The UNLV College of Fine Arts is excited to announce the 17th Annual College of Fine Arts Hall of Fame gala celebration, originally postponed due to the pandemic, has been rescheduled for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 13, 2021. This year, the university honors both 2020 and 2021 recipients.
Honorees include the 2021 inductee actress and Hollywood legend Ann-Margret, and the 2020 inductees: distinguished writer and cultural critic Dave Hickey, comedic magician Mac King, and comedian Scott "Carrot Top" Thompson. Also being recognized with the Koep Dean's Medal are Justin Favela, alumnus and mixed media and installation artist, and Candy Schneider, vice president of education and outreach for The Smith Center. Stage director and educator Giovanna Sardelli (2020) and mixed media artist Sush Machida (2021) will be recognized as Alumni of the Year, and trumpeter and vocalist Brian Newman will receive the Las Vegas Newcomer Award.
The College of Fine Arts is especially thrilled to welcome the legendary Ann-Margret into its illustrious line-up for many reasons, but one very special reason! Her iconic 'red sweater' scene in the film Viva Las Vegas - where she danced alongside Elvis Presley - was filmed at UNLV in what is now the UNLV Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be honoring Ann-Margret and inducting her into the 2021 UNLV College of Fine Arts Hall of Fame," said Nancy Uscher, dean of the UNLV College of Fine Arts. "She is an incredibly talented artist whose work has illuminated the culture of Las Vegas. Ann-Margret has long been a global icon and inspiration in the world of the arts and entertainment."
The Hall of Fame was founded in 2003 to honor past and present residents of Southern Nevada who have made a significant impact in the areas of visual arts, performing arts, and/or architecture. Past inductees include Tony Curtis; Phyllis McGuire; Robert Goulet; The Killers; Wayne Newton; Liberace; Clint Holmes; architects Tony Marnell, John Klai, Tom Schoeman, and William Snyder; Penn & Teller; Lance Burton; and Siegfried & Roy, among others.
Tickets are available by emailing Suzette Dacuag.
About the Honorees
Ann-Margret was America's Sweetheart and a leading actress of her generation, winning five Golden Globes, two Oscar nominations, two Grammys, an Emmy, and starring alongside several of Hollywood's leading men throughout her illustrious career.
Dave Hickey is an internationally acclaimed art critic and former UNLV faculty member who was awarded the MacArthur Fellowship – also known as the “genius grant” – while a professor in the UNLV Department of Art.
Mac King is the top comedic magician in the world today according to MAGIC Magazine. He’s performed over 10,000 shows on the Las Vegas Strip since moving to Las Vegas, and his celebrated comedy has been seen world-wide, both live and on television.
Scott "Carrot Top" Thompson has been making audiences around the world laugh for more than three decades with his creative comedy. Since his debut on Star Search, he has soared to success and is one of the most recognizable entertainers in the world. He has held a headlining residency at Luxor Hotel and Casino since 2005.
Justin Favela is a mixed media artist and a UNLV alum. He is best known for large-scale installations and sculptures that represent his interactions with American pop culture and the Latinx experience.
Candy Schneider is the vice president of education and outreach for The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. Her professional career dedicated to enhance arts education as she serves as the liaison for the Southern Nevada Ensuring Arts for Any Child Initiative.
Giovanna Sardelli is Director of New Works for TheatreWorks Silicon Valley in Northern California. While she directs many types of performances, she especially enjoys working with active, living playwrights on never-before-produced plays.
Sush Machida is a Japanese-born, American-based artist whose work combines modern pop art with traditional Japanese symmetry and animal themes resulting in a completely unique, attention-grabbing style all his own.
Brian Newman is a trumpeter and vocalist who melds jazz influences with his love of rock. His late-night residency at NoMad Las Vegas is a popular and celebrated homage to "old" Las Vegas.
