Columnist John Katsilometes: On Clint Holmes’ efforts to raise money for arts programs in Clark County

Sunday, Dec. 11, 2005 | 8:21 a.m.

Fabulous Las Vegas runs Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday in the Las Vegas Sun. Reach John Katsilometes at kats@lasvegassun.com or at (702) 259-2327 or (702) 812-9812.

The art was black and white; the crowd was colorful.

The Clint Holmes Foundation for the Performing Arts drew a bevy of celebs Thursday night at the Stirling Club at Turnberry Place. The event was a reception and auction of oil-and-acrylic paintings of famous Las Vegas entertainers by artist K.C. Reiter.

The highest bid for a painting at what was billed as "Stars and Art" was $3,100 for Reiter's portrait of Siegfried and Roy, who stopped by to turn a few dozen heads and lend star power to the event.

Holmes said he has been making plans for the foundation for about two years. Money raised is to be used to help fund arts and music programs for students in Clark County.

"This isn't about kids who want to grow up and be performers, necessarily, but exposing them to the arts," Holmes said. "I want to reach kids who might go see the next 'Booty Call,' or the latest Adam Sandler movie, to also watch Marlon Brando in 'On The Waterfront' and understand why it's a great film. I want to reach kids who might never go to a theater to see a Broadway show and show them why it is such a great experience."

Also taking part in Thursday's event were Steve and Elaine Wynn, Lance Burton, Gordie Brown, Frankie and Joey Scinta, Siegfried and Roy manager Bernie Yuman, Rita Rudner, Mac King, Robin Leach, Jeff Beacher, Jack and Donna Wishna, Delisco, Kelly Clinton and Bill Fayne.

Holmes met with Clark County School District interim co-superintendent Walt Rulffes on Thursday and plans to meet with a few principals after the first of the year to determine how and where funding will be dispersed. The next fundraiser won't be for another six or seven months, he said, but "we have raised awareness, already."

NoteMart

More S&R: At around 10 p.m. Thursday, the valet lot at the Stirling Club was full. That's what attendants informed the driver of a silver Mercedes-Benz, before realizing the passengers were Siegfried and Roy. So the lot wasn't exactly full, in the sense that we turn back Siegfried and Roy ...

Let us 'Spray: The New York Times reports that a new movie of the musical "Hairspray," scheduled to open in February at the Luxor, is in the works. An intriguing triumvirate of superstars -- John Travolta, Billy Crystal and Aretha Franklin have been mentioned as possible cast members ...

I remember when rock was young: The set-at-Caesars TV special " Elton John: The Red Piano" airs Monday at 8 p.m. on NBC. The show is a taped "Red Piano" performance at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Also, announced this week is a return to Vegas by Aerosmith, which plays the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Feb. 18, with Lenny Kravitz opening. It's heartwarming to see a fledgling hotel like the MGM Grand land superstar rock acts occasionally ...

Brian's song: Not sure that I have ever encountered an entertainer who has so doggedly pursued fame as one-time Desert Inn singer Brian Evans. Seven years ago the one-time teen actor recorded "Live at the Desert Inn" as a throwback crooner, then he attempted to make it as an alternative rocker, then he gave politics a try with a run at the Senate in his former home state of Hawaii, and today he has recorded "Brian Evans Live With Special Guest William Shatner."

For information about how to buy this CD, recorded in Key West, Fla., and featuring Shatner on "Lady Is A Tramp," go to www.brianevansonline.com.