Longing, sadness felt in apolitical Israeli art

Friday, May 11, 2007 | 7:27 a.m.

The chance to see work by artists Adi Nes, Nir Hod and Gideon Rubin doesn't come often in Las Vegas. Or ever.

Fortunately, the Israel Independence Day celebration Sunday at the Venetian includes an exhibit of work by the prominent contemporary Israeli artists.

Expect work from Nes' "Bible Stories," a collection of staged photographs based on biblical tales; Hod's "Flowers," an oil on canvas inspired by a 9/11 ground zero memorial; and Rubin's fascinating little watercolor portraits on cardboard that capture so much with so little detail.

Brought in by Naomi Arin Contemporary Art, the work was selected because of the artists' obvious relationship with Israel and because of its beauty.

"They aren't so literally and visually tied to the Middle East conflict. They are bringing an Israeli perspective to everyday life and other people's sorrows, Arin says. "Artists that are working and living in Israel don't have to make political work. Maybe they can just make beautiful art."

That said, Arin adds, "there is a sense of longing and sadness in their work."

Details: Noon-4 p.m. Sunday; Palazzo Ballroom at the Venetian; free; 794-0090, www.jccsn.org.

Hoofin' it

They're still kicking. Senior musical comedy troupe "The Backstage Review," which last year brought "Hooray for Cabaret," is back in the Paul Harris Theatre cheering Broadway in a show called - yes, you guessed it - "Hooray for Broadway." The song, dance and comedy performance promises a nostalgic tour of the Great White Way's glory days.

Details: 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday; UNLV's Paul Harris Theatre; $15; 895-2787.