Having an out-of-state artist painting a state's governor portrait is pretty common in most states. I believe the Nevada Arts Council considers it a fair competition because everyone has to meet the same criteria. I've talked to a couple of artists who have submitted proposals, but they don't meet the criteria of having done commissioned work that is similar in style to previous portraits. Nevada governors, however, can override the decision and select an artist of their choice.

The cost of the project is $700,000, of which $360,000 came from the Nevada Department of Transportation.

http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/news/2010/...

sporty, you must be new to town. I've been covering artists, galleries, exhibits, lectures, patrons and cultural events for years. As to people working daily in the local arts scene, here's a link to a series we did at the Sun called People in the Arts. The top three stories on the web page are not part of the series, but the rest are.
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/ae/peopl...

There was nothing for sale at this event. The event was free. The parking was free. There was nothing to buy.

The event was free.

High school students from Kingman, Ariz., visit UNLV each year to view art in the university galleries.

Thanks, David. I must have had Graves on my mind. We've omitted it from the story.

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/sep...

About the Borg work:

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/nov...