Discovering Art in Las Vegas
Las Vegas has always been known as the the shimmering gambling metropolis in the middle of the arid Mojave Desert. Hardly anyone thinks of Southern Nevada when talking about Culture & the Arts. In fact, many would agree that culturally speaking, the greater Las Vegas area is just as much a desert wasteland as it is geographically. And in deed, High Culture seems far removed from the Neon lights on the Las Vegas Strip. Yet among the many missions of Euroquest Sidetracks, one has been to continuously question and dismantle stereotypes, and to seek alternative spaces amidst the mainstream. This week's contribution marks no difference, as we shall focus on the vibrant modern Las vegas Arts scene centered around E Charleston Boulevard.
The history of Modern Art in Las Vegas is closely tied to the history of the FIRST FRIDAY event celebrated monthly since 2002. It nowadays attracts up to 10000 visitors and covers the 18 major blocks around the Las Vegas Arts center (locally refered to as 18B). Five blocks are even pedestrianized for the event, celebrated the first Friday of every month and involving all major art galleries and community art centers in town. Updated program listings may be found on their website at http://www.firstfriday-lasvegas.org/aboutus.html. As even Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman once remarked: "First Friday is the best thing that ever happened to Las Vegas." Truly a family-type event with a welcoming atmosphere for everyone, it offers a unique opportunity to present, promote and sell their art work and to make their voices heard community-wide.
Another center piece of the local Arts Scene is the Arts Factory located on East Charleston Boulevard. It marks the beginning of the center town's artsy gentrification project. A stone's throw away from the newly developed Premier Outlet Mall attracting thousands of visitors daily, the Arts Factory poses an impressive contrast to the otherwise bland modern tourist and commercial infrastructure. Once the brain child of pioneer artist Wes Myles Isbutt, the building today houses up to 23 artists and their workshops. Inspired by similar loft-style arts centers in San Francisco and New York City, it marks a refreshingly contemporary artistic feel for what otherwise is a rather economically challenged area of Las vegas. To truly savor the artistic quality of the workshops located here, it may be worthwhile to stop by on a regular work day and enjoy browsing through the factory at leisure with no crowds or distractions. Again, further information may be found on the Arts Factory's web site at www.theartsfactory.com.
Inspired by the workshops at the Arts Factory, the exhibits at the First Friday event, we may then delve into the riches of Las Vegas' antique scene by visiting the many antique and second hand stores located in and around the 18B neighborhood. The biggest and most impressive display of second-hand treasures may be found at the Charleston Antique Mall and the adjacent Red Rooster Store. Although their address is listed as W Charleston Blvd. near I-15, neither store can actually be reached from Charleston but must be accessed from the back along Western Avenue. Lovers of second-hand merchandise will enjoy the vast variety, friendly staff and competitive prices here. Following plentiful art inspiration in the shadows of the Stratosphere Tower we then proceed for local culinary delights in either the Latin areas of Las vegas's East side - or for great Asian food, the China and Korea town neighborhoods on the city's near West Side.
The history of Modern Art in Las Vegas is closely tied to the history of the FIRST FRIDAY event celebrated monthly since 2002. It nowadays attracts up to 10000 visitors and covers the 18 major blocks around the Las Vegas Arts center (locally refered to as 18B). Five blocks are even pedestrianized for the event, celebrated the first Friday of every month and involving all major art galleries and community art centers in town. Updated program listings may be found on their website at http://www.firstfriday-lasvegas.org/aboutus.html. As even Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman once remarked: "First Friday is the best thing that ever happened to Las Vegas." Truly a family-type event with a welcoming atmosphere for everyone, it offers a unique opportunity to present, promote and sell their art work and to make their voices heard community-wide.
Another center piece of the local Arts Scene is the Arts Factory located on East Charleston Boulevard. It marks the beginning of the center town's artsy gentrification project. A stone's throw away from the newly developed Premier Outlet Mall attracting thousands of visitors daily, the Arts Factory poses an impressive contrast to the otherwise bland modern tourist and commercial infrastructure. Once the brain child of pioneer artist Wes Myles Isbutt, the building today houses up to 23 artists and their workshops. Inspired by similar loft-style arts centers in San Francisco and New York City, it marks a refreshingly contemporary artistic feel for what otherwise is a rather economically challenged area of Las vegas. To truly savor the artistic quality of the workshops located here, it may be worthwhile to stop by on a regular work day and enjoy browsing through the factory at leisure with no crowds or distractions. Again, further information may be found on the Arts Factory's web site at www.theartsfactory.com.
Inspired by the workshops at the Arts Factory, the exhibits at the First Friday event, we may then delve into the riches of Las Vegas' antique scene by visiting the many antique and second hand stores located in and around the 18B neighborhood. The biggest and most impressive display of second-hand treasures may be found at the Charleston Antique Mall and the adjacent Red Rooster Store. Although their address is listed as W Charleston Blvd. near I-15, neither store can actually be reached from Charleston but must be accessed from the back along Western Avenue. Lovers of second-hand merchandise will enjoy the vast variety, friendly staff and competitive prices here. Following plentiful art inspiration in the shadows of the Stratosphere Tower we then proceed for local culinary delights in either the Latin areas of Las vegas's East side - or for great Asian food, the China and Korea town neighborhoods on the city's near West Side.
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