Commissioned by the Las Vegas Arts Commission. “The ceramic mural, Rhythm and Hues, is inspired by the site’s former incarnation as a library that has been transformed into an arts center filled with music, dance and visual art-making. The mural references the marbled end papers of vintage books and alludes to the lyrical nature of Charleston Heights Arts Center." continued.
Continued Artist Statement: "It uses an energetic palette with diverse rhythmic waves of color referencing the vibrancy of movement and music with a fluid visual composition. The mural’s shape alludes to the musical symbol the Crochet or quarter rest. The punctuated pause in music, drama, comedy, writing or visual art, allows us to savor the exquisite, feel the emotion, sense a transition, set the pace or take a moment to simply breathe.”
by Denise R. Duarte
Liberty Belle references the site's former structure, on this same block, the Liberty Bell Saloon and Restaurant which had existed for 47 years before being torn down. It housed the Slot Machine museum. Its owners were descendants of the inventor of the Liberty Belle Slot Machine, which helped shape not only Reno's major industry, but the state's primary industry. The symbols reference early slot machine symbols and the half circle design and colors reference many of the slot machine designs.
Western Icons references the symbols of the west: the wagon wheels cutting into the soil to mark the pioneer trails, such as the Henness Pass Trail, that passed near this site and cattle brands which were considered the cattleman's coat of arms and were referenced as the heraldry of the west. The cattle brands depicted here are expired brands of Reno and the Truckee Meadows area. Brands are registered and have been traded, sold, lost and passed down from one generation to the next.
References the site's history, 102 acres of alfalfa and the loss of the area's pastures and fields by encroaching development. Also references the historical ranchers perspective: Fence it, brand it and claim it. Barb wire is iconic to the wild, wild west's mystique. There are 580 barb wire patents and over 2000 known types. The first patent was in 1867. Barb wire is still in production and utilized by contemporary ranchers in Nevada. Barb wire is now considered a collectible.
"FLOURISH", a Las Vegas Cultural Corridor Urban Trail Sidewalk Enhancement is a wayfinding marker enhancement along 12 city blocks. Funded by the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act (SNPLMA) and the Las Vegas Arts Commission, the Cultural Corridor Urban Trail sidewalk enhancements consist of 12 city blocks of 25 repeating wings and 8 flourishes with their corresponding logos. The repeating wings reflect eddies and swirls of what was once the Las Vegas Creek which flowed in this area
The flourishes herald Las Vegas’ desire to further develop and celebrate its cultural community and entities. These embellishments provide the grand gesture in the tradition of iconic Las Vegas and are a nod to the prevalence of this design element in many historic neon signs at the Neon Museum. Beginning with the Old Mormon Fort celebrating the endurance and resourcefulness of its early settlers. this trail is representative of the intersection of human endeavor, expression and survival.
Reach", design team member in collaboration with Dayo Adelaja, Sylvester Collier, Adolfo R. Gonzalez and Vicki Richardson located at the Pearson Community Center and commissioned by Clark County, Nevada. Dedicated in 2009.
Reach", design team member in collaboration with Dayo Adelaja, Sylvester Collier, Adolfo R. Gonzalez and Vicki Richardson located at the Pearson Community Center and commissioned by Clark County, Nevada. Dedicated in 2009.
"Ancestral Gateway", design team member in collaboration with Dayo Adelaja, Sylvester Collier and Adolfo R. Gonzalez located at the Doolittle Senior Center, commissioned by the City of Las Vegas Arts Commission and the City of Las Vegas Centennial Commission.
"Ancestral Gateway", design team member in collaboration with Dayo Adelaja, Sylvester Collier and Adolfo R. Gonzalez located at the Doolittle Senior Center, commissioned by the City of Las Vegas Arts Commission and the City of Las Vegas Centennial Commission.
"Ancestral Gateway", design team member in collaboration with Dayo Adelaja, Sylvester Collier and Adolfo R. Gonzalez located at the Doolittle Senior Center, commissioned by the City of Las Vegas Arts Commission and the City of Las Vegas Centennial Commission.
by Denise R. Duarte. Located in the Doolittle Senior Community Center.
Public Art Practice
The focus of my public art is defining the site with a cultural and historical reference that resonates with the local community. The concepts of Creative Placemaking are integral to my work. Two public art projects have received a Las Vegas Mayor’s Urban Design Awards for Public Art. The first award was in 2008. I was a design team member with Dayo Adelaja, Sylvester Collier and Adolfo R. Gonzalez for the sculpture "Ancestral Gateway." The second award was in 2011 for "Flourish", a cultural urban trail consisting of twelve sidewalk enhancements along the Cultural Corridor. I have completed 8 public art projects to date.