Slovenian artist’s work rarely seen in the United States

Monday, Jan. 30, 2006 | 8:28 a.m.

For a prolific artist whose work has been shown in galleries and museums throughout Europe, Joze Ciuha has not had much exposure in the United States.

This Friday Gallery P in the Holsum Lofts will open a solo exhibit of work by the painter and illustrator. The 82-year-old artist, a Slovenian who lives in Paris, will be in town for the opening.

The collection, on display through April 8, includes serigraphs, watercolors, acrylics on canvas and Ciuha's trademark acrylic paintings on Plexiglas.

The work was brought to Las Vegas by Joseph Palermo, artist and owner of Gallery P, who first saw Ciuha's work in Paris in the 1960s, then came across it last summer at Galeria Jan in La Jolla, Calif.

Known for his abstract, colorful and sometimes primitive shapes -- inspired by his trips to India and South America -- Ciuha is also regarded in his native country for his frescos and mosaics.

Only recently has he been showing his work in the United States.

"He's been out of sight for years," Palermo said. "Someday the world is going to discover him."

The opening receptions will be Friday and Saturday. For information, contact the gallery at 384-8155.

Trumpeter Lazarus

Trumpet player Charles Lazarus will be in town this week to perform a free concert at UNLV's Doc Rando Recital Hall with drummer Dave Loeb, bass player Vanessa McGowan and drummer Henry Soriano.

The concert will be at 7:30 p.m. Thursday. For information, call 895-3332.

Ballet premiere

In a tribute to music by Mozart, Glenn Miller and Artie Shaw, the Nevada Ballet Theatre will present "Mozart to Glenn Miller," a trio of ballets that includes work by choreographer Peter Anastos, at 8 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday at UNLV's Artemus Ham Hall.

A longtime choreographer, Anastos has worked with regional and national companies, and in film and television.

His work "Les Gems" will be premiered at this weekend's performance. Tickets are $25, $45 and $65. Call 895-2787.

Richard Burgin reads

On Thursday writer Richard Burgin will be at UNLV's Barrick Auditorium to read selections from his new book, "The Identity Club: New Collected Stories," as part of UNLV's Forum Lecture Series.

In addition to writing nearly a dozen books, including "Ghost Quartet" and the collection of stories, "Fear of Blue Skies," the author edits the literary review "Boulevard" and has won four Pushcart Prizes for his stories.

Critics have described "The Identity Club" as compelling and creepy, raw and mesmerizing.

The reading, co-sponsored by the Institute of Modern Letters, will begin at 7:30 p.m. The event is free. For information, call 895-3401.

Kristen Peterson can be reached at 259-2317 or at kristen@lasvegassun.com.