Nevada Consular Corps

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Consul Biggs Sparkuhl Meets With Award-Winning Mayan Artist Balam Soto

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Artist Balam Soto and Paulina Biggs Sparkuhl

Renowned artist introduced to Las Vegas by Dr. Aldo Aguirre, Honorary Vice-Consul of Guatemala

24 Sept. 2009/– Consul Paulina Biggs Sparkuhl was introduced to Guatemalan artist Balam Soto at his exhibition in Las Vegas.

In April 2008, Balam was honored with a Diploma of Recognition as a “Maestro,” a Master of Visual Arts, by the National Constitutional Assembly of Guatemala for “being a valuable and outstanding Guatemalan with international success.”  

A resident of Connecticut, Mr. Soto was hosted and introduced by Consul Biggs Sparkuhl’s colleague in the Consular Corps and in the Consular Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Aldo Aguirre, Honorary Vice-Consul of Guatemala. 

Vice-Consul Dr. Aldo Aguirre and Balam Soto enjoy the show at Wynn Las Vegas

Vice-Consul Dr. Aldo Aguirre and Balam Soto enjoy the show at Wynn Las Vegas

In light of Balam’s affinity for multi-media art, Consul Biggs Sparkuhl insisted that Balam see the performance art at Parisol Down, a famous lounge at the Wynn Resort with an ongoing technological art show over a lake.  Consul Biggs Sparkuhl hosted President Bachalet of Chile at the same location last year.  

Dr. Aguirre remarked, “Spectacular.  Only Paulina would know this secret vantage point for such a fantastic show.”

Mr. Soto stayed through three shows, explaining, “Incredible!  What an introduction to public art in Las Vegas.  It gives me great inspiration.” 

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City of Las Vegas Recognizes Viviana Mehner

Consul Biggs Sparkuhl introduces Viviana Mehner to Councilman Ricki Barlow

Consul Biggs Sparkuhl introduces Viviana Mehner to Councilman Ricki Barlow

Chilean Consulate Introduces City Hall to Chilean Culture

15 September, 2009 // Viviana Mehner, President of the Chilean Association of Nevada, was honored today by the City of Las Vegas for her outstanding leadership.  The award was presented in front of the entire Las Vegas City Council, including Mayor Oscar Goodman.

Prior to receiving the award in City Hall chambers, Ms. Mehner was personally introduced by Consul Biggs Sparkuhl to Las Vegas Ward 5 City Councilman Ricki Barlow, in whose ward substantial Chilean investments have been made in recent years.   

Viviana was also introduce to the Consul’s old friend, Ward 4 City Councilman Stavros Anthony.  councilman Anthony’s ward includes the Chilean consulate itself.

Consul Biggs Sparkuhl, Viviana Mehner, Councilman Stavros Anthony

Consul Biggs Sparkuhl, Viviana Mehner, Councilman Stavros Anthony

The councilmen joined the Consul and Ms. Mehner and enjoyed live chilean music from Voces de Chile.  The performance stopped dozens of people who took a moment to hear the fantastic music in the morning sun.

 Speech of the Consul:  “Thank you for having me.  My name is Paulina Biggs Sparkuhl.  I was appointed by the President of Chile to represent my Country as Honorary Consul in Las Vegas, in 2002.
Viviana Mehner represents the kind of Chilean who makes us all proud.
An Entrepreneur, she also takes on the extraordinary civic responsibility of being a leader in our society.  Viviana has tirelessly worked to carry the torch lit by my mother, Paulina Bosch, years ago when she started the Chilean Association.
As President of the Association today, Viviana has fought hard to grow the organization , its services and events, during these trying times. 
Under Viviana’s leadership, the Chilean association has grown – much like the trade treaties of Chile herself – to include others in the culture and prosperity of the Chilean experience.
Chileans came to Las Vegas not only to partake in the opportunities of the US, but also to contribute.  Whether it is running the local car dealership, conducting the orchestra, singing to us this morning, or starting a women’s shelter, attaining fame and fortune as a surgeon, or simply a happy life in the employment of industry, we are here to stay.
These are trying times in the Unites States, and many are tempted to return to Chile’s relative prosperity.  We don’t forget where we come from, but we also do not forget our friends and community in time of need.  We are here to stay.
Viviana represents the best in Chilean American society.  I congratulate her on this substantial recognition from the City we love.”
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Consul of Chile Dines with Consul General of Thailand and Chef McDang

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Le Corodon Bleu hosts famous Thai chef and international dignitaries for spectacular luncheon

 Thai Tapas Reception continues tradition of culinary international good will in Las Vegas

August 21, 2009, Las Vegas:  Consul Paulina Biggs Chef McDang Le Cordon Bleu EventSparkuhl joined Las Vegas consuls Andreas Adrean (Germany) and Lena Walther (Sweden) in welcoming Jukr Boon-Long, Consul General of Thailand in Los

 

Angeles and Nipa Nirannoot, Consul of Thailand to the Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts.

Chef McDang

Chef McDang

The event repeated the success of previous years, with participants enjoying a tremendous lunch prepared by the students at Le Cordon Bleu under the leadership of the visiting famous Chef McDang.

Chef McDang presented a sneak preview to his much-anticipated Thai gourmet cooking guide, coming to bookstores soon. 

Chef McDang was kind enough to offer his hospitality for Consul Biggs Sparkuhl when she returns to Bangkok to warm up contacts made during her November, 2007 trip to Thailand.