Local journalist turned artist displays sculptures at Southern Nevada's largest art festival, May 10 - 11


Local icon Norm Johnson, best known for his award-winning journalism and the founder of the Mint 400 Off-Road Desert Race, has recently turned his focus on sculpting. To commemorate his new-found passion, the City of Henderson will recognize Johnson as one of the featured artists at the 11th annual ArtFest of Henderson, May 10-11 in the Water Street District in downtown Henderson. Johnson's sculptures will be on display from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., both days. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public.


Johnson, who specializes in bronze sculptures illustrating the Wild West and sea creatures, was first introduced to sculpting as a youth in Southern California. As a junior high student in the 1940s, Johnson entered a statewide art contest requiring participants to create three dimensional pieces of famous California symbols. Johnson's interpretation of the state's grizzly bear, received high honors amongst his peers and a desire to continue sculpting. 


He has participated in several art exhibits including Henderson's Third Thursday, a monthly event that celebrates local artists, where he won "Best of Show." Additionally, Johnson artwork has been displayed throughout the valley at several other galleries. He has also sculpted the trophy for the annual off-road race held in Henderson as well as created the trophy for the Las Vegas Soccer League, an event sponsored by Entravision Spanish television.


"We are honored that Norm Johnson has accepted our invitation to be the Featured Artist at this year's ArtFest of Henderson," said Andrea Primo, Director of the Cultural Arts & Tourism Deparent. "This is a wonderful opportunity for Norm to introduce his new passion of sculpting to an audience of art connoisseurs. A celebrity in Southern Nevada, Norm is an incredible man who continues to build a legacy from journalism to art, and everything in between."


With aspirations to become a reporter, Johnson pursued a journalism degree at San Diego Junior College. His first journalistic career began with the Copley News Service, where he was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for his coverage of the 1965 Watts riots in Los Angeles.


Moving to Las Vegas over 40 years ago, Johnson has worked as a sports writer for the Las Vegas Sun, a publicist for many local hotel/casinos and entertainers including Robert Goulet and Willie Nelson as well as worked as a special events promoter for a number of off-road races.


Currently, Johnson works as a freelance writer for What's On Magazine, Las Vegas Leisure Guide, Las Vegas Review Journal and a number of regional and national publications. He has authored two books, History of Off-Road Racing and Magellans of the Sky, which details the true story of the first flight around the world in 1924 by the U.S. Army Air Service.


Johnson's other credits include a first place awards from the Associated Press, Copley Journalism and United Press International in 1965 and the "Best Journalist" Award by the Annual Meatball Association of Las Vegas in 2004.


For 14 years, Johnson raced in many off-road races winning numerous awards including a few first place finishes. In 1968, Johnson founded the world-famous Mint 400 Off-Road Race, while working in public relations for the Del Webb's Mint Hotel in downtown Las Vegas. A popular race for 20 years, the Mint 400, which returns this year on March 27-30, inspired Hunter S. Thompson to write Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Johnson served as a consultant for the 1998 movie version.


ArtFest of Henderson, which draws over 40,000 attendees, is the largest art festival in Southern Nevada. The annual art festival features over 200 select artists from across the nation displaying and selling stunning artwork from paintings to pottery, jewelry to photography and much more. Other festival features include live jazz and contemporary entertainment, a new food and beverage court and an expanded Kids' Gallery, which includes hands-on crafts, a family stage and other fun activities.


A Mother's Day weekend tradition, ArtFest of Henderson will stretch down Water Street, including the Henderson Events Plaza and the Henderson Convention Center, both located at 200 S. Water Street.


The ArtFest of Henderson is produced by Frank Maguire & Associates, Inc., which promotes annual art festivals throughout the southwest.


For additional information on Norm Johnson visit www.sculpturesbynorm.com.


For additional information on ArtFest of Henderson, call the City of Henderson Deparent of Cultural Arts & Tourism Deparent at (702) 267-2171 or visit www.888artfest.com.


The City of Henderson supports the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Advanced notice may be necessary to ensure that appropriate accommodations will be provided. For full telephone, use Relay Nevada by dialing 7-1-1.


About the City of Henderson Deparent of Cultural Arts & Tourism


The City of Henderson Deparent of Cultural Arts and Tourism is dedicated to creating and promoting innovative events, entertainment, programming and venues that celebrate diverse cultural arts, enhance tourism, involve and serve the community, and enrich the economic and cultural fabric of Henderson.


The Henderson Pavilion, Henderson Convention Center and Henderson Events Plaza & Amphitheatre are all managed by the Deparent of Cultural Arts and Tourism.


For additional information on our programs and entertainment, please contact us directly at (702) 267-2171. Our office hours are Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.