Leisa Collins Art with a Message: Art in Action - Spreading Art with a Message in Nevada

Traveling back from the Grand Canyon through Nevada to California was a memorable experience. Being that Nevada is primarily one endless expanse of desert, makes the people and places along the way really stand out. They are folks who have stood the test of time, battled with the elements and generally approach life with good humor and a laid back attitude that is quite infectious. In fact, I compare the people of Nevada – and I am deliberately leaving out Las Vegas here – to the desert flowers one sees occasionally, and marvels at, when passing through the state.

Despite suffering from a severe bout of road weariness after our all night drive and my midday painting session under the blazing sun on the western rim of the Grand Canyon, Bruce and I opted to leave Las Vegas well along, and began looking for a quieter and more relaxing spot to pitch our tent. We found such a place about 40 miles out of “Sin City” in the tiny community of Indian Springs. We stayed at the “Indian Springs Motor Hotel” which is attached to a small casino, restaurant, gas station and convenience store. It was a comfortable, affordable and hospitable experience. Add a military base and a few more stores on the same stretch of road, and a community population of about 1300, and that appeared to be the extent of Indian Springs. I soon learned, however, much to my surprise, that Indian Springs has a history as an artist colony. I was delighted and kept up the tradition that evening when I spent some time applying paint to canvas.

The next morning we got to know a number of the Indian Springs locals, including Mary, the friendly multi-tasking manager of the casino/restaurant/motel. Mary lives and works in Indian Springs and wouldn’t change it for the world. We also met Cameron, a young and very talented local man who hand paints custom designs on cars and motorcycles.

Here you can meet Mary...