First Friday & 2012 the Year of Downtown...

Hello and Happy New Year Las Vegas!!! 2012 has finally arrived and as everyone has been saying it is most definitely the year of Downtown. It is without a doubt that this year will mark the tipping point that will make Las Vegas' Historic Center the place to be from now until the foreseeable future. With the opening of the Smith Center, The Discovery Children's Museum, The Neon Museum and Zappos moving into the neighborhood the future is brighter than the sun!

With the warmer weather this January First Friday is expected to be grand, with the usual offerings of Art and Culture at every corner. Thousands are expected to traverse the area to celebrate the new year, new art and new friends. Here is Ryan Reason's recap of Culture Week and there is a lot more happening than what is listed so just come down and explorer what is happening in the 18b Arts District and in the Entertainment District. Check out the Official First Friday website for more information... http://www.firstfridaylasvegas.com/

Have a wonderful week everyone and party responsibly...

At the Arts Factory in 18b

Jenny Valdez Inc.

Studio 160

VS: A Collection by Theresa Lucero
Start off the New Year right by experiencing the adversarial world of angels and demons in VS: A Collection by Theresa Lucero. The paintings, created in acrylics on canvas, capture the imaginative and stylized imagery of these supernatural beings as they vie for your allegiance. This entire collection will hang in the Jenny Valdez Gallery for the month of January, but you'll get a super early sneak peak in a rare First Wednesday night reception. Refreshments will also be served. VS: A Collection by Theresa Lucero begins Wednesday, January 4, 2012, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, check out www.orecularts.com or www.jennyvaldez.com
alettertojenny@gmail.com

Sin City Gallery
Studio 100
"anima motrix"
In the 17th century, the astronomer Kepler used the term to describe the gravitational power of the sun that caused the order and orbit of the planets. In the context of the exhibition, "anima motrix", it is interpreted as the incredible gravitational power of female sexuality that is the driving force that pervades our existence and orders our lives. The show features three female artists, Lolita Develay, Melissa Herrington and Remy Holwick who have each been carefully selected for their strong and provocative vision as affected by this "moving spirit".
Opening reception and artist talks will take place on Preview Thursday, January 5th, 2012 from 6pm to 8pm
January 5th to January 29, 2012
www.sincitygallery.com
Debbe Sussman - 702.608.2461

Jaikowski Studios
Suite #115 Backroom
Illustrations on Blackboard
Where Las Vegas Entertainment comes alive......
From oil and Acrylics to Pen and Inks.......
Several new framed works varying in size.
Preview Thursday Jan 5 7:00pm - 10:00pm
Friday, Jan 6 7:00pm -11:00pm
For an appointment or more info: 702-204-9335
Jaikowskistudios@gmail.com
http://www.jaikowskistudios.com/

Hellpop! in The Arts Factory
Suite 105b
HellPop! Presents Featured Artist Annie Wildbear
Translating a combination of media sensory overload and a life time of experiences into
her own unique “brand”. The art of Pop Kulture artist Annie Wildbear will be on display at Hellpop! for the first,
First Friday event of 2012. This will be premier solo show in The Las Vegas Arts District.
Wednesday through Saturday beginning Jan. 4th and ending Jan. 31st, 2012
info@hellpop.net

Hiptazmic Studio
Studio #105C
Welcome to the Funky World of Hiptazmic!
One of a kind art & gifts! Aluminum Jewelry & Art by artist Christine Esposito - Art & Steampunk Style Jewelry by Val Eagar - Original paintings & Crayon Art by Gabby Esposito
Hours Vary
Closed Sunday & Monday
Call for Appointment
www.hiptazmic.com
Christine Esposito
Christine@funkyrecycling.com
588-0950

Hillary Salon
Studio 250
Las Vegas' premier destination hair salon.
Tues-Sat 10am-7pm
Call for appt
(702) 525 1053

Christian Gabriel Art Gallery
Arts Factory Ste #125
Happy New Years!
Show will feature artwork by Christian Gabriel, Jimi Catanzaro and Manny Avila. Come by and sign a spot on the Batman mural!
Preview Thursday & First Friday January, 1/5 & 1/6 6pm-10pm
www.christiangabrielart.comEmail @ christiangabrielart@hotmail.com

Joseph Watson Collection
Studio 115
Art Exhibit
Joseph Watson will showcase a series of his urban paintings. The Go, Go, Greta childrens book and merchandise will be available. Free Go, Go, Greta coloring pages for all!
Thursday, January 5, 6-9pm
Friday, January 6, 6-11pm
www.josephwatsoncollection.com
info@josephwatsoncollection.com
858-733-2135

Around the Neighborhood

Skin City Body Painting Studio & Boutique
1209 S. Main Street Las Vegas 89104
Live Body Paint Demo & Art Exhibit!
Body paint demo on a live model by Skin City artist Isidra plus art exhibit by Steve Horlock and other local artists
First Friday Jan 6, 6pm-Midnight
Website www.SkinCityBodyPainting.com
Contact Info (702) 431-SKIN

Gypsy Den
213 E. Colorado Ave.
January 6 First Friday
Bands performing include:
Pigasus http://www.facebook.com/people/Thee-Pigasus/100001614963019
Dirty Somethings http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dirty-Somethings/245435578814213
Cartright from Austin TX - http://www.facebook.com/cartrightmusic
American Sharks from Austin TX - http://www.facebook.com/americansharks
Snake Army bellydancers
thegypsyden@gmail.com KT Cewe 702-684-1628

Retro Vegas,
1211 S Main Street,
"Boris O'Klein's Dirty Dogs of Paris"
Boris O'Klein (1893 - 1985) became a successful magazine illustrator in Paris during the 1930's. He was inspired to create his "Dirty Dogs of Paris" etchings from watching the stray dogs in the streets outside his studio where he quickly realized the money making potential of the Dirty Dogs Series and supplied etchings to gift shops and galleries all over Paris. They became hugely popular and eventually overshadowed all his other work. Retro Vegas has two: "A la Guerre!" and "Sus aux Curieux."

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

Click on the flier for more information!

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...