Nevada Arts Council’s quarterly Jackpot Grants support the work of artists

Ten Nevada artists and one cultural institution have been awarded a total of $9,796 in fiscal year 2013 Fourth Quarter Jackpot Grants by the Nevada Arts Council. Jackpot grants are designed to support arts and education projects initiated by artists, schools, nonprofit organizations and public institutions. These projects are usually “sudden opportunity events” or applications from groups new to the NAC.

Recipients include:

• James Dilworth, Reno, $750 to support the creation of an interactive exhibit, The Iris Room, for the NadaDada Art Show in Reno, June 13-16.
• Todd Green, Minden, $723 to support the production and editing of a marketing DVD of the artist’s music.
• Jenessa Kenway, Henderson, $900 to support the preparation of editing, printing and framing of Portals, an exhibit to be featured at The Trifecta Gallery in Las Vegas.
• Megan Lanz, Las Vegas, $1,000 to perform a newly commissioned work and present a lecture at the Canadian Flute Association’s 2013 Convention in Toronto, June 29-July 1.
• Laurie Macfee, Reno, $893 to support the creation of a new book arts project, which includes a series of 10 glass accordion fold books that use a process to digitally print transparent photos on the glass surface.
• Cristina Paulos, Henderson, $1,000 to support preparation and marketing of “Help is on the Way,” a painting exhibition for the Blackbird Studios in Las Vegas, June-July.
• Joanne Russ, Las Vegas, $780 to curate and participate in The Traveling Miracle Show, featuring five performance, installation and video artists from Las Vegas, debuting at First Friday festival May 3, and then traveling to other venues.
• Sierra Slentz, Las Vegas, $1,000 to create and install a ceramic tile mural, with mosaics made by students, as part of the annual Children’s Festival at Winchester Community Center, April 20.
• Society for the Preservation of Western Heritage, Wells, $1,000 to support the performance of “Vintage Grass,” a touring musical ensemble, during the 17^th Annual Nevada State Oldtime Fiddle Contest in Wells, June 14-16.
• Ventana Sierra, Carson City, $843 to present an advanced writers workshop designed to help build functional literacy and critical thinking skills for teens and adults, at Western Nevada College, June 15-16.
• Adam Whitney, Carson City, $907 to support completion and performance of a one-man show, “Fifty Shades of Bea,” a comedic tribute to the late Bea Arthur, performed at The Pioneer Underground Theatre in Reno.

The deadline for FY2014 First Quarter Jackpot Grant applications is May 15 for projects between July 1 and Sept. 30, 2013.

The Nevada Arts Council, a division of the Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, is the agency charged with ensuring that state and national funds support cultural activity and encourage participation in the arts throughout Nevada.  NAC provides hundreds of grants to arts and community-based organizations, schools, artists and local municipalities throughout the state. The Arts Council also coordinates a variety of statewide programs and activities such as the annual Poetry Out Loud recitation competition for high-school aged students, traveling exhibits, artist residencies, workshops and cultural assessments. For more information, visit the agency’s website at nac.nevadaculture.org or call (775) 687-6680 | (702) 486-3700.