This issue's opinion This issue will be brief - the weather is too hot to do a lot of creative thinking, but there are a couple of issues I want to cover, such as Cowboy Art and Photography in the Las Vegas (NV) Valley I've attempted to prove or disprove my own theories why cowboy art and photography does not play an important role in the cultural/gallery/resident interest here in Las Vegas. After all, Las Vegas is an old cowboy town, and there are still a number of horse properties here, as well as some good interest in rodeo. Could it be that too many people have moved into the area with no interest in the West ( except for the weather)? I contacted the art writers of the three major alt neswpapers, and the response to my query was pretty much what I expected. Even during the NFR, galleries attempting to hold rodeo related events away from the Strip area found just about no interest - either from locals or visitors. In addition, newcomers aren't here because they're western/rodeo/cowboy fans - they're here because they believe it's a less expensive place to live out their retirement (a situation which is becoming less and less true); lower housing costs, and because they believe jobs are plentiful. I've had artists complain that galleries and local art shows tend to dismiss cowboy artists from consideration when seeking artist exhibitors. Since I don't have personal experience with that situation, I can't comment. Although from what I've seen at local shows and galleries, I'd pretty much be inclined to believe the artists' concerns. I guess I've been somewhat fortunate in that respect, however, since the Las Vegas Clark County Library District has put my rodeo photography exhibit into their road show. Of course, the images are all from the County and adjacent areas, so that probably has something to do with their interest.

Cowboy Art and Photography competition The competition has been on for about a month, and thee are currently forty entries posted in five Groups. Voting, which has come in fairly strong, has slowed in the past week, although the number of visitors the cowboyartshow.com and capausa.org has remained pretty steady, accounting for about 900+ visitors daily over the past thirty days. The number of visitors viewing the entries has been about what was expected - and the number of visits far outnumbers the votes and comments received. Most people just don't want to take the time to record their opinions, but those that have have proved quite interesting. At this time, we have one company - Dick Blick Art Supplies" - donating a prize, which, at this time, will be awarded to the "Best of Show". Although the competition was planned to run until September, it may close earlier if the number of entrants slows down. At the end of the competition, a report will be made on the comments received by visitors who voted. If you haven't done so, visit the competition entries today. Joe Chernicoff, CAPA Exec. Director Artist Feature - A High Priced Stuffed Horse Art-Talk reported on the Sale of May 12, 2004, at Sotheby's, of Maurizio Cattelan's La Ballatta di Trotsky (The Ballad of Trotsky). "The horse, which died in 1996, had been a racehorse named Tiramisu, after the Italian desert. Cattelan is said to have obtained its body from a veterinary college. The work sold for $2,080,00 - a new world auction record for the artist and possibly for any stuffed horse". For a look at the painting, , Click here. And speaking of Sotheby's, if you have time, read Christopher Mason's "Art of the Steal", about Sotheby's and Christies auction houses and their recent price fixing trials. You'll find it an interesting look inside the high end of the art business.