Observations and stories of art and creative energy exchanges.

Celebrating A.D. Cook on Model Mayhem since 2005

Twenty Years of Model Mayhem

Today marks twenty years of celebrating timeless beauty through powerful art on Model Mayhem.

In the Spring of 2005, I was contacted by the creators of Model Mayhem, an all-new website showcasing figurative art, photography, and model portfolios. Model Mayhem acts as a platform for individuals in the creative industries to connect and collaborate. I was immediately intrigued and accepted their offer to join their site, and twenty years ago, my profile went live as member #531.

A.D. Cook April 8, 2025

Garage Dreams Market & Expo

The Garage Dreams Market Expo is more than just a car show; it celebrates automotive culture. From showcasing incredible cars of all makes, models, and price ranges to hosting interactive events like the Little Legends Grand Prix kids’ racing event, the event aimed to provide something for everyone. It also featured vendor marketplaces, car-related collectibles, delicious food trucks, and live entertainment, ensuring a memorable day for all attendees.

A.D. Cook April 5, 2025

Las Vegas Brewing News: April 2025

In this new monthly feature, we spotlight one of our local head brewers. First up is Andy Kohon, head brewer at Mojave Brewing. Also updates on Cin-Cin Brewhouse, Beer Zombies, Big Dogs Brewing, Rebellion Pizza, and more.

Bob Barnes April 1, 2025

Las Sendas Car Show

The word was out, calling all hot rod owners and car enthusiasts… “Bring your car, bring your friends, bring your family!” The people responded by bringing their beautiful cars, families, and dogs.

It could not be a more perfect day for the 8th Annual Las Sendas Fenders & Vendors Car Show at Mesa’s Boulder Mountain Park with an abundance of amazing cars, music, a 50/50 raffle benefiting the local PTO, face painters, cockpit tours of a Huey UH-1B helicopter, shopping from local businesses and restaurants, and more!

A.D. Cook March 30, 2025

The Apache Wells Car Show

The 14th Annual Apache Wells Car Show was one of the best shows I’ve attended this year. Hosted by Nancy Perry Productions, Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm at the Apache Wells Country Club parking lot, 5601 East Hermosa Vista Drive, there was no shortage of fantastic eye candy.

A.D. Cook March 24, 2025

East Valley Cruisers Friday Cruise-In • March 21, 2025

It could not have been a more perfect day for a car show. Friday, March 21st, marked my eighth visit to the East Valley Cruisers Cruise-In in Mesa, AZ, since discovering the gathering of cool rods and custom cars last Autumn. I last visited this car show a couple of months ago, in early January.

A.D. Cook March 21, 2025

Equinox XX

Ahhh, Spring is in the air. I was doing a little Spring organizing in the studio and recently unwrapped my 2005 painting, EQUINOX, celebrating a change of seasons, from Winter to Spring.

A.D. Cook March 20, 2025

MOMENTUM Continued

Today marks one year since my Corvette diptych, MOMENTUM, was first displayed at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky, as part of the LUSTER Exhibit.

A.D. Cook March 15, 2025

Las Vegas Brewing News: March 2025

March beer events; Henderson Booze District St. Patrick’s Day Crawl, Brew’s Best Craft Beer Festival, Boulder City Beerfest, Great Vegas Festival of Beer, Craft Beer Paradise, Rebellion Pizza, Las Vegas Brewing Partnering with Nevada State Parks Foundation, and more from Bob Barnes.

Bob Barnes February 26, 2025

I Paint What I See

When I was just a kid, my family moved frequently, so I attended several different schools in various locations across America, including a few in the vibrant city of Phoenix, where I currently reside. At one of the schools during my formative years, I was fortunate to encounter a genuinely memorable teacher who inspired and motivated me at an early age. My fourth-grade teacher’s simple but profound gesture embedded a life-long lesson that has significantly shaped my focus on my art and creativity.

A.D. Cook February 6, 2025

Momentum’s Extended Stay at the National Corvette Museum

I’m excited to share that while the LUSTER Automotive Art Exhibit wrapped up and moved on to its next venue, my Corvette diptych paintings celebrating America’s Sports Car remain at the National Corvette Museum for a six-month extended stay.

A.D. Cook February 5, 2025

Las Vegas Brewing News: February 2025

Aces & Ales Evolve Brewing, Chris Jacobs Beer Zombie birthday, CraftHaus Brewery, Ahern Hotel, the Craft Beverage Passport Program, two Beer Events on Super Bowl Saturday, and more from Bob Barnes.

Bob Barnes February 3, 2025

Posts & Updates

Observations and stories of art, cars, life, and creative energy exchanges.