The 15th Annual College of Fine Arts Hall of Fame celebration at UNLV features a cocktail reception, dinner, and ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 3, in the Student Union ballroom. Honorees include architect and urban planner Denise Scott Brown; American artist Dale Chihuly and Leslie Jackson Chihuly, president of Chihuly Studio; Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté; Myron Martin, president and CEO of the Smith Center; and the "First Lady of Motown," Claudette Robinson. Also being recognized with the Koep Dean's Medal are broadcaster and educator Harvey Allen and arts administrator William Lowman. Artist and educator Tim Bavington will be recognized as Alumnus of the Year.
The Hall of Fame was founded in 2003 to honor past and present residents of Southern Nevada who have made a significant impact in the areas of visual arts, performing arts, and/or architecture. Past inductees include Tony Curtis; Phyllis McGuire; Robert Goulet; The Killers; Liberace; architects Tony Marnell, John Klai, Tom Schoeman, and William Snyder; Penn & Teller; and Siegfried & Roy, among others.
Tickets are available by calling 702-895-4210 or contacting Suzette Dacuag at suzette.dacuag@unlv.edu. Additional ticket information is available online.
Denise Scott Brown is a trailblazer in the practice of architecture and urban planning. In 1972, she co-authored Learning from Las Vegas, stirring much controversy at the time. Today, her book continues to be an influential force for architects and students.
Dale Chihuly is an American master artist, known for more than 50 years of innovative experiments with light, space, and form. Renowned for his ambitious architectural installations in historic cities, museums, and gardens around the world, Chihuly is widely credited for transforming and transcending the traditional forms and function of glass. In her role as president of Chihuly Studio, Leslie Jackson Chihuly ensures ongoing organizational strength to assist Dale Chihuly in realizing his vision, encompassing all aspects of his art. She is committed to furthering access to the arts and serves on the boards of the Pilchuck Glass School, Vassar College, and the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, for which she has served as board chair for nine years.
Entrepreneur Guy Laliberté is best known for his success in creating Cirque du Soleil, one of the largest live entertainment empires in the world. With seven permanent shows currently running on the Strip, Cirque du Soleil has made an impact on the Las Vegas entertainment landscape and the community for the last 25 years.
At the helm of the Smith Center for the Performing Arts, Myron Martin is called the “keeper of the vision” for the center. He has shaped the Smith Center, which now is in its sixth year, into a cultural cornerstone for the Las Vegas community.
American soul singer-songwriter Claudette Robinson was a member of the Miracles and the first female artist ever signed to a Motown-affiliated record label. After life as an entertainer, she now is focused on making a positive impact on the lives of today’s youth.
In addition to teaching at UNLV and CSN, Harvey Allen has had an illustrious career in broadcasting and entertainment in Las Vegas, acting and singing on the Strip. Today, he continues to use his talents and resources to champion various charitable causes.
William “Bill” Lowman has assisted in the development and training of many artists. He helped found the Las Vegas Symphony and the Nevada School of the Arts. He created Idyllwild Arts Academy, the first independent boarding high school for the arts in the western United States, retiring in 2011 as Idyllwild Arts’ president.
Tim Bavington is an artist of international acclaim. Most visible is his major commission for Symphony Park at the Smith Center called “Pipe Dream” where each colorful pipe represents a note in the classical masterpiece Fanfare for the Common Man by Aaron Copland. He is also an associate professor of art at UNLV.
