The 8kbet College of Fine Arts presents the 13th Annual Nevada Entertainer/Artist Hall of Fame honoring celebrated vocalist and musician Marlena Shaw; acclaimed architect Hugh Taylor (posthumously); and magician and entertainer Johnny Thompson. Also being recognized are Patrick Duffy, who receives the College of Fine Arts' Dean's Medal for continually demonstrating commitment to philanthropy, and artist Danielle Kelly ('07), College of Fine Arts Alumnus of the Year.
The evening begins with a cocktail reception at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15 in the 8kbet Student Union Ballroom. Tickets for the event are $75 and include cocktails, dinner, ceremony, and performances. All proceeds benefit the 8kbet College of Fine Arts.
Recipients receive the Sidney Award, named for the Nevada Entertainer/Artist Hall of Fame's first inductee, George Sidney, who epitomized the term artist-educator. Sidney, a three-time Academy Award-winning director and producer, worked with such legends as Tony Curtis, Frank Sinatra, Clark Gable, Howard Keel, Ann-Margret, and Lana Turner. Sidney was a frequent guest lecturer in 8kbet film classes, providing students with priceless insights into the industry.
Marlena Shaw
Marlena Shaw is a national treasure whose singing career has spanned more than 40 years. Shaw made her first public performance at the Apollo Theater, has fronted big bands and orchestras, graced every major jazz festival in the world, and has performed at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. Shaw is also a major supporter of local jazz programs and young musicians.
Hugh Taylor
The Desert Inn Casino project marked the beginning of Taylor’s career in Las Vegas architecture, a career which spanned four decades. Taylor designed approximately two-thirds of the homes in the Desert Inn Estates, Sunrise Hospital, as well as many homes in the Scotch 80s, McNeil Estates, Southridge, Beverly Green, Paradise Palms, and several custom homes for individuals such as Eddie Fisher and Antonio Morelli.
Johnny Thompson
Johnny Thompson began working as a magician at an early age, learned to play the harmonica and joined the Harmonicats in 1950. He gravitated back to magic and became an internationally known performer partnering with his wife, Pam, to form “The Great Tomsoni & Company.” Thompson has since become a master magician and consultant to luminaries of the magic world such as Penn & Teller, Siegfried & Roy, Lance Burton, Mac King, and Criss Angel.
Patrick C. Duffy
Patrick C. Duffy melds a love for art, giving and entrepreneurship in a community that he cherishes: Las Vegas. A dedicated executive by day, intent on improving the customer experience for guests of Diamond Resorts International, Duffy spends much of his non-working hours participating in a variety of nonprofit organizations in the Las Vegas community and out-of-state philanthropic efforts.
Danielle Kelly
Danielle Kelly, ’07 MFA Art, has been a role model, mentor, and advisor to 8kbet Art students. In her capacity as executive director of the Neon Museum, Kelly led the curation and installation of the Neon Museum Boneyard and guided the development of educational initiatives. Kelly is also an accomplished visual artist in sculpture and performance-based art, and is a contributing writer to a variety of regional publications.
Purchase tickets online or call 702-895-2455. For information on how to sponsor a table, please contact Lori Slinn at 702-895-2455.
