Michelle Patrick’s ‘GRACE’ Exhibition Honors the Beauty and Resilience of Black and Brown Lives

By Laura Henkel

Michelle Patrick’s “GRACE,” currently exhibited at the West Las Vegas Library, is a moving exploration of identity, presence and quiet power. Through a series of photographic portraits, Patrick centers Black and Brown lives not in struggle—but in joy, dignity and grace. As she stated at the opening reception, “If you want to see change, be the change.” With this mantra as her foundation, Patrick created the images she wished to see in the world—images that reflect her lived experience, her values and her vision of beauty.

The inspiration behind her photography stems from a lifelong passion for storytelling. “I’ve always loved the art of storytelling and feel that photography provides a unique way to connect with the viewer,” Patrick shares. With a background in ballet and theater, her artistic instincts have long been informed by movement, expression, mood and lighting. “Ballet taught me how to see and capture form, movement and expression. Theater added another layer—how to create atmosphere through emotion and staging. Combined, they’ve trained my eye to be intentional with composition and to connect with the subject’s energy.”

Patrick began photographing people in 2013, taking portraits of friends and colleagues she met while traveling across the Western United States. That intimacy and familiarity are visible in every image—each one an invitation to witness a person’s essence, not just their appearance.

Two standout portraits—”Dad” (2015) and “Angela” (2013)—anchor the exhibition in emotional clarity. “Dad” is a black-and-white homage to the artist’s late father, whose silvery beard and wise eyes radiate legacy and love. “Angela,” by contrast, is set against a deepening twilight—her bold stance and expression commanding presence amid nature’s shadows and streetlight glow. Both images, though distinct, embody the quiet strength and luminous grace that define the series.

Across the gallery, Patrick’s portraits invite viewers to slow down and witness humanity in its full spectrum. In one section, a compelling grouping of four individuals reflects the diversity of emotion and identity that defines “GRACE.” Posed with confidence, gentleness and individuality, each subject radiates a quiet defiance against invisibility.

And the journey doesn’t end here. “Yes, this series will continue,” Patrick confirms. “It’s so important to see images that are reflective of positivity and change. That was the purpose of creating this. The series made me create a new personal mantra: If you want to see the change, be the change you want to see.”

Patrick is an accomplished multidisciplinary artist with a background in photography, performance and cultural presentation. For more than a decade, she has worked to elevate stories that reflect the richness of the Black and Brown experience.

“GRACE” is more than an exhibition—it’s an offering, a reclamation and a celebration.

Learn more at MichelleFayePatrick.com. The exhibition at the West Las Vegas Library runs through July 6, 2025.

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Debbie Gibson Crowned ‘Woman of the Year’ at Nevada Ballet Theatre’s Black & White Ball

By Stacey Gualandi

Photography by Denise Truscello, courtesy of Nevada Ballet Theatre

It may have been a Black & White Ball, but there were too many colorful moments to count as the eternally electric and youthful Debbie Gibson accepted the honor of “Woman of the Year” by Nevada Ballet Theatre at Encore Las Vegas.

“There is such a collective passion for the arts in this room, which makes me so happy,” Gibson said.

Let’s just say she couldn’t shake the love of almost 500 VIPs, arts supporters and community leaders who joined NBT in recognizing the artistic achievements and philanthropic contributions of the pop icon and Broadway star.

Following a video montage of Gibson’s life and work, legendary entertainer Tony Orlando (who Debbie affectionately calls “Papa”) gave his longtime friend a touching tribute.

“They’ve chosen one of the greatest ladies I’ve ever known as ‘Woman of the Year.’ Take it in because you’ve earned this,” Orlando said. “Your whole effort on a stage is … to make these people happy; that’s all you ever care about. You don’t care about stardom and fame—you’ve had that—but what you’ve done with your life is what you should be credited for.”

Always the consummate professional, Gibson gave a masterclass in a speak-from-the-heart acceptance speech.

“I couldn’t be resilient without the support of [manager] Heather [Moore], my family, my friends and my team, who at times believed in me more than I believed in myself. Thank you guys so much,” Gibson said.

NBT’s Future Dance Scholars opened the evening with a tribute to the singer-songwriter’s timeless tune “Electric Youth.” In a surprise performance—and a first for NBT’s Black & White Ball—the WOTY joined the troupe on stage and wowed the crowd with a medley of her biggest hits, accompanied by the nine-piece David Perrico Pop Strings Orchestra. (If you blinked, you missed the stunning rip-away of her custom David Tupaz couture gown!)

“I love empowering young people to use their art and their voice,” said Gibson on stage.

Christian Kolberg led the live auction, assisted by board member Dawn Hume. (One happy couple won a puppy for $4,000 and named it Peaches!)

NBT President and CEO Beth Barbre and Artistic Director Roy Kaiser also announced something extremely significant to their entire organization, the arts and cultural community, and the city as a whole.

With the blessing of the George Balanchine Trust, NBT has been given an extraordinary opportunity as one of only six ballet companies in the nation to perform the quintessential version of “The Nutcracker,” choreographed by George Balanchine. It will debut this December on The Smith Center stage and will be performed for decades to come.

The School of Nevada Ballet Theatre’s award-winning competition team and NBT’s professional company performed a sneak peek of the upcoming production, followed by the Fund-A-Need paddle raise, hosted by Kaiser, Kolberg and yours truly.

NBT Board Member Stella Roy, Board Chair Jerry Nadal, Sculptor Richard MacDonald, and Regional West Coast Director for Mikimoto Diane Hoover took the stage to present Gibson with the “Woman of the Year Award”—a bronze sculpture of a dancer by MacDonald.

The elegant black-tie affair is NBT’s largest annual fundraiser. Gibson joins a long list of female icons feted by NBT over the past four decades, including Olivia Newton-John, Rita Moreno and Judy Collins.

Congratulations to Committee Chairs Amanda Moore-Saunders and Jeff Damon, NBT’s Director of Communications and Community Jenn Kratochwill, and to the “2025 Woman of the Year” honoree Debbie Gibson.

“I pride myself on being a human being first and an entertainer second,” Gibson said. “I always want to make sure I leave someone a little better than how they started.”

Anna Gomes

The Queen of In-Kind Giving and Community Engagement

By Laura Henkel

Creativity and community spirit are essential in nonprofit fundraising, and Anna Gomes has masterfully blended both through her culinary ventures. As the heart and soul behind Via Brasil Steakhouse, which recently celebrated its 17th anniversary, and Loaded Empanadas, which opened its physical location in Summerlin in 2024, she has not only satisfied discerning palates but also provided nonprofits with a unique and effective way to raise funds and awareness.

Gomes’ passion for community engagement shines in how she uses her restaurants to cater events supporting local causes. Through her generous donations of food and services—a practice she has perfected—she creates opportunities for organizations to host gatherings that bring people together over delicious meals. By sharing a meal, attendees aren’t just enjoying exceptional food; they’re contributing to the greater good, helping raise funds for vital causes while forging connections that strengthen the community.

What makes her approach so powerful is its simplicity: the act of breaking bread together. Sharing a meal is profoundly human, and Gomes has tapped into this universal experience to facilitate meaningful conversations about giving. Whether catering a fundraising dinner at Via Brasil Steakhouse or providing handcrafted empanadas for an event, she makes it possible for people to engage in philanthropy while indulging in some of the most mouthwatering delicacies in town.

Her efforts go beyond merely feeding the body—they nourish the soul, too. Gomes has created spaces that encourage people to come together, support nonprofits, and be part of something bigger than themselves. Her contributions have become a mechanism for unity, helping countless organizations raise much-needed funds while cultivating a shared purpose.

Through her unwavering commitment to community, Gomes proves that the power of a meal extends far beyond the table—it can be a catalyst for change.

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Hollywood Lights, Liberace Nights

A Chic Launch at the Hollywood Cars Museum and Liberace Garage

By Laura Henkel // Photography by Cashman Photo

Chic Compass brought an unforgettable evening of glamour and gears to the Hollywood Cars Museum and Liberace Garage on March 20, 2025. Celebrating the newest edition of Chic Compass Magazine, the event was a delightful mix of luxury, history and entertainment. Guests were entertained by a jazz trio featuring Cocho Arbe on keyboard, Jeff Davis on bass, and Mike Candito on drums and vocals, adding a lively atmosphere to the evening, while delectable appetizers by Platinum Catering Productions kept everyone satisfied as they mingled.

First, guests entered the Hollywood Cars Museum, filled with fun autos used on Hollywood film sets over the years. After that tour de force, guests walked through the Liberace entrance, witnessing a spectacular collection of vintage cars that set the tone for the night ahead. With its opulent and larger-than-life collection of vehicles, the Liberace Garage was the perfect backdrop for the event. Among the most captivating exhibits were the bejeweled, bedazzled and blinged-out cars that Liberace used to make his grand entrances. It was a true testament to the flamboyant and extravagant nature of the legendary performer.

Of course, no visit to the Liberace Garage would be complete without exploring the incredible collection of Liberace’s costumes, memorabilia and décor. The items on display offered a glimpse into the life of a true cultural icon who was ahead of his time. Guests were treated to a mesmerizing journey through the world of Liberace, with his bold fashion choices and unforgettable style taking center stage throughout the evening.

The event was well attended by distinguished guests, many of whom are featured in the current edition of Chic Compass. Among the attendees were local business leaders, creatives and influential figures who helped shape the arts and culture scene in Las Vegas. The evening also marked the final event for the Forgotten Song Foundation, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to recognizing and sustaining the visual artists and performance artistry of live music for future generations.

Founded in 2015, the Forgotten Song Foundation has played a pivotal role in raising awareness about the arts in Las Vegas and supporting young adults pursuing degrees in music and arts at the college level. Over the years, the organization has awarded close to $200,000 in scholarships and grants to local artists, entertainers and institutions, including the Jazz Studies & Commercial Music program and the art department at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas; the Community College of Southern Nevada jazz studies department; Composer Showcase; Nevada Ballet; JOI – Jazz Outreach Initiative; The Smith Center; and many others.

The evening’s festivities were about celebrating past achievements and looking forward to the next generation. The Forgotten Song Foundation’s Midnight Muse project, which received two grants from the Centennial Grant Commission in 2015, continues to live on through its film, book and CD set. The film remains available to stream on Amazon Prime. Roxy and Skai Jones, both recipients of past and present grants from the foundation for their musical endeavors, held their own fundraising event, Youth for Youth Concert, this past December and raised $50,000. The Boys & Girls Club of Nevada and the Forgotten Song Foundation shared that gift. The young and talented women awarded the foundation a check for $25,000 that evening.

In conclusion, Hollywood Nights and Liberace Lights was not just a celebration of style and history—it was also a poignant tribute to the lasting impact of the Forgotten Song Foundation. The foundation’s dedication to preserving the arts and supporting the next generation of artists ensures that the magic of live music and visual arts will continue to thrive in Las Vegas for years to come.

Marion Jones

A Celebration of Women’s Strength presented by the Executive Women’s Council of the Vegas Chamber

By Laura Henkel

Las Vegas is a city that thrives on transformation—where reinvention is a way of life and resilience fuels success. The Vegas Chamber’s Executive Women’s Council recently hosted a sold-out International Women’s Day celebration, bringing together a powerful network of women who understand that every challenge is an opportunity to rise stronger.

At the center of the event was Olympic champion and legendary track and field athlete Marion Jones, whose keynote was more than just a speech—it was a performance in personal evolution, a master class in resilience, and a testament to the art of transformation.

The Art of Reinvention: Marion Jones’ Story

Jones’ journey is one of extremes—unparalleled triumphs followed by the toughest trials. Yet, she never let setbacks define her.

Now, as a mother of three—two sons and a daughter—Jones carries forward the lessons instilled by her own mother. She emphasizes that true strength is not defined by titles or medals but by character, humility and perseverance—values she has long upheld and now strives to pass on to her own children. Throughout the event, she credited her mother as the person she looks up to the most, recognizing her as a constant source of wisdom and strength in her life.

Her journey has had extraordinary highs—Olympic victories, worldwide acclaim—and unimaginable lows—public scrutiny, personal hardship and the challenge of rebuilding her life from the ground up.

But her story was never over.

“At the heights of success, I knew my story was not over. At the depths of failure, I knew this was not the last word on Marion Jones.”

Her message was clear and powerful:

• Your circumstances do not define you—your response to them does.
• Adversity is not the end—it is the beginning of something greater.
• Your story is still being written—so write it with intention.

The Art of Resilience: Five Takeaways from Marion Jones

Jones left the audience with two powerful frameworks—one for the long road ahead and another for the small victories that add up every day. First, she shared five key takeaways for lasting transformation.

1. Own your circumstances—no matter how difficult.
   Facing struggles rather than hiding from them is the first step to transformation.
2. Reignite the fire within.
   Passion doesn’t disappear—it sometimes lies dormant, waiting to be reignited.
3. Put in the work—reps matter.
   Just as an artist refines their technique through repetition, personal reinvention requires daily effort and consistency.
4. Reinvent yourself, fearlessly.
   Life is a canvas, and mistakes don’t ruin it—they add depth. Adaptation is key to growth.
5. Surround yourself with supporters, not saboteurs.
   Your network determines your net worth. Align yourself with those who challenge and uplift you.

An Unforgettable Morning of Inspiration

The energy in the room was undeniable.

Every attendee left with a renewed sense of possibility, drive and resilience. Jones’ story was not about reliving the past—it was about recognizing the power of today and the limitless potential of tomorrow.

Honoring Women in Leadership

The event also honored outstanding women in business and leadership, recognizing their significant contributions:

• Susan Hitch, CFO of Circa Resort & Casino, was honored for her unwavering leadership.
• Kristi Staab, executive coach of Kristi Staab Enterprises, was recognized for securing Jones as the keynote speaker.
• Gina Bongiovi, managing partner of Bongiovi Law Firm and a dedicated Vegas Chamber leader, reinforced the importance of women’s leadership and mentorship.
• Danna Jarvis, steering committee chair of the Executive Women’s Council.

This unforgettable event was made possible through the generosity of sponsors, including:

• Howard Hughes (Presenting Sponsor)
• UNLV Lee Business School Executive MBA Program (Platinum Sponsor)
• Gold Sponsors: Bank of Nevada, Cragin & Pike, Hightower Las Vegas, the Vegas Chamber’s Leadership Foundation, and NV Energy

A special thanks to Circa Resort & Casino for hosting this inspiring morning of connection and transformation.

The Art of the Comeback—A Call to Action

Jones has transformed her story into a movement. Through her Comeback—which she recently launched as part of her partnership with Driving In—she mentors others and teaches the mindset of winning and the art of peak performance.

Because, as she says: “Everyone can have a comeback story. And now … it’s time for yours.”

For those inspired by her journey, here’s what you can do next:

• Follow this extraordinary woman.
• Subscribe to her upcoming podcast.
• Hire her as your coach.

Jones keeps it real, and when you learn from a champion, you always bring your A-game.

#ExecutiveWomensCouncil #InternationalWomensDay #WomenInLeadership #VegasChamber #MarionJones #TheArtOfTheComeback