3rd Annual Stirling Art & Wine Walk In Las Vegas

Las Vegas might sometimes seem like the most unlikely place, but it is home to several dozen international and exceptionally talented artists. The climate, lifestyle, and continual buzz of international visitors has attracted them.

This Thursday, April 15, is an opportunity to see some of their work at the 3rd Annual Art & Wine Walk at The Stirling Club in Las Vegas. The Art & Wine Walk features about 20 different local artists and six different wines from three different wineries. It's an excellent and rare opportunity to see the work in the comfortable surroundings of the most exclusive club in Las Vegas and meet many of the artists in person.

Highlighted Wines From Handley Cellars

Handley Cellars, operated by winemakers Milla Handley and Kristen Barnhisel, is an organic certified estate vineyard in the Anderson Valley, known for its cool foggy nights and bright sunny days. The Handley family also owns a Dry Creek Valley (Sonoma County) vineyard near the Russian River. Featured wines* include:

Pinot Gris, Handley Cellars, Anderson Valley, 2007
Sauvingnon Blanc, Handley Cellars, Anderson Valley, 2007
Pinot Noir, Handley Cellars, Anderson Valley, 2007

* linked to closest comparable wines when an exact match was not available.

Highlights From Louis M. Martini

Originally established in 1933 by a colorful young man who believed that the best wine could only be made from the best grapes. After studying winemaking in Italy, he returned to the United States and purchased land in Napa and Sonoma counties. Featured wines include:

Cabernet Sauvignon, Louis M. Martini, Sonoma County, 2006

Highlights From William Hill Estate

The William Hill Estate was designed with winemaking in mind. The vineyard is situated just outside the winery door giving winemaker Ralf Holdenried the freedom to be involved in every aspect of the winemaking process. It is located just off the Silverado Trail in Southern Napa on the Silverado Bench. Featured wines include:

Chardonnay, William Hill Estate, Napa Valley. 2006
Merlot, William Hill Estate, Napa Valley, 2006


Highlighted Artists at Art & Wine Walk

Roberto Andreev
Sigrid Brunel
Kathy Cartier
Donovan Fitzgerald
Sharon Gainsburg
Marty Kreloff
Beti Kristof
Olga Minkevitch
Niki Sands
Tom McGrady

Light hors d'œuvres will be served. The event is $20 per person for member admisson and an additional discount for Stirling Club Wine Society members. The event begins at 6 p.m. and ends at 9 p.m. in The Stirling Room.

For non-members hoping to join the event, contact Kathleen Gustafson, executive director of membership, at 702-784-4603 or by e-mail via The Stirling Club Web site.

Kids Discover Art At The Stirling Club

Every month, The Stirling Club extends a benefit exclusively to kids, ages 5-12, in a very unique and memorable way. Art Classes for Kids, which is a privately owned art institute for children, hosts a private workshop for Stirling Club family members in the Verandah Room. The classes typically sell out weeks in advance.

Last March 13, more than 25 enthusiastic children, ages 5-12, joined the workshop to complete their choice of three "green" themed acrylic paintings on canvas. The paintings, which were selected from the works of famous artists for inspiration, included a flower, abstract design, or landscape.

One of the paintings, inspired by renowned artist Emily Wood, went a long way in capturing the philosophy of her art as well as the work. Painting is about discovery of techniques and ideas, but wonderfully about self-discovery, she says in her statement.

Under the direction of Kim Crisostomo, owner and principal instructor, Art Classes for Kids delivers. For two hours, young artists follow the step-by-step strokes until completing their masterpieces. Occasionally, they break long enough to enjoy refreshments and fresh baked cookies provided by the Charlie Palmer executive chef team.

All of the materials are provided, including T-shirts for cover up. Additional instructors answer questions and work one-on-one with the artists as needed.

The next workshop hosted at The Stirling Club will be from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 3. Given the class will be held one day before Easter, Art Classes for Kids will focus on rabbit illustrations, with a choice of three different compositions and styles. The medium will include chalk pastels.

To reserve space, call The Stirling Club special events coordinator Diedra Smith at 702-784-4637. The workshop is $25 per child. Parents who are members are welcome to time their spa and salon appointments to coincide with the class.

Art Classes for Kids also offers art camps, art parties, and private instruction. The instruction specializes in drawing, painting, and sculpting with creative projects inspired by famous artists and historical art movements. Most projects can be completed in a class, allowing the children to take something home the same day.

Members looking for an unrelated excursion may consider attending a special "locals only" art exhibition featuring the work of local artists from the CENTERpiece Gallery, which is located in the porte-cochere of the Mandarin Oriental. The first exhibition will feature the work of photographer Shawn Hummel from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on April 8. Hors d'oeuvres will be provided by SIMON. Reservations are required by April 5. 702-739-7563.

Stirling Social: Hats, High Tea, And High Fashion

While "High Tea" was once only associated with the British working class as their evening supper, it has become synonymous with afternoon tea and formal social events in United States. As the custom evolved, "High Tea" became the most commonly accepted name that blended the tradition of afternoon tea with social formalities. Attendance is only a reservation away.

Hats, High Tea, And High Fashion

At 2 p.m. on Friday, March 26, the Stirling Club will host a Hats, High Tea, and High Fashion event with Saks Fifth Avenue. Served alongside bite size sandwiches, scones, and other treats, Saks Fifth Avenue will present their Spring 2010 Safari Accents line, which became one of three dominate trends this year.

The line doesn't include animal prints; it's better described as adventurous and outdoor spirited. The styles have been modified for more elegant and contemporary look, including military shirts and tan Safari jackers. Find a sneak peak right here.

Saks Fifth Avenue will also present samples that include the two other trends this year, making this a rare opportunity to plan some seasonal purchases while socializing with other club members. Attendance for members is only $18.95 per person.

Non-members are invited contact Kathleen Gustafson, executive director of membership, at 702-784-4603 or by e-mail via The Stirling Club Web site. Bring a hat to complete this unique experience.

A Few Fun Facts About Afternoon Tea

While there are many stories that surround afternoon tea time (sometimes called high tea in the United States), the most common attribution credits Anna Maria Stanhope, the Duchess of Bedford. According to legend, the Duchess had her servants sneak her a pot of tea, sandwiches, and small cakes to compensate for lighter noon time meals and late formal dinners.

Others, however, attribute tea time to the French, citing letters written by Madame de Sévigné. She frequently mentioned the affection that Louis XIV had for tea. And, credited the Marquise de la Sablière with being the first to add milk. This account considers that the French Revolution may have interrupted the earliest excitement for tea times in Europe, which Americans tend to mostly associate with England.

A Stirling Engagement With Jason Alexander

Robin Leach calls him laughs from start to finish. Ellen Sterling calls him motivational. And if you believe his bio, Tonya Harding says he turned her life around.

"All I can tell you is that it’s a laugh-a-minute riot — and that you get to see him naked!" — Robin Leach

Who is he?

Donny Clay, as performed by Jason Alexander, once better known as George Costanza from NBC's hit comedy Seinfeld, has quickly become one of the most highly regarded motivational speakers in the world today. In a send-up of Tony Robbins, Deepak Chopra, Dr. Phil and other motivational speakers as he helps you discover the YOU inside of you.

This Friday, March 12, Stirling Club members are invited to a special engagement with Alexander as Donny Clay as performs live in the SHI Showroom at Planet Hollywood. The event begins with a champagne reception at The Stirling Club and transportation is included.

Portions of the show include audience participation, which sets the stage for a truly memorable experience. The limited engagement at Planet Hollywood ends March 14. You can also stay up to date on his character, Donny Clay, on Twitter and via his fan club on Facebook.

His next known performance will be a one-night-only performance of Jerry Seinfeld Live at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills. The April event in California will raise funds for the Reprise Theatre Company.

Alexander has had a remarkably successful career. He has earned six Emmy and four Golden Globe nominations, an American Television Award, two American Comedy Awards for Best Supporting Actor in a Television Series, and a Best Actor nod from The Screen Actors Guild. Alexander has also appeared in scores of films, televisions shows, and stage plays, including a Tony-award winning performance in Jerome Robbins' Broadway.

Reservations for this Stirling Club event are required. The Donny Clay Experience is $70 per person (VIP tickets are typically $70-$99). The champagne reception, transportation, and premium seating is inclusive.

St. Patrick's Day In Las Vegas

While Las Vegas is best known for its lavish New Year's eve parties, St. Patrick's Day is quickly becoming another must-attend event with celebrations spanning the entire week, starting with the 44th Annual Sons of Erin St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival on the weekend before St. Patrick's Day.

Hosted by neighboring City of Henderson, the 44th Annual Sons of Erin St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival includes a parade from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 13 and a festival held from Thursday, March 11 to Sunday, March 14. Carnival rides are $1 and all-day wrist bands range from $22 to $25, depending on the day.

After the festival, dozens of Las Vegas hot spots will open with beer gardens, special menus, and live entertainment all week long. Here are five lucky picks that ring true for anyone looking for a good time in Las Vegas on St. Patrick's Day, March 17. Enjoy.

Five Picks for St. Patrick's Day in Las Vegas.

St. Patrick's Day At The Stirling Club. Starting at 7 p.m., The Stirling Club will celebrate St. Patrick's Day with green beer and live Irish music in the Piano Lounge. Member dining also features a special menu insert with Irish favorites created by The Stirling Club's executive chef. Seating is limited and reservations are recommended.

Fadó Irish Pub and Restaurant. Located in neighboring Henderson, Fadó Irish Pub and Restaurant plans an entire week's worth of activities. Arrive before 2 p.m. on St. Patrick's Day and the $15 cover charge to enjoy live entertainment around an outdoor beer garden will be waived.

J.C. Wooloughan Irish Pub. J.C. Wooloughan Irish Pub in theJW Marriott has also planned a weeklong celebration. After breakfast on St. Patrick's Day, live entertainment will open with a traditional bagpipe set just before John Windsor, Acoustic Soul, and Thompson/O'Keefe begin the all-day, all-night entertainment. There is a cover charge of $20 per person, which includes access to a second venue.

St. Patrick's Day Festival. Hosted by Mandalay Bay, former frontman for House of Pain, Everlast Whitey Ford, will sing the blues along with La coka Nostra and guest B-Real of Cypress Hill. The resort will also host a St. Patrick's festival beer garden on Moorea Beech. $40 per person.

McMullan's Irish Pub. Starting on March 12, McMullan's Irish Pub, located across from The Orleans, will host indoor and outdoor music, including traditional bagpipers on St. Patrick's Day. There is no cover charge, but seating is limited.

Looking for more options? Members may call The Stirling Club concierge anytime for suggestions and help with reservations. Like all Las Vegas events, everyone is encouraged to purchase tickets or place reservations early as seating is often limited.