Goldwell Open Air Museum Celebrates 40 Years of Art and Culture in Nevada Landscape
As preparations are underway to commemorate the 40 years of artistic contributions made by The Goldwell Open Air Museum in the Nevada landscape, excitement is building for the upcoming anniversary celebration weekend from October 18-20, 2024. Situated near the ghost town of Rhyolite, NV, the 15-acre outdoor sculpture park has been a beacon of creativity since its inception in 1984 with the installation of “The Last Supper” by renowned Belgian artist Albert Szukalski. Over the years, the Museum has expanded its collection to include works by other notable Belgian artists, as well as new pieces by contemporary American and international artists.
Honoring its rich history and commitment to fostering artistic exploration, The Goldwell Open Air Museum is gearing up to showcase its Artist-in-Residency program, one of the first in Nevada. Suzanne Hackett-Morgan, the Executive Director of Goldwell, expresses, “This celebration signifies a significant milestone in reaching 40 years since its establishment, paying tribute to its artists and igniting public enthusiasm for securing its future.”
The anniversary festivities will feature a diverse range of artistic performances and exhibitions to captivate attendees. Among the highlights is a musical presentation of “Ghost Town Miners,” composed by Nolan Stolz during his residency at Goldwell, performed by Stolz and the UNLV Percussion Ensemble. Additionally, the Rhyolite Players will stage an Immersive Theatrical Performance of “Albert Szukalski’s America,” a play penned by Emily Anderson of Ghost Light Productions in Elko, NV. Attendees can also look forward to screenings of “Shiny Things,” a documentary chronicling Goldwell’s Artist-in-Residency program, and “Death Valley Project,” which delves into Szukalski’s original creation of “The Last Supper” sculpture in 1984.
A highlight of the celebration will be a parade commencing at the old Rail Depot in the Rhyolite Ghost Town and culminating at the Sculpture Park. The event will showcase several specially commissioned art installations and exhibits by past residents, including artists Maryann Bonjorni, Raymond Ghirardo, and Megan Roberts. Guests will encounter a striking array of sculptures, such as “The Venus of Nevada,” a towering pink figure crafted from painted cinder blocks, “Tribute to Shorty Harris,” a steel prospector standing at 24 feet tall alongside a penguin, and “Icara,” a majestic winged woman reaching for the sun atop a wooden pillar. These pieces, along with newer acquisitions like “Keep Going” by Michelle Graves and “Diptown” by Irina and Stansislav Shminkee, exemplify the Museum’s dedication to showcasing diverse artistic expressions.
The mission of The Goldwell Open Air Museum is deeply rooted in preserving, presenting, and encouraging artistic exploration within the captivating Amargosa Desert landscape near Death Valley National Park in Nevada. Through its outdoor sculpture park and Artist-in-Residency program, the Museum continues to nurture creativity and cultural enrichment in the region.
Supported by grants from the Nevada Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Nevada Humanities Committee, the Nevada Commission on Tourism, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, The Goldwell Open Air Museum remains a vital hub for artistic innovation. Additionally, the Museum receives backing from the Nevada Arts Council CARES Program, underscoring its commitment to sustaining the arts during challenging times.
Located near the historic Rhyolite ghost town in Nevada, The Goldwell Open Air Museum is easily accessible from Las Vegas, situated approximately 120 miles northwest along US 95. Visitors are welcome to explore the Museum’s grounds 24/7, with a Visitor’s Center staffed by dedicated volunteers to provide insights into the Museum’s legacy. Individuals interested in supporting the Museum’s programs can do so in person or online, with detailed information available on the Museum’s website.
As the 40th Anniversary celebration approaches, followers and fans of The Goldwell Open Air Museum are encouraged to stay updated on event details through the Museum’s social media channels and official website. The upcoming festivities promise to be a testament to the Museum’s enduring legacy and its ongoing commitment to fostering artistic excellence in the Nevada landscape.