Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art in Las Vegas will debut a new exhibit April 16 called, “A Sense of Place: Landscapes from Monet to Hockney.” More than 30 pieces of art, including paintings, photographs and video installation, demonstrate contrast and comparison of approach and expressionism in art. The exhibit includes landscapes by artists as Claude Monet, Marc Chagall, Helen Frankenthaler, David Hockney, Sylvia Plimack Mangold, Robert Rauschenberg, Christo Vik Muniz and others.

When traveling to Las Vegas, check out the exhibit and compare Monet’s impressionistic haystacks painted in 1885 with Muniz’s carefully rendered pigment prints created in 2006. Precise representational paintings will be placed alongside abstract works in order to reveal how landscape has been portrayed by artists throughout history.

“A natural follow-up to the successful figurative exhibition currently at Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art through March 27, ‘A Sense of Place’ explores another subject matter synonymous with art: landscapes,” said Tarissa Tiberti, director of BGFA. “The pieces we’ve curated for this collection truly complement one another and together they create a thorough exploration of landscape art.”

“A Sense of Place” is the result of a partnership with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA) and the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) and includes selections from the MGM Resorts International Fine Art Collection.

“A Sense of Place: Landscapes from Monet to Hockney” will be on view beginning April 16 through January 2012. Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art is open Sunday through Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Last admissions are sold 30 minutes prior to closing. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $12 for Nevada residents and seniors 65 and older, and $10 for students, teachers and military with valid ID. Children 12 and younger are free. Tickets and information are available by calling (702) 693-7871 or (877) 957-9777 or visiting www.bellagio.com/bgfa. Audio tours are included in the price of admission.

Image Source: Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art

Piano! Las Vegas starring international recording artist and world-champion pianist Ryan Ahern celebrated its grand opening on Feb. 23 to mark its new home on the Las Vegas Strip. Ahern amazes audiences with his mesmerizing hand speed and diverse musical arrangements ranging from Broadway to Rock n’ Roll to Boogie Woogie.

“Growing up in Las Vegas, it’s always been a dream of mine to one day have my own show on the Strip,” said Ryan Ahern. “After travelling the world, that day has finally come and I look forward to entertaining audiences with my twist on some of the most iconic songs in music history.”

When traveling to Las Vegas, check out Ahern’s show at the V Theater inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Piano! Las Vegas plays Saturdays through Thursdays at 2:30 p.m. which means you can check out more of the Vegas nightlife and shows later in the day.

The show is backed by six of Las Vegas’ finest musicians who entertain audiences with exciting arrangements.  From contemporary medleys such as Maroon Five’s This Love and Seal’s Kiss From a Rose, to favorite hits including Ray Charles’ Mess Around, Jerry Lee Lewis’ Great Balls of Fire and Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody to timeless movie themes from John Williams’ Theme from E.T. to Bette Midler’s Wind Beneath My Wings and the exciting classics Malaguena and Flight of the Bumblebee Boogie all topped off with Ryan’s own award-winning Boogie Woogie.  Ahern presents a masterful showcase of piano technique and artistry that speaks to every audience member.

Image Source: PIANO! LAS VEGAS/PR NEWSWIRE

Punxsutawney Phil, probably the second most famous rodent next to Mickey, did not see his shadow this Groundhog Day meaning winter is ending and spring is on its way. But after all the snow this winter, can you wait until spring to defrost?

We have some ideas to escape the winter cold and soak up the sunshine and heat in the near-future. Here are our top warm-weather picks in the United States for this winter:

Las Vegas, Nev. – Seriously, you don’t need an excuse for a Las Vegas vacation but if you need one, four or five wallops of winter snow is good reason. Las Vegas is always evolving with grand resorts, superb entertainment and non-stop action. We can’t guarantee you’ll win big in the casinos but are pretty sure you’ll be filled with unforgettable memories.

New Orleans, La. - Laissez les bons temps rouler! Let the good times roll during a New Orleans vacation.  Take a cooking class to learn how to prepare Cajun cuisine, get spooked during an evening city ghost tour, and let loose (but in control) on Bourbon Street when the music is pulsing. It’s not too early to find your New Orleans accommodations for Mardi Gras, which is Tuesday, March 8, 2011.

Palm Springs, Calif. – If winter has given you the blahs, travel to Palm Springs where average high temperatures range between the upper-70s to low-90s. Just reading that fills me with warm fuzzies. Explore canyons, tee it up on a golf course and soak up the snazzy sophistication while soaking up the sun.

Florida – There were reported sightings of Groundhog Phil basking in the Sunshine State’s warm rays the end of January. Apparently, the groundhog had enough of snow and boogied on down south for an early spring. Make like Phil and travel to Florida to enjoy eclectic Key West, flare of Naples, vroom of Daytona Beach and thrill of Orlando. Whether seeking beaches, nature, or exhilarating theme park rides, Florida offers something for everyone.

There’s only so much a cozy fireplace and grandma’s quilt can do to keep you warm. Escape on a warm-weather vacation to warm the spirit and soul.

Image Source: Naples, Marco Island & Everglades Convention & Visitors Bureau