Lost Vegas: Tim Burton at The Neon Museum
LAS VEGAS – For the first time in nearly a decade, renowned American film director, producer, artist, writer and animator Tim Burton will stage an exhibition of his original fine art in the United States. Installed at the Neon Museum in Las Vegas, “Tim Burton @ the Neon Museum” will be staged at multiple locations: the museum’s outdoor Boneyard exhibition space, in its North Gallery and at the City of Las Vegas’ Boneyard Park across from the museum’s visitor’s center. The exhibition will comprise a combination of new work as well as previously exhibited pieces and will be on view from October 15, 2019, through February 15, 2020.
Created to take advantage of the museum’s unique open-air exhibition spaces, the large-scale installation works will be integrated with the museum’s collection. Burton intends for the exhibition to serve as a retrospective of his own creative history, as well as a celebration of his affection for the Neon Museum. Conceived as a collaboration with the museum, it will be genuinely site-specific and unlike any other exhibition Burton has ever staged.
“To say we’re flattered that Mr. Burton has chosen our museum for this exhibition would be an understatement,” said Rob McCoy, president and chief executive officer, Neon Museum. “But when you think about it, Tim is one of the few artists who can match the great imagination of Las Vegas.”
Credited with bringing the first worldwide attention to the Neon Museum’s collection in his film Mars Attacks! (1996), Burton’s exhibitions have drawn millions of patrons around the world in cities such as Melbourne, Los Angeles, Paris, Prague, Tokyo, São Paulo and Mexico City. His exhibition at MoMA in New York City drew more than 800,000 visitors, making it the third most attended exhibition ever.
ABOUT TIM BURTON
Tim Burton, director and artist, is widely regarded as one of cinema’s most imaginative and visual filmmakers. He has achieved both critical and financial success in the live-action and animation genres. Burton’s accomplishments in filmmaking are a consequence of his artistic eye. Long before becoming a director, Burton expressed himself through drawing and painting, which also became an integral part of his creative process.
In 2015, Burton released The Napkin Art of Tim Burton, a book of sketches, doodled on napkins he had collected from his travels. It is a look in the mind of a man who is always on the road, and ever observant of the strange world around him. The book is a mini-companion to his 2009 release, The Art of Tim Burton, a 430-page volume comprising more than 40 years of his personal and project artwork. In November of that year, the Museum of Modern Art opened an extensive exhibition of his work in New York, which went on to tour in Melbourne, Toronto, Los Angeles, Paris, and Seoul. A new version of his exhibition, The World of Tim Burton, has been presented in Prague, Tokyo, Osaka, Brühl, São Paulo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Mexico City, Genk, and continues to tour internationally. In 1997, he published the beloved illustrated series of poetry called The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy & Other Stories.
Burton’s most recent directorial work, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children (2016), is based on the visually arresting novel of the same name, which winds its story around a collection of vintage photographs. Its characters and imagery are brought to life in Burton’s unique adaptation.
Burton’s previous project, Big Eyes (2014), for which Amy Adams received a Golden Globe, is a confluence of his two passions—film and art.
Perhaps his greatest industry achievement is helping to reinvigorate the stop-motion industry, starting with his 1993 creation and cult classic Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas; and followed by the 2005 Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride and 2012’s Frankenweenie, both Academy Award and BAFTA–nominated films. He has also produced James and the Giant Peach and 9.
Other film milestones include Alice in Wonderland (2010), which won two Academy Awards, and earned more than a billion dollars at the worldwide box office. Burton has won a National Board of Review award for his directing work on 2007’s Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, which also won the Golden Globe for Best Film–Musical or Comedy, and Best Actor–Musical or Comedy for Johnny Depp. He earlier received a BAFTA nomination for Best Director for the 2003 fantasy drama Big Fish. His most critically acclaimed film, the 1994 Ed Wood, won two Oscars, a Golden Globe, and two BAFTA nominations.
He has a dedicated following, notably for classic features such as his 1985 directorial debut and unexpected comedic hit, Pee-wee’s Big Adventure; the 1988 wildly inventive Beetlejuice; the action blockbuster Batman (1989); and its 1992 follow-up Batman Returns.
Arguably his most beloved film is the 1990 romantic fantasy Edward Scissorhands—directed, co-written and produced by Burton. The film also marked the start of his successful cinematic partnership with Johnny Depp, who delivered a poignant performance in the title role.
Other directorial projects include Dark Shadows (2012), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005), Planet of the Apes (2001), Sleepy Hollow (1999), and Mars Attacks! (1996).
He has produced several other films including Alice Through the Looking Glass, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, Cabin Boy, Batman Forever, and directed two music videos for The Killers.
Burton grew up in Burbank, California and attended the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), where he studied character animation, before joining the animation department at Disney. While at the studio, he directed the 1982 stop-motion animated short film Vincent, narrated by Vincent Price. He also directed the 1983 kung fu–inspired short film adaptation of Hansel and Gretel, and the 1984 live-action short film Frankenweenie.
Burton’s next film, Dumbo, a live-action reimagining of the Disney animation classic opens in theaters on March 29, 2019.
More info: The Neon Museum
“LOBO LOCO” By Artist Leobardos Bracamontes, Opening Reception Saturday, September 7 at 6pm
In keeping with Core Contemporary’s programming goals to bring in unique, strong and expressive contemporary art balancing cultural and gender voices, the exhibition will be featuring Leobardo Bracamontes's paintings, sculptures, assemblage works and drawings on September 5. Influenced by his ancestral Yaqui Indian, Mexican and Spanish heritage Bracamontes interprets ancient fables, legends, and folk tales within his work in a way that bridges time and culture. Thematically, Bracamontes’s work speaks to his love for family (including a son who is awaiting a kidney transplant and undergoing daily dialysis), his fondness for the imagination, whimsy and fantasy of the circus, and his deep appreciation for the heroic archetypes found in Lucha Libre. Creating colorful and often comical, exaggerated figures in his work that can be both fantastical and recognizable, Bracamontes tackles the deep subjects of death, politics, societal chaos, religion, and fatherhood with sensitivity and strength.
“There is an allure to Bracamontes's work that transports me into fables of old,” shares gallery owner and curator, Nancy Good. “It's as though he is painting a parable where the viewer is absolutely convinced there is a deeper lesson meant to be discovered (and there usually is). Further, though some might consider his work to be “outsider art,” his signature elements of vibrant color and raw textures are quite approachable. The “outsider” element creates a unique juxtaposition that invites us to look closer, but not too close due to the potential to be scratched or poked.”
Leo is a Mexican-American artist. His vibrant colors & textures contrast with eerie Folklore. Core Contemporary is a unique venue for aficionados looking for a diverse and sophisticated art experience. Located near the Las Vegas Strip and Convention Center, this 3,000 square foot gallery provides an engaging setting in which to experience remarkable original art, meet working artists, enjoy immersive educational forums, and host private events. The gallery was recently named best new art space for 2019 by the Las Vegas Weekly.
“LOBO LOCO" at Core Contemporary
by Mexican-American Artist Leobardo Bracamontes
September 4, 2019 – November 2, 2019
More info: Core Contemporary
Brent Holmes And Other Designers And Artists Set To Feature At 4th Annual Lush Art Exhibition
Photo by Olga Townsend
This year’s AIGA Las Vegas Lush Art Collab Exhibition is set to feature an array of new graphic designers and artists which include Brent Holmes, Cynthia Carbajal, Chelsea Caseres, David Sly, Jed Olsen, Kelsey Walsh, Kayci Younger, Manny Avila, Mary Hill, Mika Kopanski, Roxy B. Montoya, and Tiki Jay One.
Brent Holmes is a multi-disciplinary artist with a deep affinity to words- historical, epistemological and ontologically themed creative projects. His most recent work has centered around the philosophical, and cultural consequences of Hellenistic hegemony, and representations of antiquity within the modern era.
Being the son of an entertainer, he is thoroughly traveled but has never completely identified any one place as his home until moving to Las Vegas. Having exhibited both nationally, and internationally on occasion, but primarily within southern Nevada where he has claimed residence for over a decade at this point.
“My thoughts on graphic design vary,” Brent Holmes says, “ I don't think you need to cite individual influences when it comes to graphic design, it is the most over saturated market in the visual arts, and by that I mean most humans even ones that have little to no interest in the arts are constantly bombarded by the act of graphic design, it is the aesthetic zeitgeist of the current era. I enjoy typography and ascetically pleasing imagery, but I prefer when things are dense and confusing two notable no-no's in the design field.
“I prefer when things are dense and confusing two notable no-no's in the design field.” -Brent Holmes
“I want to be challenged in my presumptions about how ideas are presented visually, Brent adds, “The most interesting design I see in a day typically comes from the creation of meams. yes there are incredible designers that can organize a two dimensional space so perfectly that it is effortlessly perused by the eye. If you want a name drop i’ll say im more interested in folks like Morag Myerscough, Art Chantry, and Arem Duplessis that manage to give the viewer something of a challenge, but really i’d rather talk about the socioeconomic ramifications of a culture that is so dependent on visual representation while still rarely appreciating the act of creativity if it doesn’t render a profit.”
Other participants include Chelsea Caseres, a graphic designer at CIrque Du Soleil, David Sly, Creative Director at the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Roxy B. Montoya, an adjunt professor at UNLV and graphic design instructor at the Art Institute of Las Vegas.
This year the Lush exhibition has been extended to include the lyrics from an array of locally acclaimed and seasoned Las Vegas bands and musicians. Bands and musicians include The Dirty Hooks, Same Sex Mary, Stereoglass and musicians Cameron Calloway, Mike Xavier and Jesse Pino. The exhibition at Escape Artist Studios in Art Square on First Friday, July 5, 2019 at 6 pm will feature poetry performances by Jeffrey Bennington Grindley, Elizabeth Quinones-Zaldana, Brianna Florian, and Andrew Clark Hall and hosted by Reese Darko beginning at 8pm.
The event will feature original, framed typographic artwork created as a collaborative effort between local poets, lyricists, artists, and designers. Artists and graphic designers have created visual interpretations of poems and song lyrics.
Attendees can take part in a silent auction for the works of art. Funds will go to help support future programs and initiatives from the local chapter of AIGA, a national nonprofit dedicated to promoting the art of design. Each year, AIGA members develop and produce more than 1,000 local events through AIGA chapters across the country, including design lectures, portfolio reviews, networking sessions, competitions, exhibitions, and studio tours.
Poets include: Andrew Clark Hall, Brianna Florian, Cassie Wagmeister, Elizabeth Quiñones-Zaldaña, Jeffrey Bennington, and Obbie West.
RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lush-art-x-words-a-collaborative-exhibition-tickets-64270545933
Las Vegas Artists Guild Presents Gallery Art Expo Awards Hosted By Brian Paco Alvarez on June 20
The Las Vegas Artists’ Guild presents the Gallery Art Expo Competition Awards at the Galleria Mall on Thursday, June 20, 2019 at 6pm. The evening will feature art, music and refreshments as artists are honored and presented with their awards for their work. Awards will be presented for 1st place ($500); 2nd place ($300) and 3rd place ($200) with 6 Honorable Mentions also being presented.
The award presentation will be hosted by Former City of Las Vegas Arts Commissioner and Las Vegas born entrepreneur Brian Paco Alvarez. With live music provided by Greg Hartline, refreshments by Dolores Meneses, and wine served by Robert Brown.
The Las Vegas Artists Guild is an organization of artists whose primary purpose is to bring talented, established and emerging artists in the Las Vegas Valley to public attention. Local, amateur and professional artists of the Las Vegas Artists Guild reach these goals through meetings, workshops and demonstrations, art shows and networking.
The gallery located at the Galleria Mall in Henderson features original artwork, original glasswork, original pottery & ceramics, original lost wax bronze, original photography, and custom jewelry,
The Guild meets on the 2nd Monday of each month (depending on holidays) from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Information regarding meetings, membership, and current activities can be obtained online at www.lvartistsguild.org, or by signing up with Constant Contact by texting LVAG at 22828.
More info: www.lvartistsguild.org
“New Vessels, Unmade Structures” by Artist Sapira Cheuk at Core Contemporary
The exhibition at Core Contemporary will include Artist Sapira Cheuk's newest works, produced within the first year of her relocation to Las Vegas, Nevada. The ink and paper installations and works on paper draw upon sources from both traditional Chinese art and Classical Greek sculpture. Together, they examine how notions of individual agency and external directives (cultural, economic, and aesthetic) work to shape the body, physically and metaphysically, and distort its ability to experience. Cheuk’s work revolves around issues of the body and embodiment. Her practice incorporates traditional Sumi Ink painting techniques and geometric elements to depict the complexity of the Subject, agency, and corporeality, while building an alternative narrative of not only bodily desires, but also intersubjective relations. Curated by gallery owner, Nancy Good, who states, “There is an aesthetic to Cheuk's work that conveys a certain dignity and grace. The contemporary finesse of her lines and brushstrokes do not disguise her classical understanding of the human form, though her shapes may completely obscure their origin upon first glance. And, I am particularly excited about the large site-specific paper installation that will be a major component of this exhibition.”
Sapira Cheuk’s work revolves around issues of the body, embodiment, and women’s sexuality. Her work incorporates traditional Sumi Ink painting techniques and geometric elements to depict the complexity of the Subject and corporeality, while building an alternative narrative of not only bodily desires, but also intersubjective relations. Cheuk has exhibited in over 60 exhibitions, including those at the Institute of Contemporary Art Los Angeles, Orange County Contemporary Art Center, Riverside Art Museum, Rochester Contemporary Art Museum, Wignall Museum of Contemporary Art, and The Robert & Frances Fullerton Museum of Art. She received her BA at University of California, Riverside and MFA from California State University, San Bernardino.
Artist Sapira Cheuk, www.sapiracheuk.com
June 28th – August 1st
Opening Reception: 6:30-8:30pm
Friday, June 28th
CORE CONTEMPORARY, Gallery of Fine Art
900 Karen Avenue, Suite D216-D222
Las Vegas, NV 89109
www.corecontemporary.com
702-805-1166
4th Annual Creative Review Allows Participants To Receive Feedback From Top Las Vegas Creative Directors, Designers
AIGA Las Vegas will be presenting their 4th annual Creative Review for Students on May 11 at the InNEVation Center, an event that's not only for students, but also for recent graduates and professionals in transition. At the Creative Review, participants will be receiving valuable feedback from some of the top Las Vegas Valley Creative Directors, Art Directors, Studio Managers, Marketing Directors, and Lead Designers.
Event participants will enjoy multiple one-on-one conversations with professionals in various disciplines. Creative work in print and digital form will be reviewed, and attendees will receive feedback. Two blocks have been scheduled for event participants and reviewers, the first block from 10-12am and the second block from 12-2:00pm.
Participants can reserve their spot through Eventbrite. There is no cost to attend and creatives are asked to bring two or more work samples, an entire portfolio, or anything you would like to discuss.
“The Creative Review for Students will meet in an awesome space within The Innevation Center,” Amanda Farrar, Education Director of AIGA commented,
“ if you haven’t been you must go! Graphic design students of all levels of study, having already RSVP’d online, will arrive, check in, and pick up a name badge. For a two-hour time block they’ll meet face to face, one at a time with various graphic design industry leaders, including art directors and creative directors. Every 15 minutes a bell will signal that it’s time for the students to move to the next station for their next meeting. Student attendees should bring a few digital or print work samples for feedback; a complete portfolio and business cards are welcome as well. Past years’ attendees reported receiving helpful tips on work samples, on presentation, and on breaking into the industry. Students say they benefited immensely from the opportunity to introduce themselves and present their work. Most said they were at first nervous to attend their first time, but upon arrival and getting started the guest reviewers were very helpful and it was fun.”
More info: Student Creative Review
Announcing the 2019 Artpop Street Gallery Las Vegas Winners
ArtPop Las Vegas 2019 Winners joined by the jury panel and past ArtPop alumni. Photo by Theresa Bautista
First Friday hosted the fourth annual event for ArtPop Street Gallery on April 5th where seven winning artists’ works were revealed. The presentation included #ArtPopLasVegas Alum artists, ArtPop sponsors and guests, staff from the city of Las Vegas Office of Cultural Affairs, AIGA Las Vegas, OUTFRONT Media and Lamar Outdoor Advertising. The festival goers were able to meet and greet with the winning artists.
This year’s winning artists are Ashley Liu, Shan Michael Evans, Lynn Adamson Adrian, Stanley Slaughter, Jr, Gina May, Mary Hill, and Nicole Cochener.
Wendy Hickey, Executive Director and Founder of ARTPop stated, “We at ArtPop Street Gallery are so inspired by the art that was submitted & the 7 artists juried in for the Class of 2019. Serving the incredible art by the local artists of Clark County has been our pleasure for the last 4 years. We hope the artists will prosper through the incredible advertising platform provided by our partners at OUTFRONT Media & Lamar Advertising. Thank you to our media partners, the City of Las Vegas & AIGA for your continued belief in ArtPop LasVegas.”
The judges for this year’s ARTPop included Corey Fagan who is the Community Outreach Director at First Friday, Ricky McMillon of LAMAR Advertising, Jorge Lara who is the Program Director of AIGA Las Vegas, Polly Weinstein, a partner at RESET Las Vegas, and past ArtPOP winners Brian Martinez and Valentin Yordanov. They were joined at City Hall by Laura Machado, Visual Arts Specialist at City of Las Vegas where the jury process took place.
Jorge Lara, Program Director for AIGA Las Vegas and Editor In Chief at VIM stated, “We are proud of this year’s collection of artists that represent an exemplary array of design, form, and expression. It was difficult to sort through the 62 entries that were submitted to find this year’s winning pieces. Having said that, I would like to thank all those who took the time and effort to submit their work and encourage those artists to enter again next year. Our plan is to promote the seven winning artists efforts these next several months through our programs and social media.”
Some of the winning art pieces are set to go live on billboards around the city of Las Vegas on First Friday while other pieces will launch in May. ArtPOP, AIGA Las Vegas, LAMAR, and Outfront encourage people wishing to photograph the art to find a safe place NOT on the highway or in traffic.
ArtPOP Street Gallery is a 501c3 organization that gives communities across the country greater access to art, by supporting the artists that create it. They do that by promoting their work on available media space — on billboards, on the sides of buses, across news racks, in airport terminals which are secured through the generous donations of media companies across the country. ArtPop operates in 14 cities, and since 2014 has displayed the work of more than 265 artists in their street galleries from Charlotte, NC to Las Vegas.
AIGA Las Vegas is the local chapter of a national organization dedicated to promoting the art of design. The Las Vegas Chapter of AIGA, the professional organization for design, is committed to providing education, support, and networking to professionals and students and serves as an advocate for the ethical practice of design.
Founded in 1999, AIGA LV supports designers and varied creative entities in the Las Vegas Valley and surrounding areas by organizing projects and events – lectures, mixers, community partnerships, social outreach, and competitions – to help inform current and future designers, as well as the broader public, about the value of design.
As part of AIGA, they share in the mission of advancing design as a professional craft, strategic tool, and vital cultural force. The membership of over 22,000 in 66 chapters believe designers serve a critical role as communicators, educators, and innovators. AIGA sets the national standard for the role of design in economic, social, political, cultural, and creative contexts. Founded in 1914 as the American Institute of Graphic Arts, AIGA remains the oldest and largest professional membership organization for design and is now known simply as “AIGA, the professional association for design.”
2019 Artpop Street Gallery Las Vegas Winners:
VIM PICK: Artist Zully Mejia Art Exhibition "Un Orgasmo d'Arte At UNLV Grant Hall Gallery
Un Orgasmo d’Arte captures the development of Zully Mejia’s art practice as a result of studying abroad in Viterbo, Italy, during the Fall 2018 semester. The title references a phrase Mejia heard during her time in Italy. At its essence, this exhibition seeks to encourage other students to study abroad. The artist recognizes that a main factor for making study abroad possible is finance. She is grateful to supporters who made her study abroad experience possible, including the U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship. Mejia understands the impact that studying abroad can have for an art student, and she would like to facilitate another student’s journey abroad. Accordingly, she will donate fifty percent of proceeds from this exhibition to the funding of an award for an art student to study abroad. Details regarding how to apply will be announced in April.
March 11-29, UNLV Grant Hall Gallery
Opening Reception: Friday, March 15 5:30-7:30PM
About the artist:
Zully Mejia is a senior undergraduate student at University of Nevada Las Vegas. Mejia’s artwork is informed by her identity as a colored woman and her desire to shift the cultural stereotypes associated with this identity. The prejudices and discrimination she has experienced and the shared stories of women from her community motivate her investigation into ways of shifting the perception of womanhood through her art practice. Mejia’s artwork depicts empowered women, though her approach to the portrayal of empowerment varies within each work. Some of her portraits are of real women proudly expressing their individual narratives, while others are invented portraits that reference real women, but emphasize empowerment in womanhood instead of any individual identity. Her portraits of real women strive to capture their stories, while her invented portraits capture “an empowered women,” minimizing indicators of identity beyond their womanhood. By consistently portraying female empowerment, Mejia aims to challenge the stereotype of womanhood as weakness and redefine it as strength. Mejia’s work has been exhibited locally and internationally, including venues such as Sin City Gallery, Life is Beautiful Festival, The Mob Museum, the Springs Preserve, UNLV, PublicUs, and Bateau Daphne (France).
AIGA LV Partners With National Art Spotlight Series ARTPop Street Gallery
AIGA Las Vegas, OUTFRONT Media, LAMAR, and the City of Las Vegas Office of Cultural Affairs is partnering with ARTPop to promote the work of local artists in Las Vegas on open billboard spaces. 7 artists will be chosen & receive $500 from the City of Las Vegas Office of Cultural Affairs. ARTPop is seeking artwork that symbolizes creativity and energy. The artwork will be thought provoking and announce that Las Vegas is a place that celebrates the arts.
Past winners have included Las Vegas artists Montana Black, Gig Dipio, Bobbie Ann Howell, Jo Russ, Justin Favela, among others.
Started by Wendy Hickey in Charlotte, N.C., ArtPop Street Gallery is a national arts initiative designed to highlight local artists and the important roles they play in the community by showcasing their work on outdoor advertising space.
ArtPop is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works with local arts councils and media companies to promote artists, give them a voice, create public street galleries and energize residents’ commutes. Currently, ArtPop is on the streets of eleven cities nationwide.
The local chapter of AIGA in Las Vegas was founded in 1999. The organization supports designers and varied creative entities in the Las Vegas Valley and surrounding areas by organizing projects and events – lectures, mixers, community partnerships, social outreach, and competitions – to help inform current and future designers, as well as the broader public, about the value of design.
Founded in 1914 as the American Institute of Graphic Arts, AIGA remains the oldest and largest professional membership organization for design and is now known simply as “AIGA, the professional association for design.”
For more information visit http://callforentry.org
Renowned American Film Director Tim Burton to Stage Exhibition at the Neon Museum
Renowned American film director, producer, artist, writer and animator Tim Burton will stage an exhibition of his original fine art at the Neon Museum in Las Vegas in 2019. Tim Burton @ the Neon Museum will be staged at multiple locations: the Museum's outdoor Boneyard exhibition space, in its North Gallery and at the City of Las Vegas' Boneyard Park across from the Museum's Visitors' Center.
Created to take advantage of the unique open-air spaces at the museum, the installation will be integrated with the Museum's collection. Burton intends for the exhibition to serve as a retrospective of his own creative history, as well as a celebration of his affection for the Neon Museum. Conceived as a collaboration with the Museum, it will be genuinely site-specific and unlike any other exhibition Burton has ever staged. Tim Burton @ The Neon Museum will comprise a combination of new work and previously shown pieces and will be on view from October 15, 2019, through February 15, 2020.
Born in Burbank in 1958, Tim Burton studied at the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), afterwards he worked as an animator at the Walt Disney Studios before breaking out on his own. Taking inspiration from popular culture, fairy tales and traditions of the gothic, Burton has reinvented Hollywood genre filmmaking as an expression of a personal vision.
*These images are representative of the sort of large-scale sculptures and installations Burton will be creating specifically for the Neon Museum.
Cirque Du Soleil hosts 'PARADE The Collective' art exhibition
From Dec. 1–29, Cirque du Soleil will host its 13th annual art exhibition, "PARADE The Collective," at Core Contemporary Gallery. The annual exhibition is a specially curated collection of art designed to showcase the unique creativity and talent of the entertainment group’s performers, technicians and staff, and will be open to the public Wednesday through Saturday, from 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
To welcome another year of the locally-acclaimed exhibit, "PARADE The Collective" will kick off with a welcome reception from 6:30–9 p.m. on Dec. 6, which will allow the community to get to know the artists behind the creations and revel in the exclusive pieces on display made by employees from all Las Vegas resident shows, including Blue Man Group. During the month-long exhibition, visitors can stroll through the contemporary gallery and marvel in 25 original pieces highlighting a variety of mediums including painting, photography, costuming, sculpture and multi-media work.
New this year, '"PARADE The Collective" will feature an original piece created by a youth artist from WHALER’s Creation. Part of Cirque du Soleil’s Social Action program, WHALER’s Creation offers fostered and adopted youth the job skills training and knowledge needed to obtain entry level positions in the arts and media.
"PARADE The Collective" will be on display Dec. 1–29 from 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. Core Contemporary Gallery is located at 900 E Karen Ave, Suite d-222, Las Vegas, NV 89109 and is free to attend.
¡Americanx! Group Exhibition
The Donna Beam Gallery presents “¡Americanx!,” an introduction to an emerging Latin art community in Las Vegas. UNLV's first group exhibition of contemporary works by local Latino/a/x visual artists.
An opening reception will be held Friday, October 12, from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. as part of the Second Annual UNLV College of Fine Arts Art Walk.
Curated through the Donna Beam Gallery, “¡Americanx!,” assembles a lively group of artists whose artwork runs the gamut of inspirational sources and cultural commentary with varied media, from painters, to sculptors, photographers, illustrators, cartoonists and installation. “¡Americanx!” has UNLV introducing the depth and diversity of contemporary works produced by artists of Latino/a/x heritage who call Las Vegas home.
“There is a wonderfully productive and expressive body of Latinx artists in this community,” notes Jerry Schefcik, UNLV Director of Galleries and exhibition curator. “This presentation only scratches the surface of the range of work being generated.”
Marcus Civin, UNLV’s new chair for the College of Fine Arts’ Department of Art says, "My life has been unfathomably enriched by my interactions with diverse artists and designers. My ardent hope is that UNLV can provide the same kind of inspiration I have experienced for our diverse and courageous student body and the fascinating community of Las Vegas.”
The artists include Omayra Amador, Yasmina Chavez, Natalie Delgado, Lolita Develay, Justin Favela, Ed Fuentes, J. Antonio Gomez-Morales, Adolfo Gonzalez, Karla Lagunas, Danny Martinez, Orlando Montenegro-Cruz, Raymond “StingRay” Pratt, Krystal Ramirez, Fernando Reyes, Miguel Rodriguez, Checko Salgado, Javier Sanchez, Sunday Slackers, Luis Varela-Rico, David Velix and Jess Vanessa
¡Americanx! is organized by Jerry Schefcik and co-curated by Checko Salgado and Ed Fuentes.
The Donna Beam Gallery encourages the understanding, appreciation and making of visual art through exhibitions and accompanying programs for the university community, residents of southern Nevada and visitors to the city alike.
UNLV College of Fine Arts Annual Art Walk #ArtWalkUNLV
Donna Beam Fine Art Gallery #TheDonnaBeam
“¡Americanx!” Group Exhibition #Americanx
Boulder City Swings on June 16
Join Swing Dance Vegas, Bad Moon Booking, and Lindy-ana Jones and the Temple of Swing as they collaborate to put on a live music and dance event in Boulder City on June 16 at 6pm at the Historic Department of Water and Power Building at 600 Nevada Way in Boulder City.
Swing dancing developed in the 1920's and continues to be danced today. There are three popular styles of swing dancing known as Lindy Hop, West Coast Swing, and Blues Dancing.
The schedule for the evening includes a Beginning Swing Dance Lesson and 3 sets from Lindy-ana Jones & The Temple of Swing. The dance event is 20 dollars and all-ages. Reservations can be made by emailing Bad Moon Booking at Badmoonbooking@gmail.com.
The Swing Dance Vegas website features a calendar for anyone looking for swing dance communities and events in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada.
Boulder City Motel (Sands Motel) is offering a $69 room rate for those wishing to stay in cool BC during this hot summer night, just mention the Dam Short Film Festival to get the discount. This event is sponsored by the Dam Short Film Festival.
Special thanks to Boulder City, NV Chamber of Commerce, Boulder City Social, and City of Boulder City, NV.
More info: www.swingdancevegas.com
ANDREW SCHOULTZ AT THE BARRICK
Photography by Jorge Lara
The UNLV Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art presents "In Process: Every Movement Counts," a new work and a museum-wide installation by Los Angeles-based artist Andrew Schoultz at the UNLV Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art from June 2 to September 15, 2018. Fusing museum space with the dynamic energy of streets and skateparks, Andrew Schoultz makes art that asks questions about the reality of contemporary life and global power. His installations and murals juxtapose ideas from illuminated manuscripts, ancient cartography, and the flattened space of Persian miniatures. Images of beasts, bricks, trees, and eyes surge across the walls, bringing different elements of the artist’s mark-making vocabulary into play as he charts a struggle between visual clarity and complex truth. The exhibition is curated by Andres Guerrero.
An opening reception was held at the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art on Saturday, June 2nd, from 5 - 8 pm.
A graduate of the Academy of Art University, San Francisco, multimedia artist Andrew Schoultz has held solo exhibitions in museums and galleries throughout the United States and Europe. His public murals are visible on walls in Manila, Philippines, and Jogjakarta, Indonesia, as well as on skate parks, an airplane, and a Tesla. Schoultz’s work is held in the collections of numerous institutions, including the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Los Angeles Contemporary Art Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego, and the Honolulu Art Museum. His latest skatepark redesign took place here in Las Vegas, where he painted the Clark County Winchester Cultural Center Skate Park in partnership with Clark County and the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art. The Barrick Museum and Winchester Cultural Center hope this collaboration will bring enjoyment to skaters, families, and visitors for years to come.
"For over 20 years, Los Angeles-based artist Andrew Schoultz has created an expansive world through which the viewer loses oneself. Schoultz has always had a deep connection and involvement within the communities he's worked, whether it's through murals or public involvement. Schoultz's exhibition with the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art in Las Vegas is no different, whether it's the artist's transformation of the Winchester Cultural Center Community Skatepark or participatory elements within his museum show, Schoultz's worlds are built upon inclusive spaces through which we can explore our collective creativity," said Andres Guerrero, curator of In Process: Every Movement Counts.
During the course of Andrew Schoultz: In Process: Every Movement Counts the Barrick will offer two free Community Art Days on June 22nd and August 3rd from 9am-5pm with creative activities and live performances for all ages.
ANDREW SCHOULTZ: In Process: Every Movement Counts
June 2 - September 15, 2018, Opening Reception: Saturday, June 2, 5 - 8 pm.
More information at www.unlv.edu/barrickmuseum, barrick.museum@unlv.edu, 702-895-3381
AIGA Las Vegas and LVPO 3rd Annual LUSH Art Exhibition
AIGA Las Vegas in cooperation with The Las Vegas Poets Organization and VIM Magazine presented the 3rd Annual Lush Exhibition at Oasis Community. The art gallery is curated by Oasis Dispensary Art Director Shannon Dorn.
The exhibition featured work from prominent local poets and graphic designers. The exhibition will be open from 7 to 9pm on April 6th, First Friday.
Participating poets included Tree Hill, Elizabeth Quinoñes-Zaldaña, Krystle “Kismet” Wilson, Autumn Widdoes, Timea Sipos, Elee Oak, Noel Glez, Robyn Banez, Reese Darko, and Andrew Romanelli.
This was the poetry organization’s second foray as they partner together with AIGA for its second year.
This year the exhibition has been expanded to a whole month and will span the length of National Poetry Month. It featured entries from previous years as well as this year’s designs.
A closing reception is scheduled for Friday, April 27, 7pm at Oasis Community located at Downtown Spaces.
Prints will be available for sale at the closing reception. Proceeds to benefit both nonprofit organizations.
An open call for poetry will be announced later in April 2018 for Las Vegas Poets Organization 2018-2019 season of programming.
Both nonprofit organizations are already looking for sponsors and planning for next years art exhibition set for April 2019.
For more info visit:
www.lasvegaspoets.org
lasvegas.aiga.org
VIM ART PICKS
VIM ART PICKS for January and February include the next Pop-Up at Second Sunday brought to you by the I.S.I. Group, two exciting art exhibitions at the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art, the upcoming Creative Morning Las Vegas with Tamar Lucien, CEO and co-founder of MentalHappy, and the next Cocktails & Creatives from AIGA Las Vegas.
I.S.I. GROUP PRESENTS POP-UP AT SECOND SUNDAY, JAN. 14
I.S.I presents January Second Sunday at Downtown Container Park on January 14 from 1-5PM with local live artists and vendors. Hosted by Arture Cecena and live music by Sunrise Sunset and Cameron Dettman.
RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/1481699405281103
PRESERVATION SPECIAL PROGRAMMING: A PRESENTATION BY PETER FEND, JAN. 16
Ocean Earth, Comparable Sites for Water-Cycle Restoration, drawing and maps on paper, 2017. Photo: Mikayla Whitmore.
Los Angeles curator Aurora Tang introduces a public presentation by Peter Fend of Ocean Earth. "Model Basin for a World in Danger" will be the closing event for "Preservation," on view at the Barrick Museum of Art through January 20, 2018.
Ocean Earth is a development corporation invented for a group of artists, co-founded in 1980 by artist Peter Fend, a key figure working at the intersection of art and ecosystems.
Fend writes:
“Extreme instability, i.e., nonstop war, happens in and around the Middle East and North Africa, extending to far west China. Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, Libya, Algeria, Sinai, Syria, Lake Chad, Somalia, Takla Makan, Aral Sea: all these places have one fact in common, not enough water. Something must be done."
RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/1442020659243455
CreativeMornings/Las Vegas January, Jan. 20
January's theme for Creative Mornings Las Vegas is "Anxiety" as they welcome Tamar Lucien, @CEO & Co-Founder of MentalHappy to speak at Sister House Collective.
Tamar Lucien is the CEO & Co-Founder of MentalHappy. MentalHappy was born out of Tamar’s struggle to overcome anxiety. Tamar was born and raised in South Florida and graduated from Florida State University. She currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada where through her work at MentalHappy continues to impact humans across US, Canada and United Kingdom. In her free time, she enjoys meditation, cooking and hiking.
RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/309435109576963
AIGA LAS VEGAS PRESENTS COCKTAILS & CREATIVES
AIGA Las Vegas presents Cocktails & Creatives at the No Regrets Bar, a classy and comfortable spot to enjoy tasty beverages and bites. Humor yourself as well with classic board games hidden around the bar. Easiest access to No Regrets Bar from the East is via Rafael Rivera Way. If you're coming from the West, drive to the back of Centra Point Business Park via W Sunset Road.
The Las Vegas Chapter of AIGA, the professional organization for design, is committed to providing education, support, and networking to professionals and students and serves as an advocate for the ethical practice of design.
Founded in 1999, AIGA Las Vegas supports designers and varied creative entities in the Las Vegas Valley and surrounding areas by organizing projects and events – lectures, mixers, community partnerships, social outreach, and competitions – to help inform current and future designers, as well as the broader public, about the value of design.
The Las Vegas chapter shares the mission of advancing design as a professional craft, strategic tool, and vital cultural force. The membership of over 22,000 in 66 chapters believe designers serve a critical role as communicators, educators, and innovators. AIGA sets the national standard for the role of design in economic, social, political, cultural, and creative contexts. Founded in 1914 as the American Institute of Graphic Arts, AIGA remains the oldest and largest professional membership organization for design and is now known simply as “AIGA, the professional association for design.” www.aiga.org
RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/402896753478787
ART AND SCIENCE OF COLOR THEORY WITH JULIE OPPERMAN, FEB. 12
Julie Oppermann, TH 1223, 2012. Acrylic on canvas. Gift of the artist. Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art Collection
The Marjorie Barrick Museum of of Art features a special look into the art and science of color theory with Julie Oppermann. Find out what it means to think about vision as an active process in the brain, not just the eye.
Informed by Oppermann’s neuroscience background as well as her active international painting practice, this presentation will "touch on everyone from 19th-century French chemist Michel Eugène Chevreul to Op Art’s Bridget Riley as we travel through the history of color theory in Europe and its journey to the US."
RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/138441586823959
The Emerald Dames Of Sin City Calendar Release Party
Held on November 30, 2017 at the Community Oasis in Las Vega to celebrate the inaugural cannabis pinup calendar The Emerald Dames of Sin City.
Designed to bring the Las Vegas Cannabis Community together, The Emerald Dames of Sin City Charity Cannabis Calendar is a collaboration between The Green Light District and Dope Foto.
10% of the sales from this Calendar will benefit the award winning Cannabis non-profit Grow for Vets USA
AIGA Cocktails and Creatives at Giadas - Nov 2017
AIGA Las Vegas presented another round of Cocktails & Creatives inside Giada at the Cromwell featuring the second video of their series, Bold – A Closer Look at Women and Design. For this episode they focused on branding and the partnership between Eileen Moore, Caesars Entertainment Regional President and Stacey Olson, Sr. Director of Brand and Digital Creative.
AIGA Las Vegas presented another round of Cocktails & Creatives inside Giada at the Cromwell featuring the second video of their series, Bold – A Closer Look at Women and Design. For this episode they focused on branding and the partnership between Eileen Moore, Caesars Entertainment Regional President and Stacey Olson, Sr. Director of Brand and Digital Creative. The evening was moderated by Leslie Ventura of Las Vegas Weekly.
Eileen Moore is one of three female Presidents on the Las Vegas strip and Stacey Olsen is an award winning design leader with a strong background in digital and user experience. Their leadership and vision has helped create one of the strongest and unique identities in the hotel industry.
For more information about AIGA Las Vegas and to see other events, visit lasvegas.aiga.org
VIM Magazine Editor In Chief Jorge Lara On His Upcoming Feature At The Arts Factory, Living The Artist’s Dream, and The Pursuit of Happiness.
VIM Magazine Editor In Chief and Founder Jorge Lara is set to feature on November 19, 2pm at the Arts Factory for the Art at the Palettte Patio monthly free event that brings together poets, artists, and dance. He will be reading from his new collection of poetry “Come Alive.”
The event which runs from 1pm to 5pm is also set to feature musician Tiffany Miller, Bellydancer Sarah Anderson, Fire Dancer Kimberly Isamazing, musician Luke Pease and DnB Karaoke. Along with the features there will also be an open mic.
The feature marks a return for Jorge Lara who previously use to perform with band Interzone at the Arts Factory.
Check out our short q and a:
”On Living The Artists Dream”
Jorge Lara: We have lived this life pursuing the depths of our imagination and we owe it to our selves to see where all of this that we have created is heading. Who knows what the future holds, but knowing there is beauty somewhere in the mix makes all the difference. As our souls sing and jive, we have ventured pass all our passion into an unknown territory where what we imagine can only nurture us in full.
I’ve been thinking about a lot of things, about the poetry organization that I founded, about the people that I work with, about what my actions do, about how I can best help my community going forward, and perhaps it is to step back. To step back and become an observer, just another member of the audience. We’ve dilly dally for so long, let us enjoy the fruits of our labor. I’ve accomplished so much but have sacrificed a lot as well but in the end, it has really all been worth it.
” On Life And The Pursuit of Happiness “
Jorge Lara: What truly makes me happy? It is funny that things have changed for me in that regard. We no longer sense an obligation to please others like we have done before, it’s that adage that as you grow older you get accustomed to acknowledging your surroundings with your best behavior going forward. Learning from the people around you. I’ve learned to trust my instincts but also the people that I choose to have around me. We’ve established an amazing group of people with our new Executive board for the poetry organization. Been spending the last couple of weeks training them as we prepare for our 2018 programming season.
”To What We Owe Ourselves”
Jorge Lara: I have to say that I owe my life to being able to express myself. Through the years, with poetry, finding an audience and support system with people I have been introduced to here in Las Vegas. Having been in this city since 1996 a lot of things have changed but one thing has remained constant and that is the ability to remain inspired by what I see and by what I have have yearned for. Yearning for the freedom to be one self, to be accepted for who they are, not setting limitations on you. I am the maker of my own destiny. VIM Magazine is a constant proof of that. We have some phenomenal interviews coming up in the days ahead that will finally see fruition. Glad to know that I am still able to surprise myself after all these years. Here is where it gets better. The energy to meditate on the present and make life resonate through it’s own sheer will. We all have the potential to make our world remarkable by just opening our eyes to what we already have at arm’s length.
AIGA Las Vegas Workshow 2017 To Highlight The Best Design In Las Vegas
The AIGA Las Vegas WorkShow 2017 Awards Gala is set for this Saturday, October 14 at 6pm at the Space, located at 3460 Cavaretta Court, Las Vegas, Nevada 89103. At the award gala you will get a chance to view the winning design work.
"This is great opportunity for the design community to get together," says President of AIGA Las Vegas Angela Marie Johnson, "This is our chance to celebrate our designers and all the amazing work that they put out. In the wake of last week's tragic event we could not be more proud of our community. We are so inspired by all the recent stories of designers stepping up to create work and donate the proceeds to the Las Vegas Victims fund. At the Work Show (we) will also be taking donations and selling #VegasStrong stickers created by local designers. There will be a silent auction for a print of the Las Vegas Weekly."
The Las Vegas Chapter of AIGA, the professional organization for design, is committed to providing education, support, and networking to professionals and students and serves as an advocate for the ethical practice of design.
Founded in 1999, AIGA Las Vegas supports designers and varied creative entities in the Las Vegas Valley and surrounding areas by organizing projects and events – lectures, mixers, community partnerships, social outreach, and competitions – to help inform current and future designers, as well as the broader public, about the value of design.
As part of the national organization, AIGA Las Vegas shares in the mission of advancing design as a professional craft, strategic tool, and vital cultural force. The membership of over 22,000 in 66 chapters believe designers serve a critical role as communicators, educators, and innovators. AIGA sets the national standard for the role of design in economic, social, political, cultural, and creative contexts. Founded in 1914 as the American Institute of Graphic Arts, AIGA remains the oldest and largest professional membership organization for design and is now known simply as “AIGA, the professional association for design.”
Tickets are available for this Saturday. RSVP to AIGA Las Vegas Workshow: https://www.facebook.com/events/102066093876824
For more info on AIGA Las Vegas: lasvegas.aiga.org
Jennifer Albrecht Performs Sept 8 At The Writer's Block with "Echo Bay" Set To Release Early 2018
Jennifer Albrecht-Battisti is set to have her chapbook of poems ECHO BAY published in early 2018 with Serving House Books along with Renee Ashley's MINGLEMENTS: PROSE ON POETRY AND LIFE and Letisia Cruz's THE LOST GIRL'S BOOK OF DIVINATION: COMICS POETRY. With a feature coming this Friday, September 8 at the Writer's Block for their Expo Series I interviewed her about the upcoming feature, her poetry, and what inspires her to write.
VIM: You and I are featuring at the Writers Block reading from our poetry along with Jamel Brinkley, Teri Amory, and Harry Fagel. What are you most looking forward to the feature?
JENNIFER ALBRECHT: What I most look forward to at any poetry reading in Vegas is connection. Writing requires a necessary isolation and solitude, so having the privilege of connecting to other poets and the audience is exhilarating. The energy is palpable. I also really love hearing other poets work and soaking in the range of talent and styles our community has.
VIM: Past couple of months you have featured at various poetry events. Which has been your favorite so far and what would be your perfect setting for a future feature?
JENNIFER ALBRECHT: I am grateful to feature anywhere! It's an honor and a delight to get to do what I love ! The LUSH event I participated in was one of the most memorable for sure. Collaborating with local artists and watching the creative fusion of different artistic mediums was incredible. The displayed artwork of the interpretation of the poems gave me an entirely new perspective on the power of poetry.
VIM: That was a wonderful event. It was great collaborating with AIGA on that Lush event. What can you tell us about your upcoming book of poems?
JENNIFER ALBRECHT: My first chapbook titled Echo Bay is forthcoming in early 2018. I am extremely excited to be working with Serving House Books for the publication. The manuscript includes poems with an undercurrent of explorations of family, grief, memory, motherhood and marriage with a strong tie to the Mojave desert and growing up in Las Vegas.
VIM: Sounds like a deep trek into your mind and heart. What first inspired you to write? And if you can. Can you share a line from one of your poems?
JENNIFER ALBRECHT: That's a beautiful way to put it. I first fell in love with poetry when I discovered Shel Silverstein's Where the Sidewalk Ends. It was sound and Cadence I was captivated by. I was about 8 when I started to write little poems. There really hasn't even been a choice when it came to writing. Poetry never fixes but it always mends. It's a beautiful container for all of the sharp corners, eye sores--the unspeakable, but also the astonishing beauty, the bizarre and hilarious details of human nature and the honesty that can only be transmitted through the lovely arrangement of images. Here is a couple lines from my poem, "Echo Bay", from which the collection is titled after: My grief is a row boat In a desert thundering nowhere, Waiting for a ghost.
VIM: Thank you for allowing me to interview you and I'll see you this Friday at the Writer's Block.
Jennifer Albrecht: Thank you!! That was fun
Jeffrey Bennington Grindley on Low Key Zine and the LV Zine Library
Low Key Zine releases their 2nd issue on September 13 at the Low Key Photo Zine Release Party at Hop Nuts. The zine features photography and music from Las Vegas locals and neighbors from Phoenix and LA. Low Key Zine is a quarterly photo zine founded by Jeffrey Bennington Grindley that shares often overlooked images from the places we live.
VIM: Hello! How is it going Jeff. We've known each other for over a decade and it's great to see you pursuing this new venture, Low Key Zine. What was the inspiration for it?
JEFFREY BENNINGTON GRINDLEY: A few years ago I started actively taking more pictures of the city and places I visited. I love laying in the gutter or contorting myself a bit to get an angle I like, seeing stuff form a new perspective. I sat on this for over a year because I was so concerned with making it just right, holding myself to some high standard of presentation and on and on went my list of excuses. My mom died at the beginning of the year and it was a huge shift of perspective for me. I was fortunate to have the support of my wife to help me stay true and focused on what was important. It really made me reflect on how much we leave undone in life. This was the most present project and representation of stuff I was putting off. So one day I just sat down and assembled what would be the heart of the first issue. The name came from just being the low key version of Las Vegas. Our public perception is this blown up neon crazy wonderland, which it is! But the Las Vegas I know is beautiful and tragic and has so much more life than that image portrays. So the focus is to show that side of Las Vegas through images and also now, music.
VIM: You are the founder of the Lv Zine Library. How did it get started?
JEFFREY BENNINGTON GRINDLEY: Well I'm the Co-founder. Stevie was the big motivating factor behind that finally getting legs and traction! I had this idea I kept talking about and she got tired of hearing it. Finally she said DO IT! The gears were set in motion and it's been 7 years strong. We've almost completed our search for a new home, but I can't say anything official yet. It's very exciting. Either way the goal has always been to expose people to zines and empower those people to make zines!
VIM: You've done some Zine workshops and events in the past. Any new events you are currently working on?
JEFFREY BENNINGTON GRINDLEY: Yes! We are in the first phase of planning the Las Vegas Zine Fest in late 2018. Anyone with inquiries can email us at Lvzinelibrary@gmx.com.
We are focused on getting into our new space and in Spring 2018 and there will be a monthly series of workshops set for the new space!
VIM: You've successfully launched two cultural Vegas icons in the past, first with Human Experience with Miss Joy and the Zine Library. What has been a highlight from these past projects.
JEFFREY BENNINGTON GRINDLEY: I'm so fortunate to have been welcomed into the beginning of Human Experience! One thing that always sticks out to me about hosting open mics is seeing people progress. I've known at least two people who, through open mics conquered serious speech impediments. So inspiring! With the zine library, doing workshops and seeing young people pour their hearts out on paper! Zines are all about empowerment, and watching young people get that and seeing the fire and excitement in them is a definite highlight.
Creative Mornings
Creative Mornings at the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art with host Megan Arzaga and feature D.K. Sole. D.K. Sole was born in Melbourne, Australia. She moved to the United States in 2010. In 2012 she joined the UNLV Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art where she works in Research and Educational Engagement. She is an artist.
Creative Mornings believe in the power of community. Bringing together people who are driven by passion and purpose, confident that they will inspire one another, and inspire change in neighborhoods and cities around the world.
Link: https://creativemornings.com/cities/lv
ANGELA MARIE JOHNSON
With ARTPop completed and the billboards out on display on the streets of Las Vegas, I had the opportunity to interview Angela Marie Johnson, President of AIGA Las Vegas and Creative Director at The Las Vegas Review Journal about AIGA's Membership Week, the LUSH event, and everything ARTpop.
Photo by Jorge Lara
VIM: First off, congratulations on a busy and eventful week with AIGA Las Vegas. How did you approach Membership Week and what would you have done differently?
ANGELA MARIE JOHNSON: Thank you. This is our 3rd Annual membership week. First we come up with the line up of events and we make sure that they are in line with our goals for the week, which is to celebrate current members, invite new people to our community and provide events that allow our members to give us feedback. We want to curate content and programming that serves them best.
I would have loved to had more planning time to team up with other non-profits and charities.
VIM: It's all about collaboration and the possibilities. This year ARTPop Las Vegas was held at the Zappos Campus with a phenomenal list of new incoming artists. Was there an artist's work that was your favorite or that particularly stood out to you?
ANGELA MARIE JOHNSON: Ooh, that's a good question. I was really happy with the quality of art that was submitted. It was hard to narrow it down to 7 winners. I really gravitate towards Justin's Favela's piece. I think having his pinata's art on a billboard is great representation for what his art stands for. I also love Valentin's piece. I have followed his work for a while. The way he uses color and line movement is really striking and engaging.
Justin Favela's ARTPop entry
VIM: Narrowing down the artists is always difficult. Would love to see the other submissions. Was their a submission that was not accepted that you think would have been a good honorary mention?
ANGELA MARIE JOHNSON: Yes, definitely. I absolutely loved Krystal Ramirez piece. The photograph she submitted was so layered and it made me have this unsettling feeling. It's not something that you would see on a billboard and I think that's why I really wanted to see that juxtaposition. I think it would have caught people's attention. And I think it that lends itself to a bigger idea about art pop which I appreciate. We are taught to take our time to really evaluate the piece.
With billboards you only have 3-5 seconds to catch their attention. So to apply art to this type of display is so unique.
Photo courtesy: Jennifer Albrecht
Photo courtesy: Jennifer Albrecht
Photo courtesy: Jennifer Albrecht
VIM: The billboards I think are something that will help to beautify the city and it will bring art to people who normally would not have it in their everyday's life. I do want to thank you and Martin Bautista for reaching out to my poetry organization to collaborate on Lush. What would be your fantasy project or collaboration?
ANGELA MARIE JOHNSON: I 100% agree. I love being a part of ArtPop for those same reasons.
We should be thanking you. The Poet Organization is an amazing partner to have. You all go above and beyond to support the creative community. We can't wait to work with your group again.
I was just talking about this last night at our AIGA BBQ. I would love to do a video series where we explore the partnership of food and design. Most notable chefs are actually great brand directors and have carefully crafted identities.
For instance, Thomas Keller has a cookbook that wins design awards, he produces his own magazine and employs an amazing design studio called Level. Also, David Chang has his magazine called Lucky Peach that I love.
VIM: I'll have to check those out. Magazines are an extensions of one's own beliefs and creativity I think. Lastly, what would you say would be your vision statement for the coming year for AIGA Las Vegas? What would be the number one asset potential members would receive by joining your organization?
ANGELA MARIE JOHNSON: I would say our main goal this year is to champion for Las Vegas to be seen as a major design city. We have amazing talent and we want to show it off. So we are creating opportunities for designers to showcase their work, we are creating more video content to highlight our design leaders as well as working with our advisory board to bring back our award ceremony called the Work Show.
I don't think I can narrow it down to one big asset. There are a ton of benefits but for time sake I will choose two that I think are pretty important. One, the networking is one of your best tools as a designer and AIGA is a nationwide group. As a hiring manager, it is great to see the up and coming talent. As a designer you have access to so many creative directors and possible job opportunities.
Two, I personally use AIGA as an outlet for my passions in design. More often than not, as a designer you do not get to pick your projects and you don't get to flex your creative muscle as much as you would like. For me, I was interested in telling female stories of leadership in design. Through my connections at AIGA I was able to put together a team and we produced a video series that I got to spear head. This is a possibility as a member. If you have a great idea or design initiative we would like to hear it and help make it happen.
VIM: That chance in itself sounds like a dream opportunity. Thank you for the interview.
For more information on AIGA Las Vegas visit: https://lasvegas.aiga.org
To view this year's ARTPop participants art work visit: http://www.artpopstreetgallery.com/index
