Original World-Class Art Seen In US For The First Time

In the early '80's, Itzhak Assour, an Israeli army paratrooper, found himself reevaluating life as he recovered from being shot out of the sky. After loosing temporary use of his legs, he spent 3 years in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities. During that time, as part of his rehabilitation, Assour began to use his hands to sculpt, and found he had real talent.

After his recuperation Assour, aspired to help fellow Israeli artists who were suffering due to the decline in tourism. In 1985, he received government support to take the works of other Israeli artists to foreign countries to promote a positive image of his homeland.

Assour, curator of the EXPRESSIONS Art Exhibit, the largest collection of original Israeli art in this country, will bring his show to Temple Beth Sholom beginning January 28th, continuing through February 5th.

The week long EXPRESSIONS Art Exhibit begins with a private preview Saturday evening, January 28th from 7:30 to 9:30 pm at the Summerlin temple.

Patrons of the Preview will have the first opportunity to view and purchase the artworks, enjoy a wine and cheese reception, mingle with the artists (and some of Las Vegas' most influential party goers).

EXPRESSIONS is a remarkable compilation, showcasing the largest variety of original Israeli art assembled and brought to this country. Art works include paintings, sculptures, Judaica, oils, tapestries and a wide array of gold and silver jewelry. Sale prices range from $25 to $10,000, offering substantial savings, in a collaborative effort to support Israeli artists and establish a partnership between Israel and the Las Vegas Jewish community.

Patrons are invited to view the art exhibit and make purchases throughout the week. The showing continues through Sunday, February 5th:

Sunday, Jan. 29th, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM
Monday, Jan. 30th thru Thursday, Feb. 2nd, 11:00 AM-8:00 PM
Friday, Feb. 3rd, 8:30 AM-1:00 PM
Saturday, Feb. 4th, 7:00 PM- 10:00 PM
Sunday, Feb. 5th, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM

In addition to the Israeli Art Exhibition, a variety of special art-oriented programs have been planned at Temple Beth Sholom during the run of the exhibit:

Sunday, January 29th at 10:00 AM
Temple Beth Sholom Stained Glass Window Artists Rita Abbey and Riki Dubow will discuss their work.

Monday, January 30 at 7:00 PM
Bruce Steivel of the Nevada Ballet Theatre will discuss what's happening with the growing arts organization.

Tuesday, January 31st at 8:30 PM
"Take Me Morris," an Israeli comedy about couples; in HEBREW! This special performance is brought to Temple Beth Sholom by RAM Productions out of LA, a top promoter of Israeli Theater in the US.

Wednesday, February 1 at 6:30 PM
Libby Lumpkin of the Las
Vegas Art Museum will discuss “The Difference Between Collecting and Shopping": The Serious Business of Collecting Contemporary Art.”

Thursday, February 2 at 7:00 PM
Naomi Arin, owner of DUST, will speak on finding art year-round in Las Vegas.

Saturday, February 4th at 7:30 PM
Oy, To Be Jewish In Las Vegas; an evening of adult storytelling. Dayvid Figler of Nevada Public Radio has coordinated this program which features stories told by prominent members of the Jewish community.

Celebrating 60 years of service to the Las Vegas Jewish Community, Temple Beth Sholom takes pride in offering this opportunity to support Israel and in bringing this cultural program to the Valley. TBS is located at 10700 Havenwood Lane, off Town Center between W. Sahara and Desert Inn in . For information on the preview reception, the week long EXPRESSIONS Art Exhibit, or any of the special art programs, please contact Myrna in the Temple office at 804-1333 ext. 100.

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Barbara Kenig, Media Relations Director
IN THE PUBLIC EYE
(702) 498-9808 Direct
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barbarakenig@aol.com