‘Big Deal’ exhibition in Carson City; artist reception June 26

Artist Joan Arrizabalaga celebrates Nevada’s gaming industry with her large embroidery and mixed-media slot machines in the Big Deal exhibition.

The Capital City Arts Initiative’s exhibit is in WNCs Bristlecone Gallery in Carson City. The show opened on May 15; the gallery is open to the public, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The artist’s reception will take place Wednesday, June 26 from 5-6:30 p.m., with an artist’s introduction at 5:30 p.m.

Arrizabalaga has been creating and showing her art for over four decades. Arrizabalaga creates both sculptural pieces and flat work using clay, wood, metal, fabric, machine and hand embroidery and found objects.

Known for artwork about Nevada and the casinos, she also makes use of common gaming materials such as felt, dice and cards. Arrizabalaga has participated in many group and one-person exhibitions at the regional and national levels, including Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York.

She is a graduate of the University of Nevada and studied with Marguerite Wildenhain at Pond Farm Pottery, Guerneville, Calif. Living in London for three years in the 1970s, she was much inspired by the life and times, glitter, glitz and art of the British rock and roll world.

As wardrobe mistress and dresser to the stars at Harrah’s Reno, Arrizabalaga got a closer view of the classic casino, finding a great source for ideas. Her art can be seen in numerous private, corporate and public collections.

Arrizabalaga has received the Nevada State Council on the Arts “Artist of the Year” award.

For information, visit www.ccainv.org.