First Friday!!! A December to Remember...

The crown jewel of Las Vegas' art scene returns this month with an amazing array of new and exciting art exhibitions, musical acts and festivities to entice the masses. After checking out the exhibitions out and about on Preview Thursday I am very pleased with what I have seen thus far. In addition, First Friday is a great event to get much of your holiday shopping done. Instead of going to the big retailers come Downtown, support small businesses and artists and pick up a unique gift for your loved one. Giving the gift of art is the best way to celebrate the holidays and it helps out the economy too! Besides artists make great pets! For more information about First Friday - http://www.firstfridaylasvegas.com/

Anyway I could talk all day but I will leave that for another post. Here is Ryan Reason's Culture Week recap of festivities this First Friday and this weekend. Have a great and safe First Friday!

18b Arts District

At The Arts Factory - 

Walls do Talk @ the CAC

Contemporary Arts Center - CAC
Suite 120
“Walls Do Talk”
CAC’s way of saying Thank You for the last 22 years of history
The Contemporary Arts Center here inside the arts factory is holding a special show and holiday fundraiser where we are celebrating the 22 years of history of the CAC artists and shows by inviting artists and supporters to own, paint, create or decorate a piece of CAC's history using some of the hundreds of small coin-shaped wall cutouts from the last show or from the larger sections of the deconstructed walls that are here in the gallery. These pieces were generously offered to be used for this fundraising idea by the exhibiting artist Scott Carter. Saturday, Dec. 3rd from 6pm to 8pm join us in the CAC Gallery when all the pieces will be on display and for sale during our special holiday history celebration show being curated by Brian Paco Alvarez. Some pieces will be on display and for sale for $20. Other select and larger pieces will be up for auction.

and

”Garden of Eden”
photography by Canadian artist Andrzej Maciejewski
21st century society has created a new “Garden of Eden”, where everything looks perfect and flawless but many things, like the taste, the exceptional and often even the humanity, have been lost during the process.The still life compositions in which Maciejewski photographs are inspired by the paintings from the old masters like, Michelangelo Caravaggio, Henri Fantin Latour, and Louis Melendez, emphasizing the contrast between what the gifts of nature used to be and what they have now become through the manipulation of man.
Opening Reception, Artist Talk: Preview Thursday, Dec 1st - 6-9pm
Dec 1st, 2011 - Jan 21st, 2012
http://www.lasvegascac.org/

Christian Gabriel Gallery
Suite #125
Black Christmas
Christian is a Marine Corps vet that uses his art for therapy.
Come stop by for new work from Christian Gabriel, Jimmy Catanzaro & Manny Avila. Also make sure to pick up a Candy Cane of Brutality with every purchase! Have a metal Christmas everyone!
Preview Thursday & First Friday, December, 1&2 - 6pm-10pm
www.christiangabrielart.com
702-372-0544

Jenny Valdez Inc.
Studio 160
Holiday Shopping at Jenny Valdez Inc.
December's Cultural Weekend is a perfect time to shop for holiday gifts at Jenny Valdez Inc. Artists Barbara Gomez, Lisa Fields Clark, Theresa Lucero, Nicholas Walsh, Sarah Flake, and Jenny Valdez will have a variety of pieces on display plus holiday ornaments.
Thursday, December 1, 2011, from 6 pm to 9 pm, and Friday, December 2, 2011, from 6 pm to midnight. For more information, visit www.jennyvaldez.com or send am email to alettertojenny@gmail.com.

HellPop!
Studio 105B
Flaky Friends
HellPop! has special little friends lined up for the month of December! Flaky Friends are super quirky, and distinctly unique creations out of the mind of Vegas plush artist, Sarah Flake. Each one has its own issues. They are defined by their super soft fur, outrageous colors and bold personalities. Take a new friend home with you!
Dec 1st - 31st
Maria@hellpop.net

Happy Panda Toys
Studio 105A
Misfit Toys
Custom Toy Show by Fuller
A collection of custom hand painted designer toys and skate decks by one of the biggest rising stars in the designer toy industry, James Fuller.
December 1st Preview Thursday 6:00PM - 8:00Pm
December 2nd First Friday Noon - 10:00PM
www.happypandatoys.com
Store Phone 702 516 3432

Hiptazmic Studio
Studio 105c
Eclectic works by various artists including, Christine & Gabby Esposito & Val Eagar. Hiptazmic has a wide variety of Eco Art and jewelry made from recyclable pieces and amazing art by local artists priced just right for holiday gift giving.
Open 5 days week / closed Sunday & Monday
Open for Preview Thursday / First Friday
email for appointment
www.hiptazmic.com
christine@hiptazmic.com

La Chica Art & Music Studio Gallery
Studio 220
Night on the Town - The Downtown impressions of Kathleen Strukoff
GRAND OPENING

Trifecta Gallery
Studio 135
minUMENTAL invitational 2011: Fresh Meat
The latest incarnation of our annual invitational introducing 15+ new artists who have never shown at Trifecta Gallery before.

and

MEATumental Invitational
a MEAT themed exhibition featuring works by
JW Caldwell, Justin Favela, Sam Davis, Brian Henry, Jennifer Henry, Wendy Kveck, Jerry Misko, Kristen Peterson and Erin Stellmon.
in Trifecta’s Attachment Gallery
December 1-30
Opening Preview Thursday, December 1, 6-8pm
www.trifectagallery.com
marty@trifectagallery.com
702.366.7001

Sin City Gallery
Suite 100
THE SMALL OF THE BACK
Minimal lines, colors and wanderings lead to THE SMALL OF THE BACK, a minimalist group show that interprets those things that have softened and inspired each of us to recollect an undemanding space, a quiet past, to lay ones head or hand. It starts with Lincoln Maynard, an acclaimed Las Vegas painter who states, “I come again to this undefended place in the most perfect of landscapes.” Scott Sandoval is also there with created new works that embody the theme and feel of this exhibition through smooth tactile curves and texture. Francois Dubeau completes the scene with created simplistic lines through the use of a digital pen to create moments in time that serve as glimpses of soft desire and delight.
Preview Thursday, December 1, 6:00 - 9:00pm (refreshments served)
First Friday, December 2, 6:00 - 10:00pm
www.sincitygallery.com

Hillary Salon
Suite 250
DEADHAND
9PM FIRST FRIDAY
Earth shaking rock and roll band that will rattle the fillings from your head (in a good way).
http://www.reverbnation.com/deadhandrocks
(702) 525 1053

Joseph Watson Collection
Suite 115
Oh...Nature
Los Angeles artist Shark Toof will extend his Oh.. Nature exhibit this month at the Joseph Watson Collection. He wants to leave a lasting impression that you don't have to carry so much guilt listening to nature. Various work will include mixed media panels. Also, autographed Go, Go, Greta children's books and merchandise will be available for those Christmas shoppers!.
Preview Thursday December 1, 6:00pm - 9:00pm Friday, Decmber 2, 6:00pm - 11:00pm
info@josephwatsoncollection.com
858-733-2135

Jaikowski Studios
Suite #115 Backroom
Ink on the Cat Walk
Where Las Vegas Entertainment comes alive......
From oil and Acrylics to Pen and Inks.......
Several new framed works varying in size.
Preview Thursday Dec 1 7:00pm - 10:00pm
Friday, Dec 2 7:00pm -11:00pm
For an appointment or more info: 702-204-9335
Jaikowskistudios@gmail.com
http://www.jaikowskistudios.com/

R Space Studio
Suite 245 (second floor)
Featuring the art of Douglas Clark, Susanne Forestieri, Olga Gault, Beth McCall

Around the Neighborhood - 

Retro Vegas
1211 S Main Street
"Renee Vaverchak's Miss Atomic Jewelry"
Miss Atomic Jewelry is owned by Renee Vaverchak, who designs and makes each piece by hand. Renee moved to Las Vegas just over a year ago and is excited to be a part of the amazing Las Vegas art scene! Renee's designs are fun and unique with a vintage, retro influence. If you are looking for something different, you will love Miss Atomic Jewelry!

Opens First Friday, December 2, at 6:00pm
Continues through until December 31.
Mon - Sat 11 - 6 with late hours on First Friday
702-384-2700,
retro-vegas.com

222 Imperial
222 Imperial Avenue
Spittoon Saloon
Art based on the interpretation of Las Vegas’ very own modern day wild west.
Artists Amber Gardner, Angee Jackson, Colin Pringle, Constantly Constance, Giovanni Morales, Jerry Misko, Joel Spencer, Lisa Dittrich, Kitschy Chic, Su Limbert, Theresa Lucero and many more, take a chomp out of the old west and send it to 222 imperials spittoon! Big Bugs, Sasparilla Outlaws, Tumbleweed Tycoons, Vacant Home Steaders, Boudoir Banditas, Jolly Ranchers, Gun Slingers, Rodeo Circus, Tavern Fools, Whiskey West, Ace high Gamblers, Paint Wranglers, Caballero Vatos, The City Slicked, Buck skin Dudes and Gals. A lick and a promise this spaghetti western will be served aldente’ and it’ll be hotter than a whore house on nickle night. Featuring old timey western collectables from the Funk House a crying cowboy and a western themed photo-op.!

Photo Bang Bang
224 E. Imperial
December First Friday
Photographers Marcos Rivera and Curtis Walker will be exhibiting new
work from their TERROR! series. A horror themed scene designed by Joel
Spencer. Come talk photography with us!
First Friday - 6pm-12am
www.PhotoBangBang.com

Brett Wesley Gallery
1112 S. Casino Center Blvd
Stream of Consciousness featuring Dutch artist/designer Jonny Detiger.
In the hands of New York artist Jonny Deti...ger, conversations, chance encounters, thoughts and projections merge into a happy, delirious stream of consciousness strewn across the canvas. Through a mix of paintings and moving sculptures this work explores human interactions through a kaleidoscope of iconic imagery, text, color and light.
victoria@BrettWesley.com
http://www.BrettWesleyGallery.com
facebook.com/BrettWesleyGallery
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 12 - 6:00 p.m.

Holsum Design Center
H. Stephen Jackson, Architect
241 W Charleston Blvd., Suite 107
Las Vegas, Nevada 89102

City of the World Gallery
1229 Casino Center at Colorado
With over 25 artists this is a must see destination in 18b - Las Vegas' Arts District
http://cityoftheworld.org/

Entertainment District 

Emergency Arts & The Beat Coffeehouse
520 Fremont Street
Las Vegas, Nevada 89101
http://www.emergencyartslv.com

Kleven Contemporary inside Emergency Arts

Gamma Gamma
Inside Emergency Arts
Featuring the photography of Krystal Ramirez

Saturday December 3rd - 

Talky Trees
On the Patio
Bar + Bistro @ the Arts Factory
Starting at 5pm
We are the Talky Trees: Free Arts & Entertainment Among Friends
What exactly is Talky Trees? It's a 7-hour Arts festival centered around two ideas:
1) Self-expression of the audience such that they and the performers are one and the same! YOU have the gift of art, and we encourage you to realize it.
2) Collaboration between mediums: painters coloring a piece to a poet who then gives his words to the music of others.The artist and the audience? Same people.
This is an art show all about collaboration of all possible mediums. Music, poetry, painting, performance art. What every you are into, bring whatever craft you love and share it with us

Sunday December 4th:

Kidz Creative Korner and Brunch!
On the Patio
Bar + Bistro @ the Arts Factory
Born and Raised Productions presents ~
KIDZ CREATIVE KORNER on the Patio @ Bar & Bistro inside The Arts Factory!!
Tour the Arts Factory and visit all the galleries with the little culture lovers in your life. Have brunch on the Patio while your little Picasso makes up a masterpiece.
This will be the 3rd KCK, which will regularly be held on the 1st & 3rd Sunday of every month! This event is geared around parents & their children exploring creativity together through the arts. They can take arts out of our schools but not our community!!
11am to 3pm this Sunday, December 4th

Photo of the week - La Chica Gallery
@ the Arts Factory

Nevada Public Radio

For more information on the Cultural Arts in Las Vegas please visit Nevada Public Radio. NPR has detailed listings of many cultural and civic events hosted by area non-profits click on this linkhttp://www.knpr.org/common/psa/listNEW.cfm and if you are planning an event in the next few months, be sure to get your free listing in Nevada Public Radio's Desert Companion magazine by submitting the information here at http://www.knpr.org/culture/eventaddnew.cfm

Have You donated to KNPR? Pledge Now at http://www.knpr.org/index.cfm

Brian Paco Alvarez enculturating Las Vegas into the millennium...