OVERTON — The Lost City Museum in Overton is proud to present the artwork of Jim Callaway July 10-31.
Born and raised in Las Vegas, Callaway graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno, with the intention of being an art teacher. But in 1969, he attended dental school in Detroit and art was put on the back burner as he built his practice. Years later, he learned of the new focus on realistic art and immediately painted his first Native American portrait. It sold the next week.
Over the years, Callaway continued to paint portraits, including more than 30 works for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas boosters club. Callaway also served as the team dentist for all university players for more than 37 years. He earned a place in the UNLV Hall of Fame in 2008. “Doc,” as he has been known, practiced dentistry for 41 years until Parkinson’s disease forced his retirement.
Not a fan of critics, Callaway rarely exhibited his work until an interested agent in Tucson, Arizona, persuaded him to show in galleries. Art is Callaway’s passion, and he says painting is as important to him as breathing.
The Lost City Museum actively engages people in understanding and celebrating Nevada’s natural and cultural heritage. One of seven museums managed by the Nevada Division of Museums and History, an agency of the Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, it is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 721 S. Moapa Valley Blvd., Overton. Admission is $5, free for children 17 and younger and members. From Las Vegas, take Interstate 15 north to exit 93. Access also is available from Lake Mead National Recreation Area or the Valley of Fire State Park. For more information, call the museum at 702-397-2193 or visit the museum’s Facebook page..