Desert Diamond Casino hosts crafts show

The 10th anniversary of the Desert Diamond Casino Arts & Crafts Festival runs Friday through Sunday and will feature Native American entertainment.

“The celebration will showcase Native American fine arts and basket dancers, Southwestern fine arts, crafts, music and food in the beautiful setting of the Desert Diamond Casino courtyard,” said show producer Sharon Good.

Jewelry, pottery, wood crafts, stained glass, metal work, paintings, basketry, furniture, clothing and specialty foods will be some of the creative offerings by dozens of vendors.

In keeping with the Native American theme featured artists include metal artist Ray Rizzo and painter Pat McAllister.

Rizzo’s hand-cut, hand-welded and hand-painted pieces are made of medium-gauge steel for indoor and outdoor use.

One of the finishes offered is the rainbow finish, which is achieved by using different chemicals.

“First I prepare the steel to accept the first chemical, copper. Then while still wet I add two more chemicals to give me the reds, blues and greens,” said Rizzo.

“The piece is rinsed off and air-dried, then immediately sealed. The backs of all pieces are painted with a rust primer and an indoor/outdoor rust-proof base coat.”

McAllister is known for accurately painting a visual history of the Native American people. (SEE PHOTO AT RIGHT)

“My love of history has definitely influenced my art. I am painting a time that has passed for the Native American. My goal is to give people insight into what it might have been like to have been there... not necessarily the dramatic moments but the everyday scenes of life,” McAllister said.

She paints in oils and transparent watercolors and is said to excel at the difficult task of controlling highlights in watercolor portraiture.

If you go

Where: Desert Diamond Casino, Pima Mine Road and Interstate 19

When: Friday and Saturday, Feb. 12-13, 10 to 5; Sunday, Feb. 14, from 10 to 4

More: Desert Diamond Casino’s restaurants — Agave, the Grill and the Buffet — are open for lunch. Free admission and parking. Valet parking available.