The Goldwell Open Air Museum is celebrating its 40th anniversary

The middle of the Nevada desert may seem like an odd place for an art installation, but for Belgian artist Albert Szukalski, the vast and barren wilderness north of Beatty provided the perfect backdrop for his creativity.

In 1984, Szukalski completed his sculpture entitled “The Last Supper” – an eerie interpretation of Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous painting – and founded the 15-acre outdoor sculpture park known as the Goldwell Open Air Museum. Meanwhile, many other artists and artworks contributed to the museum, which was granted nonprofit status in 2001 following Szukalski’s death the year before.

Now, four decades later, the museum is preparing for its 40th anniversary with a celebration that organizers promise will be epic.

“The 40th anniversary celebration and reunion will be a tribute to the late Belgian artist Albert Szukalski,” the museum said in a press release. “The event participants can expect three exciting days!”

It all starts on the evening of Friday, October 18th with a meet and greet at Happy Burro Chili and Beer in Beatty at 5 p.m

Saturday, October 19, will be full of activities, starting with a “magnificent” parade at 11 a.m. from the Rhyolite Depot to the Goldwell Sculpture Park Visitor Center.

“Special parade participants include Debbie Baker (Miss Rhyolite), Skye Grant (Miss Beatty), Amari Knode (Jr. Miss Beatty), Mojave Desert celebrities, ‘Wonderhussy’ (YouTube travel influencer) and others Residents, clubs and organizations. “, says the press release in detail.

Once the parade concludes, Nevada Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony, who also serves as tourism director, will give opening remarks. Representatives from the Nevada Arts Council, one of the museum’s supporting partners, will also speak, and there will be several other keynote speakers, including former resident artist Maryann Bonjorni, former resident artist and composer Nolan Stolz, and Goldwell Museum executive director Suzanne Hackett-Morgan and CEO Michelle Graves.

“Food and refreshments will be available at the Red Barn, where visitors will also be able to view screenings of Goldwell’s video production of ‘Shiny Things’ and ‘Death Valley Project.'” Musical and theatrical performances are scheduled for the early to mid afternoon, it said the press release continues. “There will be a performance by Kyle Bissantz and the UNLV Percussion Ensemble of ‘Ghost Town Miners,’ composed by former resident artist Nolan Stolz. There will be a script reading of “Albert Szukalski’s America,” directed by Martin Hackett. There will be a musical performance by “Toasters and Moose,” viral YouTube artists, and a talk by Brian Gibson on Albert Szukalski’s work.”

The celebration continues at 10 a.m. on Sunday, October 20 at the Red Barn, with Clark County Poet Laureate Vogue Robinson and Mojave Desert Literary Laureate Ruth Nolan both giving poetry readings. There will also be encore performances of “Ghost Town Miners” and the Gibson Lecture.

Event attendees planning to go to the museum this Saturday or Sunday are asked to bring a folding chair as well as sun and desert weather protection gear, water and snacks for the keynote speeches and entertainment.

“We will provide restrooms with sinks and food trucks will be on site most of the day,” the museum noted. “Other accommodations are five miles from Beatty, Nevada.”

For more information and a detailed schedule of activities, visit GoldwellMuseum.org

Contact reporter Robin Hebrock at [email protected]