MARY BALDASANO / SPECIAL TO THE PVT Hannah Lane displays her finished painting of a woodland waterfall at the Pahrump Valley Museum. MARY BALDASANO / SPECIAL TO THE PVT Angelica Wilenkin stands by a bold abstract painting the 11-year-old recently finished. Advertisement

Hosted by the Pahrump Arts Council, Hannah Lane and Angelica Wilenkin had no idea that doing what they love to do at the Pahrump Valley Museum Aug. 25 would attract the local media.

Both girls being 11, the look in their eyes upon seeing the cameras of the media was one of shock with a little shyness thrown in for good measure.

Nonetheless, painting soon overcame any worries, and their minds were totally focused on the job before them.

The picturesque beauty they created gave older, more experienced artists a challenge.

These girls are part of the future of art, and the level of talent at such a young age demanded notice.

Lane had previously finished the painting of a woodland scene with a beautiful waterfall. On this day, she was working on a winter scene with bare trees, a house and fence posts in the foreground -- a work in progress.

As she focused on inserting a tree into the painting, her strokes were smooth yet intense. Watching the tree appear was like watching one grow.

Her family gives full encouragement for her talent. Under the guidance of Dorothy Slicker, teacher of the day whose work is displayed in many galleries, Lane is destined for an artistic future if she so chooses. Asked why she likes to paint, she replied, "I always liked art. It's fun and gets me away from my brothers."

Wilenkin, who prefers abstract art and has only been painting for about a year, is currently under the tutelage of Paul Freidin, a nationally known abstract artist who recently had his art displayed in a New York gallery.

When asked how long it took to complete what appeared to be a complex piece, she said, "Oh, only about an hour."

Each stroke seems lackadaisical, yet its form and smooth continuous strokes, when mixed with others, is amazing. The use of bold, bright black and red colors quickly grabbed the viewer's and challenged one to grasp the painting's intent and purpose.

Saturday Wilenkin was working up another abstract piece. She has been painting since a very young age and has the full support of her family.

Another artist working the same scene was Michelle Holtzman, a local adult painter. She had a definitely different yet sublime vision of the scene. Her chosen background gave a lightness that made the painting a real attention grabber. Another of Slicker's students, she is well on her way.

Slicker, a well-known local artist whose work is displayed in Nevada and California galleries, will be attending a workshop offered by nationally known artist Robert Warren, which will give her certification to teach at different levels.

Art has no age limit, and location does not hinder the development of talent. Pahrump's talent is never ending.