6/23/2020
Education and Outreach
Avila still remembers the first time he heard mariachi music. As a high school student, he happened to catch the mariachi class practicing before school, and became mesmerized. “I saw everyone just watching them rehearse and I was in awe,” he says. “I joined my freshman year and grew to love the whole idea of it.”
6/22/2020
Education and Outreach
Christian and Houchens became fast friends a decade ago, sharing enthusiasm as they worked together on school committees and chaperoning field trips. When their friendship evolved into romance a few years ago, Christian admits he felt nervous. “Our biggest fear of dating was that if we did, and things didn’t work out, how would it mess up our friendship circles and working environment?” he remembers.
5/4/2020
Education and Outreach
When Nevada schools closed due to the pandemic, early childhood educator Elizabeth Steffen felt strongly about engaging and stimulating her students from afar. She found her solution with both technology and the arts.
4/21/2020
Education and Outreach
With so many homebound during this pandemic, The Smith Center recently launched a social media series to help Southern Nevadans get creative and expressive in their own living rooms. This ongoing series features The Smith Center’s professional teaching artists demonstrating creative yet simple activities involving a wide range of art forms.
4/16/2020
Education and Outreach
As a leading professional percussionist, Linda Austin — known to all by her stage name, L.A. — can list many impressive performance experiences. This even includes playing for world icons such as Nelson Mandela. But one of L.A.’s favorite memories took place in a Clark County School District (CCSD) classroom.
4/3/2020
Education and Outreach
As assistant principal with Richard J. Rundle Elementary School in Las Vegas, Stacey Sly felt true pride watching students perform the school’s second-ever theater production this spring. But seeing her 9-year-old daughter Lissa among them raised her reaction to pure astonishment.
3/31/2020
Education and Outreach
With theaters and performances on hiatus across Southern Nevada, it remains just as important now as ever to keep the arts alive. Even as community members remain at home, they can still pursue a variety of art forms to boost their spirits and nurture creativity.
3/25/2020
Education and Outreach
With schools temporarily closed and families remaining home, many parents might be searching for stimulating activities to engage their children. Fortunately, opportunities abound to create and entertain at home. Many arts-related games and crafts can expand the imagination, and provide valuable quality time.
2/20/2020
Education and Outreach
Students at Del Sol Academy of the Performing Arts rarely have the chance to learn from professional dancers — let alone performers from one of America’s most acclaimed companies. Yet 80 students enjoyed this very experience in January, with a special opportunity provided through The Smith Center, a nonprofit organization.
2/6/2020
Education and Outreach
Sixteen-year-old Eslly Jeronimo-Reyes feels keenly aware of the sensitives today over people’s differences. “(Relations) right now with us, Mexicans, and our president are not the best,” says Jeronimo-Reyes, a student at Western High School in Las Vegas.