Gallery features Chagall works

Kimberley McGee

Friday, April 12, 2002 | 9:53 a.m.

What: "Marc Chagall -- The Master of 20th Century Art."

When: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday; 12-6 p.m. Sunday, through May 19.

Where: Centaur Art Galleries, Fashion Show mall.

Admission: Free.

Information: (702) 737-1234.

In a small gallery on the Strip, hundreds of original lithographs from one of the 20th century's master artists are on display.

"Marc Chagall -- The Master of 20th Century Art" is on display through May 19 at Centaur Art Galleries at Fashion Show mall.

Gallery administrator Barry Molinar and his staff contacted more than 40 art dealers and collectors from around the world. They collected 250 pieces for the show, he said.

The 22-year-old Centaur Galleries has produced shows by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse and other 19th and 20th century masters.

"We chose Chagall because he's so unique," Molinar said. "These are rare, perfect pieces."

Chagall (1887-1985) was a Russian-born French painter and designer. He infused fantasy and humor in a poetic surrealism. Chagall is recognized as one of the most significant painters and graphic artists of the 20th century.

"He was the first living artist to have a show at the Louvre (museum) during his lifetime," Molinar said. "Chagall is unquestionably the greatest poet artist."

The exhibit is a retrospective of Chagall's works from 1926 until his death. Rare prints are also included in the colorful display.

"We tried to buy (prints) as close from (Chagall's) estate as possible," Molinar said. "It was a lot of work, but we are proud of this show, just to be seen."

Each piece in the exhibit is for sale, and more than 30,000 collectors have been invited by Centaur Galleries to view the exhibit, Molinar said. The pieces range from $2,000-$375,000.

"Most of these prints have been in dealers' print drawers since they were created," Molinar said. "They've never been framed."

One-third of the exhibit has been purchased since it opened one week ago, Molinar said.

"This is a very popular artist to collect," Molinar said. "There's never been anyone like Chagall."