MESQUITE CENTER: Artful assemblage

In architectural circles, a good design prompts people to think and to react. Las Vegas architect Eric Strain's design of the Mesquite Fine Arts Center did just that; it evoked conflict.

"There are as many people who don't like it as there are who do," Strain said, noting that his design was inconsistent with the city's architectural guidelines, which tend to be modern. "My initial idea was to create a structure that fit with the historical vernacular of the city and state. I didn't want the project to appear brand new."

He was also cognizant that the project would be built adjacent to the Virgin Valley Heritage Museum, which was built in 1942.

Project supervisor Leonard Morrow, personnel director and former leisure services director for the city, said Strain made a good case.

"He explained the importance of incorporating into the design something that showed the history of the area and Mesquite, while realizing the need to provide a transition into a modern facility because modern buildings surround the center," Morrow said. "No doubt (the design) evoked a lot of interest. If nothing else, everybody knows where the fine arts center is."

To achieve the effect, Strain and his staff at assemblageSTUDIO incorporated `earthy' materials that would age over time. Corrugated roofing and stone walls symbolize Mesquite's agricultural background, and complement an on-site exhibit of farm equipment.

The multibuilding project includes two galleries: a 1,000-square-foot main gallery with a wall of windows that face the street, and a 500-square-foot enclosed showroom. Another element is a silo-shaped structure that can be used as a hub for performing arts, as well as artists' studios. Also featured are administrative offices, a lobby and gift shop.

The final phase, a shed-like classroom structure, is under way. The basic framework and roof are situated near the courtyard waiting to be enclosed. Separated by a mobile storage unit, one side will be for painters, and the other will accommodate those working with ceramics and clay.

Strain said building the $800,000 project in several phases allowed the city of Mesquite to take advantage of its fiscal calendar and grant monies.

The Virgin Valley Artists' Association operates and maintains the facility. Sue Brooks, president, said members held only one art show each year before the fine arts center opened in June 2003.

"(The center) has been a huge, huge benefit to us and the rest of the community," Brooks said, adding that since the center's debut, the group has grown nearly twofold with more than 100 members. Painters, photographers, sculptors, potters and jewelers from Southern Nevada, Arizona, Utah and California are represented.

The design and construction of the Mesquite Fine Arts Center garnered industry recognition, including the American Institute of Architects state honor awards, as well as regional citation and merit awards.

Strain and his team are delighted with the results of the project.

"We're trying to create a design that fits in this environment. Las Vegas borrows from every country to create the Strip, but we borrow from this environment to create something that's meant to be."

The fine arts center is located at 15 W. Mesquite Blvd., and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free. For more information, call 346-1338.

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