters of S. Nevada
bbbsn.org
Blind Center Nevada
blindcenter.org
Boys Town Nevada
boystown.org/nevada
Breast Cancer Coalition of Nevada
[email protected]
Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Found.
candlelightersnv.org
Children’s Heart Foundation
chfn.org
Contemporary Arts Collective
lasvegascac.org
Couture for Causes
coutureforcauses.org
Culture Diversity Foundation
cdfnv.org
Down Syndrome Organization of S. NV
dsosn.org
Dress for Success
dressforsuccess.org/southernnevada
Easter Seals Nevada
eastersealsnevada.org
Nevada Childhood Cancer FoundationVolunteers in Medicine of S. Nevada
nvccf.org
vmsn.org
Nevada PEP
White Horse Youth Ranch
nvpep.org
whyranch.com
Nevada Public Radio
Women’s Club of Summerlin
knpr.org
womensclubofsummerlin.org
Nevada SPCA
Weekend in Chicago
Make the Windy City your kind of town in 36 hours or less
by kate silver, photos courtesy of city of chicago
Chicago blooms in the summer, and we’re not just referring to
the flowers. After hibernating (or at least saving up energy) all
winter, residents spring to life in the defrosting sun, biking along
the beaches of Lake Michigan, picking up a game of beach volleyball, reveling at the onslaught of food, music and dance festivals,
and savoring the farm-fresh fair that distinguishes the renowned
culinary scene.
nevadaspca.org
Nevada Women’s Philanthropy
nvwomensphilanthropy.org
New Vista Ranch
newvistaranch.org
Opportunity Village
opportunityvillage.org
Peoples Autism Foundation
peoplesautism.org
don’t wait, get involved now.
Chicagoans work hard and play hard in this beloved city, which
is home of the first skyscraper, incubator of improv and a playground for sports fans. Located in the heart of the Midwest, a
visit to Chicago gives way to a welcoming, navigable city packed
with entertainment, restaurants and culture to rival any other.
s p o n s o r e d by
send requests to be listed to Jimmy Foster
68
AUGUST 2012
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69
TRAVEL
Friday
70
A trip to Chicago is not complete without pizza. For those willing
to brave the carb-bomb that comes with the famous Chicagostyle deep dish (thick, buttery crust, gobs of cheese, sauce on top)
Pizano’s (864 N. State St.) serves up some of the city’s best. If
you’re counting your carbs, and prefer a lighter meal head over to
La Madia (59 W. Grand Ave.), where diners relish innovative salads, a solid wine list and thin-crust pizzas punctuated with clever
toppings, such as shaved artichoke and garlic or burrata and fireroasted summer squash.
Cloud Gate. Often referred to as “The Bean,” the Anish Kapoor
design mirrors the sky and Chicago skyline.
After dinner, take a walk around Millennium Park, the pride and
joy of Chicago. Surrounded by the serenity of Lake Michigan and
the buzz of downtown, the 24.5-acre park is home to more than
500 free events during the year, from concerts to festivals, dance
and theater. Performances take place at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion,
designed by Frank Gehry (making it a sculpture in and of itself) its
layout makes it as accessible to the audience in seats as it is to those
sharing picnics on the lawn. Other highlights include the Lurie
Garden, Crown Fountain and the hard-to-miss reflective sculpture,
Saturday
AUGUST 2012
After checking into your room at Trump Hotel Chicago (401 N.
Wabash Ave.), which, at 92 stories, is the second tallest building in
Chicago (behind Willis Tower, formerly known as Sears), steal away
to Sixteen (on the 16th floor) for a nightcap. Gaze at iconic buildings such as Tribune Tower and the Wrigley Building as you sip your
bubbly, far, far above the city.
Start your day at Lincoln Park’s Green City Market (1790 N. Clark
St.), a farmer’s market like no other. The variety here is mesmerizing
(purple asparagus, elk meat, cheese curds), and comes from farms
near and far, bearing fruits, vegetables, dairy, protein, flowers, herbs
and more.
After, head over to Bucktown, a trendy neighborhood rich with
specialty boutiques. Start with Robin Richman (2108 N. Damen
Ave.), a gallery-like boutique dominated by unique dresses, hand-
bags, shoes and jewelry that you won’t find back home. Then keep
wandering: shop the sassy sundress selection at Kiz (2035 W. Division St.), hit nearby Wicker Park for a new pair of shoes at Fluevog
(1539 N. Milwaukee Ave.), and escape the heat in the never-ending
stacks of used books at Myopic Books (1564 N. Milwaukee Ave.).
It’s easy to lose an entire day in the area.
When you’re ready for refreshments, head over to the nearby Violet
Hour (1520 N. Damen Ave.), an upscale, semi-secret speakeasystyle bar, with rules that include: “No O-Bombs. No Jager-Bombs.
No bombs of any kind.” Opt instead for a reliably strong classic
cocktail, like a Manhattan or a dark and stormy.
Hop in a cab and head over to Logan Square’s Bonsoiree (2728
W. Armitage) for dinner (reservations recommended). This small,
unassuming restaurant serves five- and nine-course chef ’s menus to
die for, and the visuals are almost as breathtaking as the food itself.
Plan to make a night of the leisurely paced meal (you can request
wine pairings or bring your own—a beloved Chicago tradition), and
savor memorable courses such as scallop crudo and watermelon
Carpaccio, and shabu-shabu prime beef and Berkshire pork. After
the feast, submit to the food coma.
SundaY
If you’re ready to eat again, head to Orange (738 N. Clark St.),
where you can enjoy a light brunch of Frushi—sushi made with
fresh fruit artistically arranged atop more fruit, coconut-flavored
rice or both. Then head to an improv matinee at Second City (1616
N. Wells St.), which has famously been inspiring guffaws since 1959.
In the afternoon, put your thinking cap back on and learn about
the past, present and future of Chicago while floating down the
Chicago river, gazing at the surrounding skyscrapers. The Chicago
Architecture Foundation’s Architecture River Cruise is a must for
every Chicago visitor, whether you know who Mies van der Rohe is
or not (you will by the end of this trip).
With that, the weekend is over and you’ve barely scratched the surface (you must be exhausted by now!). When you fly home, keep in
mind that it’s never too early to start planning a trip back. But you
may want to wait out the winter, first.
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71
P R O FI L E
ART AND SOUL
Cultivating Culture in Sin City by sarah vernetti, photos by eric ita
Michele Quinn never really left Las Vegas. After moving to Philadelphia in 2010, she continued to manage her Las Vegas-based
business, Michele C Quinn Fine Art Advisory, and travelled back
frequently in order to stay involved with local projects. However,
in January, Quinn knew it was time for a change, and she returned
to Las Vegas full-time.
“I’m back downtown. I’m back in my office, which I love,” says
Quinn. “Downtown has such character and such history, and I
always wanted to be here.”
As the curatorial advisor for the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Quinn has diversified the collection by adding the work of local artists as well as renowned international
artists. Not only does the Keep Memory Alive Fine Art Program
help enhance the clinic’s environment for patients, visitors and
employees, the sale of artwork from the collection also helps provide funding for the center’s philanthropic mission. “Helping to
support this is nice because medically-speaking it’s an important
institution.”
One of Quinn’s goals when she became the curatorial advisor
was to help create more opportunities for buyers. “The collection
is now more diversified in price range, where we have work from
$500 to $1,000 up to $25,000 to $45,000. The opportunities are
much more open in terms of buying,” Quinn explains.
The collection showcases the work of local artists like David
Ryan, Brent Sommerhauser, Tim Bavington, Randi Chaplin-Matsushevitz and Jason Adkins in addition to international artists. “It
seemed the most logical connection would be to integrate more
local artists and really have that be a part of the storyline.”
Located adjacent to the Smith Center, the Frank Gehry-designed
72
AUGUST 2012
building in which the collection is housed is a work of art itself.
Quinn remembers driving by the site as the building was being
constructed. “You just knew that this is such a focal point architecturally speaking, and you saw the future coming.”
In addition to her work at the Ruvo Center, Quinn manages
her gallery on Seventh Street, which she sees as a project space
where artists can showcase their work in a way that incorporates
the space itself. The salon’s most recent exhibition, Locals-Only:
Brent Sommerhauser, featured the artist’s works in glass, sculpture, and drawing, many of which interacted with the architectural
features of the gallery.
Quinn’s curatorial presence in Las Vegas is impossible to overlook.
She developed the $40 million dollar CityCenter art program,
which includes the work of artists like Maya Lin, Jenny Holzer,
and Frank Stella. It is one of the world’s largest corporate art collections.
She also served as the sole consultant on other major corporate
collections, including THEHotel at Mandalay Bay, Harrah’s Executive Collection and the Station Casinos Corporate Collection,
in addition to serving as Curator at the Bellagio Fine Art Gallery.
The Ruvo Center is not the first medical facility with which Quinn
has worked. She also consulted on the Nevada Cancer Institute
Fine Art Collection, which is home to work by artists such as
John Baldasarri, Ellsworth Kelly and Richard Long. Quinn understands the importance of the medical care being delivered at the
Ruvo Center and the Nevada Cancer Institute and appreciates the
unique and potentially powerful role of art in medicine.
“Art obviously doesn’t save lives, but it can do something to help
support these institutions. It’s very personal to a lot of people.”
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73
PIAGE T
J U LY 2 012
This is our stage. Our heart. Our center for education, inspiration and
imagination. It’s a place where our children can learn and we can marvel.
A place where our entire city can come together as one, and be entertained
by the greatest musicians, dancers and actors the world has to offer.
702.749.2000 | TheSmithCenter.com | facebook.com/TheSmithCenter
74
send requests to be featured to Jimmy Foster
AUGUST 2012
AE SPORTS
J U N E 2 012
W H A T H A P P E N S in v ega s ,
w ill b ene f it the re s t o f the w o rl d
76
send requests to be featured to Jimmy Foster
AUGUST 2012
THE WALL
Something
Out Of Nothing
Vegas artist draws on grandmother’s inspiration
by leslie frisbee, photos by corey fox
Growing up just south of Nowhere, Kansas, artist Brent Sommerhauser was exposed to a lot of um, well, nothing: no culture,
no art and no creative stimulation. However, it was that blank
canvas that drove Sommerhauser to find his own creative outlet. One to always view a problem as an opportunity to find a
solution, Sommerhauser loved to tinker with mechanical things
around the farm, and try to figure out how they worked. It’s that
same curiosity that led the artist to his true calling.
While pursuing elementary education and psychology degrees
at Emporia State University, the longtime student had a chance
meeting with a glass blower that ultimately changed his course
in life. “Something about all the fire and making something out
of nothing got my attention, so I switched gears,” says Sommerhauser. After pursuing his master’s degree in glass blowing at Ohio
State, he went on to travel, do art shows and teach at maestro Dale
Chihuly’s Pilchuck Glass School in Washington State.
However, it was his grandmother Lorraine’s battle with Alzheimer’s that gave Sommerhauser the medium to express his
unique art. “One of the craziest things I noticed after my grandmother’s diagnosis was the most important tool for her was a
pencil … she would write everything down: feed the dog, pay
the bills, turn off the coffee pot—incredibly basic things. It got
me thinking about this pencil as a really potent thing, so I started
collecting them.”
Today, the artist not only uses pencils in his sculptures, he’s combined his mechanical prowess with his passion for art to develop
a vacuum-type apparatus by which hundreds of sharpened pencil
fragments are blown around in a cylinder lined with paper to create two-dimensional works of art. “With these drawings, I wanted
to bridge this gap between the intangible force needed to make
artwork, and the tangible artwork itself,” explains Sommerhauser.
Michelangelo once said, “A man paints with his brains not with
his hands.” Fitting yet poignant, given the fact three years after
Lorraine succumbed to Alzheimer’s; Sommerhauser’s pencil art
now hangs in the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health.
Wind Drawing
17 x 13 inches
Graphite on BFK 2011
78
AUGUST 2012
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79
THE WALL
Lightpool
1 x 31 inches
Kiln cast glass, light source 2012
Bellmouth
Dimenshions variable
Custom tounge & groove flooring 2012
80
AUGUST 2012
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81
THE WALL
C L A SS I C S OF 2 0 5 0
Ripple
3 x 10 inches
Pencils 2011
for more information on Brent Sommerhauser
702.366.9339 / info@mcq fineart.com
empty spaces crave great art.
F o r wa rd F u r n i s h i n g s fo r t h e A r t of L i v i n g We l l
Ro b e r to L ey va | 7 0 2 . 75 0 .94 0 4 (O) | 7 0 2 . 3 4 0 . 0 6 8 0 (M) | r o b e r to @ e l i te i d s a . c o m
9 0 0 S . La s Ve g a s B l vd | Pe nt h o u s e 15 01 | La s Ve g a s , N V | 8 9101
82
AUGUST 2012
L I V I N G P E N T H OUS E .COM
84
AUGUST 2012

julie murray - Writer`s Residence

Transcription

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