Showgirl art contest puts out call for submissions

Pick up a pen and sketch a showgirl during a kickoff for the 2010 Las Vegas Showgirl Art Competition and Costume Exhibition, set for 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday at Las Vegas Academy, 315 S. Seventh St.

For the last three years, Las Vegas Academy instructor Kelly Mabel has welcomed showgirls in elaborate vintage costumes into her Visual Arts 101 classroom to pose for high school students. This year, for the first time, the classroom sketch session will be open to outside artists. To participate, area artists must sign up in advance by e-mail at klmabel@interact.ccsd.net and bring photo identification to Friday’s session.

The event is expected to feature a professional showgirl in a traditional costume from Karen Burns’ “Hello Hollywood Hello” vintage costume collection. Former professional dancer Linda Spinks is set to be available for questions, as is showgirl artist Terry Ritter and artist Jerry Blank.

Pianist and singer Wes Winters, star of the one-man nightclub act “Wes Winters Live,” is scheduled to join the presentation and put on a show from 12:45 to 2 p.m. at the academy.

The showgirl visit and performance are intended to get everyone excited about the upcoming competition and exhibition.

To enter the competition, submit one original work of art, preferably no larger than 24-by-36 inches, and send a digital image of the work to louanne@showgirllegacy.com. Prizes range from $15 to $250. The deadline for entries is July 15.

Submissions from the top 20 artists are set to be displayed on the website showgirllegacy.com and other select galleries and venues, yet to be announced.

— View file photo