By Tena L. Cook, Marketing Coordinator, CSC
CHADRON, Neb. – Members of the Chadron State College Art Guild recently returned from a trip to Las Vegas where students explored art installations, museums, architecture and environmental landscapes that inspired reflection on creativity and history. Led by CSC Art Professor Mary Donahue, the trip combined visits to major art destinations with opportunities to study ecology and public art.
One of the first stops was Seven Magic Mountains, a large-scale land art installation created by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone. The brightly colored stacked boulders were originally intended to be temporary, but their popularity has kept the installation in place for years, according to Donahue.
The group also visited Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, where students hiked among the sandstone formations outside the city.
“I always try to find an area outside where we can learn about the environment,” Donahue said.
The students also toured Hoover Dam, where Donahue pointed out the structure’s Art Deco architectural details.
“Built between 1931 and 1936, Hoover Dam shares similarities with the Art Deco style found in CSC campus buildings such as Edna Work Hall and Crites Hall. That's a little game I play in my Intro to Graphic Design class. The students have to find the two Art Deco buildings on campus,” Donahue said.
Students later explored Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart, an immersive art experience inside the entertainment complex Area15. Designed as a surreal grocery store filled with satirical products and interactive exhibits, the installation left a strong impression on students.
The trip also included visits to the Atomic Museum, the Neon Museum and the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
At the Barrick Museum, students viewed Actions for the Earth: Art, Care & Ecology, an exhibition focused on environmental themes, meditation and human relationships with nature.
Mackenzie Carlson of Trenton, Nebraska, president of the Art Guild, said the exhibit was one of the most inspiring experiences of the trip. The video, Lhola Amira, explored South African Nguni spiritual traditions and ancestral connections.
Angelyse Perez of Chadron said the memorial exhibit honoring a marine biologist particularly moved her because it reminded her of her late grandmother and her love of the ocean.
“It followed a very meditative and earthy vibe,” Perez said. “It had me tearing up.”
Beyond museums, students said the trip helped them better understand artistic processes and the connections between art, history and place.
Amanda Kittell of Chadron said seeing famous works in person changed the way she thinks about artistic creation.
“Getting to see a lot of artists’ artworks in real life, like Picasso, made me realize how much goes into creating their final version of an artwork,” Kittell said. “They don’t just dive into it and create a masterpiece. They make smaller versions to explore compositions and ideas.”
Students also visited the Neon Museum, which preserves historic lighted and animated casino signs, and viewed glass artwork by artist Dale Chihuly installed on the lobby ceiling of the Bellagio Hotel and Casino.
Carlson said experiences like the trip continue to shape her artistic perspective.
“Going on these trips over the years has greatly impacted me,” Carlson said. “I have seen things that have shined light within my soul.”