The 12th Anniversary of First Friday is one for the record books...

I rarely talk about myself on this crazy little blog but on occasion things happen that require me to step outside and smile. I am very very humbled to have been asked to co-curate First Friday's 12 Anniversary this October. I strongly believe that First Friday is one of the most important cultural arts event in Las Vegas History. With 144 First Fridays that have occurred over the last 12 years there is no doubt that it has reached a great status.

The 12th Anniversary will be a great celebration of Art and Culture like we have never seen and with the lineup of artists that will be featured, I can say this one is for the record books. 

Thank You!

Las Vegas Cultural Icon Brian “Paco” Alvarez Named Guest Curator for First Friday Las Vegas’ 12th Anniversary Celebration

Oct. 3 Event to Feature 12 Veteran First Friday Artists Showing with 12 Emerging Artists

LAS VEGAS – September 17, 2014 – In celebration of the 12th anniversary of First Friday Las Vegas, one of the largest arts and culture festivals in the Western United States, event organizers have named Las Vegas cultural icon Brian “Paco” Alvarez as a special curator for “Time, Mythology and 12” on Friday, Oct. 3. First Friday has become the leader for family-friendly activities, art, cultural enrichment, educational efforts, community and more; mostly low cost or free of cost, for every age.

Following the likes of ISI Group and Jennifer Cornthwaite, Alvarez is responsible for choosing the artists represented on the main art thoroughfare at First Friday, Casino Center between Colorado and Charleston. To commemorate the 12th anniversary and the lasting impact First Friday has had on the Las Vegas community, Alvarez has invited back 12 popular artists who showed at First Friday in the early years and who have made sustainable careers as artists in the local community. These established artists will be paired with emerging artists, mentoring them through the First Friday process and giving them a platform to develop their own following.

“It’s an honor to be a curator for First Friday’s October event and especially for the 12th anniversary,” said Alvarez. “As a Las Vegan, I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact First Friday has had on the community as a whole and the opportunities it has afforded artists in our city.”

Native Las Vegan, UNLV graduate and urban historian, Brian “Paco” Alvarez is the current curator and corporate historian for Zappos.com. He also currently serves as arts commissioner for the City of Las Vegas, Ward 3. Alvarez’s major curatorial projects include Vintage Point, Contemporary Arts Center (2007); The Fabulous Flamingo, West Charleston Library (2009); Fabulous Downtown, City of Las Vegas City Hall (2011); Golden Age of Glam, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas (2012); and the Zappos Mural Project and Artist Showcase, Zappos.com (2014). He has served on the boards of the Nevada Test Site Historical Foundation – National Atomic Testing Museum, Nevada Museums Association, Preserve Nevada, Contemporary Arts Center of Las Vegas and the 18b Arts District Neighborhood Association to name a few.

Celebrating its 12th anniversary with “Time, Mythology and 12” on Friday, Oct. 3. First Friday Las Vegas turns to the representation of the number 12 to serve as inspiration for the event. From hours on a clock, months in a year, signs in the Zodiac; 12 is the number that dictates the rhythm of life. 12 represents that which is completed, that which forms a whole and that which embodies a perfect and harmonious unit, it is the symbol of the closing and of a circle and new beginnings. 12 is the number of years First Friday Las Vegas has been bringing enchantment to the Las Vegas community.

First Friday Las Vegas will continue the popular Arts Row, featuring works of emerging Las Vegas artists, arts and crafts vendors in The Bazaar and live music in The Hub, running down Casino Center from Colorado to Charleston, in the heart of the Arts District.

The popular Green Street on California Avenue, between Main Street and Casino Center Drive, is set to transform into Pure Green Place. First Friday has always been committed to reducing its carbon footprint and through Pure Green Place will educate and foster action within the community by showcasing alternate methods of transportation, renewable energy and sustainable products. First Friday organizers continue to make the Kids Zonemore interactive and appealing to the young art aficionados while the Think Safe Zone continues with a focus on local charitable organizations, community action and involvement and safety tips for Las Vegans.

All interview and photo inquiries, as well as camera clearance and parking instructions, can be directed to Michelle Wilmoth at michelle@prpluslv.comor 702.561.3872.

HOURS OF OPERATION:

5 p.m. – 11 p.m.

PARKING/SHUTTLES:

Shuttle service will run from 4:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.

Four Open Top Sightseeing Shuttles, two Celebrity Coaches and an additional handicap equipped shuttle will make a constant loop around the entire event route.

For Handicap Transportation to event, please call: 702-736-6491

There will be ample free parking as well as $5 parking lots.

**If you park in unauthorized parking areas, you may be subject to towing.

Fremont Route Shuttle Stops:

* El Cortez- pick up and drop off on 6th St. across from the El Cortez valet entrance

* Container Park – Newest Stop

* Arts District Hub at Colorado and Main

Please note the Government Center Route Shuttle Stop or parking at the Government Center is no longer available for First Friday visitors.

GENERAL INFORMATION

For more information on First Friday Las Vegas, please check the website www.firstfridaylasvegas.com, the Facebook page www.facebook.com/firstfridaylasvegas or on twitter at @firstfridaylv.

ABOUT FIRST FRIDAY LAS VEGAS

First Friday Las Vegas has been a mainstay of arts and culture in downtown Las Vegas for eleven years and has become the leader for family-friendly activities, art, cultural enrichment, educational efforts, imagination, community and more; mostly low cost or free of cost, for every age. The outdoor event which averages 20,000 patrons each month features several areas throughout Downtown Las Vegas that showcases artists of all calibers and genres. Stages throughout the festival feature live music, food vendors and food trucks offer the finest in cuisine and other celebratory events each month are always working to build community in Las Vegas. First Friday Las Vegas, LLC’s Managing Partner is Joey Vanas. For more information on First Friday Las Vegas, please check the website www.firstfridaylasvegas.com, like on Facebook page or follow on Twitter.

For media information, please contact:
Michelle Wilmoth
PR Plus
702-696-1999
michelle@prpluslv.com

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