Acrylic artist Zeilman moves ‘into the light’

Kimberley McGee

Friday, March 22, 2002 | 9:21 a.m.

When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Sunday.

Where: Antiques on Casino Center, 1228 S. Casino Center.

Admission: Free.

Information: 678-6278.

From a black background, a white figure steps carefully into a blazing white landscape in Las Vegan Mark Zeilman's series, "The blinded."

The 32-year-old self-taught artist said the darkly optimistic painting is one of his favorites in his first show, which is on display through March 31 at Art on Casino Center, inside Antiques on Casino Center.

"He made a conscious decision to leave the black behind him and move into the light," Zeilman said.

That bravery painted in acryclic on stretched canvas mirrors Zeilman's recent foray into solo art exhibits.

Some of his works had been commissioned by area art enthusiasts and some lone paintings shown at coffee shops.

While reading the ads in a local weekly newspaper in November, Zeilman found a small shop downtown that was open to small exhibits by Las Vegas artists.

The endeavor was timely, Zeilman said. The freelance video- and film-lighting technician thought he had enough paintings with a central theme to carry a show.

That theme?

"Eyes," Zeilman said. "You can't hide anything there. You're vulnerable."

The 2-year-old antique shop had room to hang local art, Cindy Funkhouser, owner of the show, said. She placed an ad in weekly newspapers advertising her space.

Funkhouser was flooded with requests from area artists. They are booked solid with shows through August.

"There are a lot of artists and not a lot of venues in Las Vegas," Funkhouser said. "We were happy to be one, but we definitely need more."

The bright acrylics of Zeilman's paintings appealed to Funkhouser, so much so that she has requested a painting from the young artist. A few pieces from the show have also been sold.

"He's really got something here," Funkhouser said. "I like his style."