Arts Notes

Friday, June 30, 2006 | 7:38 a.m.

There isn't even a sketch for the Smith Center for the Performing Arts, but already there seems to be a clash between the architect and the state.

After the Sun published an article on David Schwarz - the Washington, D.C., architect selected to design the center, the State Board of Architecture, Interior Design and Residential Design contacted the paper to say that Schwarz failed to register with the state before bidding on the project, a violation that carries a fine of up to $10,000.

"You cannot hold yourself out as someone qualified to be an architect if you have not registered," said Stacey Hatfield, spokeswoman for the state board.

Sounds straightforward. But a little checking turned into a lot of he said, she said.

Myron Martin, president of the Las Vegas Performing Arts Foundation, said Schwarz "believes he has done everything by the book," that someone from Schwarz's firm filed for a temporary license for the bidding process and that Schwarz has since filed for a permanent license.

Schwarz called three times from the road, said it was "a long story" and that he would call back.

Hatfield confirmed that story. But she said the architect - and not an associate - must be the one who files for the temporary license. The fact that someone other than Schwarz applied, she said, is still a violation.

An assistant to Schwarz said that the office hasn't "heard anything" from the architecture board and said that Schwarz was traveling and wasn't available for comment.

Martin said Schwarz has been contacted regarding the matter.

Now Hatfield, who placed the initial call to tip the paper to the violation, won't say whether Schwarz is under investigation: "All of the cases are confidential until our board takes action."

Got resin?

Derek Chen, founder of Urbana Design, will discuss his modern designs today at BlankSpace, a design store at Mandalay Place. The San Francisco designer is known for his contemporary veneered plywood vases shaped into teardrops and his "ultralite" coffee tables and end tables made from of wood veneer and high-gloss resin.

The free event runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, call 632-9399.

Viewer discretion advised

The L Maynard Galleries, at Holsum Lofts, 241 W. Charleston Blvd., will get naughty tonight with a one-night-only exhibit of erotic drawings and paintings by Jon Hul.

The photorealistic female nudes are shown enraptured in golden sheets, buxom in schoolgirl outfits or posed precariously in lingerie. The soft tones and idealized bodies could have been taken from the pages of Playboy magazine.

His West Coast pin-up style caused a stir several months ago at the Arts Factory at Charleston and Main Street.

"It's very different for us," says Jacie Maynard, owner of L Maynard Galleries. "But sometimes it's good to offer a little bit of everything."

Maynard says if the exhibit goes well, it will stay up through First Friday. For more information, call the gallery at 855-0081.

Jazz on the mountain

The Mount Charleston Jazz Festival, a three-day art and entertainment event, kicks off at 7 p.m. today at the New Mount Charleston Hotel on Kyle Canyon Road, 35 miles northwest from the Las Vegas Strip. Tonight's events include Rock 'n' Roll Wine Tasting, an exhibit presented by Art Encounter gallery and music by Daniel de los Reyes of Drum Jungle.

Pete Radd, Larry White and the Marty Mahoney Band will perform Saturday.

Sunday's noon to 7 p.m. concert schedule includes performances by students from the Las Vegas Academy, UNLV Jazz Band, the Steven Lee Group and Fattburger, among others. For more information, call the hotel at 872-5500.

World music

Harpist Mariano Gonzalez will perform Paraguayan folk music at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Winchester Cultural Center, 3130 S. McLeod Drive, as part of the World Vibration Concert Series. Raised as a cowboy in Buena Vista, Paraguay, Gonzalez began playing the harp at age 5. He incorporates jazz, classical and popular styles into his music. Tickets are $10; $7 for children and seniors. Call 455-7340.