Downtown Las Vegas Arts District Hosts Monthly Festival – First Friday
I usually remind you all about First Friday, The Downtown Las Vegas Arts and Music Festival which is always on the First Friday of the Month. It’s Centered on the corner of Main and Charleston in Downtown Las Vegas.
This month, the Downtown Las Vegas Street festival is on January 2nd from 6pm to 10pm.
I’ve taken the liberty of providing the complete run down of galleries, music, exhibits and events that you can see and experience at First Friday in the Downtown Las Vegas Arts District, instead of just linking to it.
JANUARY First Friday be sure to bundle up as it may be chilly this month. You’ll want to check out the live tiki carving at Casino Center and California by Charles Christians and Matthew Dittember . We will be hosting more than 50 artists on the street (including the Outdoor Exhibition Spaces) and in the gallery spaces within the outdoor festival area on Casino Center Blvd. and Colorado Ave. The Outdoor Exhibition Spaces are being curated by Enrique Nevarez (see below). New exhibits opening elsewhere include Jerome Barkley at City of the World and Jeff Britton showing at Trifecta Gallery in the Arts Factory.
To MAKE A TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION TO FIRST FRIDAY just click: http://www.firstfriday-lasvegas.org/fundraise.html
We have a minimal $2 entry fee at the gates to the outdoor festival (children twelve and under free when accompanied by an adult). All of the entry fees go to support the First Friday arts event with more artists and live performance. This also allows us to continue to pay for all of the necessary infrastructure for an event that has grown as First Friday has. Each month we pay for trolleys, barricading, Artist Outdoor Exhibition Spaces, stages and supporting equipment, porta-potties, tables and chairs, power and technicians for the event, security, police, safety (ambulance, EMT’s etc.), set up and clean up crews and more! All of these things are done to enhance the experience for our visitors and to continue to give artists in the Las Vegas community the opportunity to show their work to a large and diverse audience.
El Cortez/First Friday Express Trolley
The El Cortez Hotel & Casino joined with First Friday and is sponsoring an Express Trolley. The trolley will take patrons from the El Cortez, 600 East Fremont Street at the Cortez Garden Gateway (with 1,200 free parking spaces in the garage and also valet) to the Main Street and Colorado Trolley Stop at First Friday (and back again). The bus will run from 6:00 p.m.(starting at the El Cortez) until 10:00 p.m. with the last First Friday stop at approximately 9:30 p.m. Take advantage of the convenient parking and avoid traffic after the event. You can also enjoy the Entertainment District’s First Friday after parties when you arrive back at the El Cortez.
DISCOUNTS
This First Friday, the ‘i love First Friday 2!’ sticker will be redeemable at Big Island Smoothies ( 2 for 1 smoothies), located at 1516 Las Vegas Blvd. S., next to Dino’s Lounge. For the best Mexican food around try La Cabana located at 526 S. Martin Luther King Blvd., $2 off any entree. The sticker is valid throughout January 2009! For info WWW.PARADISELOUNGELV.COM
OUTDOOR FESTIVAL INFO
Buy a Best Friend of First Friday card and get free entry for one year ($25). The outdoor festival can be entered just south of Charleston on Casino Center Blvd.; just east of Main on California and just east of Main on Colorado Blvd. The Friends of First Friday Information Table in the outdoor festival is in front of The Funk House on the corner of Colorado and Casino Center. Don’t forget to pick up your VIP pass to Vegas’ arts scene, the Friends of First Friday membership card, which offers discounts at First Friday-friendly vendors throughout the Las Vegas Valley, purchasing a Best Friend of First Friday card (dated 3/15/08 or later) now also gains you entry to First Friday events for one year from date of card purchase. Children under 12 are free when accompanied by an adult. To see the list of participating vendors, visit the FoFF page ( http://www.firstfriday-lasvegas.org/foff.html ). The Information Table (located in front of The Funk House) provides information for visitors to First Friday. We also have special “I ‘heart’ First Friday” t-shirts available for just $15 at the Friends of First Friday Information Table. Within the gated outdoor festival area there are NO DOGS, skateboards, hacky sacks or bikes. City ordinance requires no glass bottles or cans! All of these rules are for everyone’s safety and comfort.
Outdoor Artists Exhibition Spaces
First Friday Outdoor Exhibition spaces featuring art work by Brandon Lin, Miriam Krasner, Ashley Jacobson, Marie Grujiciic, Paul Tokarski, Juan Muniz (Frijol Boy), Lilith Travaglini, Leslie Ann Farrel, Enrique Nevarez, Autumn McGrath Luis Martinez and Lisa Atkins. Provided free-of-charge to selected artists, the Outdoor Exhibition Spaces give creators of a variety of disciplines the opportunity to showcase their latest works in the heart of the popular First Friday festival grounds. Artists can apply at [email protected].
Live Entertainment
The LAND ROVER STAGE:
Hedwig and the Angry Inch excerpts
The Day After (Indy Rock)
Neon Facade
Ministry of Love
DJ Vajayjay (will spin between bands)
California and Casino Center
Live Tiki carving demonstration by Charles Christians and Matthew Dittember
Break dancers provide more entertainment on Colorado near Main St.
Outdoor Festival Food and Beverage
Dino’s continues to offer libations of all kinds. Fabulous tacos by La Cabana. Be sure to get your sweets from the Kabob Hut. Also, Whirlygig, the non-profit producer of FF, has their official water and soda booth (on Casino Center & Colorado) with all proceeds benefiting First Friday. Quench your thirst and support FF at the same time! www.whirlygiglasvegas.org.
AFTER THE JUMP YOU’LL FIND ALL THE GALLERIES, RESTAURANTS, BARS AND OTHER VENUES
FIRST FRIDAY PARKING & TRANSPORTATION
Clark County provides FREE parking at the Clark County Government Center and in October there will be two FREE Trolleys which make 6 stops throughout the festival from 6 to10 pm
ART—CASINO CENTER
Art @ The Box Office 1129 S Casino Center Blvd . Art Music & Cultural Venue & Expressions of Fine Artists. Open First Friday 6-10pm.
Art @ The Funk House 1228 S. Casino Center Blvd. Drawings by Amos Martinez. Open First Friday 6-10pm. Regular Hours Mon-Sat 10-5pm. 702 678 6278 www.thefunkhouselasvegas.com
CITY OF THE WORLD: January Featured Artist – JEROME BARKLEY. Born in Harlem, NY, Jerome embraced the cultural experience at a young age, studied at the famous high school of Music and Art, attended Wagner College in Staten Island, NY, studied under Faith Reingold, and graduated with a B.A. in Fine Art. Jerome has taught art in New York, Florida and Las Vegas. His love for abstract art on abstract surfaces has brought him to the world of time and art. “Incorporating time and art brings an added feature to my work” – “Time is endless in art as much as art being endless in time.”
Pop Culture Gallery: January 2; Come ring in the New Year and do the Time Warp at the hot pink building on the corner of Colorado and Third Street! The gallery will be featuring, movie posters and memorabilia from The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Clockwork Orange and other TIME-LY favorites. Also showing the artwork of well-known tattoo artists Shawn Barber and Norm, pop icon painter Ocean Clark, the photography of Ski Bassham, and the funky jewelry designs of Jen Gannon: 1302 South Third Street, 702-388-2015.
ART—MAIN STREET (SOUTH OF CHARLESTON)
Atomic Todd “Love and Watert” by Alexis Amann,1221 S. Main St.,(702) 386-8633, www.atomictodd.com
Retro Vegas-featuring vintage art work in January. 1211 S. Main St. OPEN FIRST FRIDAY 6-10PM–Antiques–Furnishings–Accessories–Art..Call 702.384.2700 for more info.
ART—COMMERCE STREET STUDIOS, 1551 South Commerce
LIVE MUSIC OUTSIDE
COMMERCE STREET STUDIOS (LIMITED AVAILABILITY) FOR INFO PLEASE EMAIL: [email protected] Be sure and check out the new studios and galleries already open at this location!!
THE FALLOUT GALLERY–closing reception 6-10pm for Tarissa Tiberti “3%“, sculptures and Metallic C-prints Jan 2, 2009. Opening Jan 9 Mentalist & Medium, an exhibition of new large- scale paintings by Elizabeth Blau. 1551 S. Commerce Street, Open First Friday 6-10pm. Regular Hours: Wed.-Sat noon-4:00pm or by appointment. www.thefallout.net 702.269.3111.
Naked City Tattoo (1551 S. Commerce St, 1/2 block north of Wyoming, 1 block west of Main Street): Special shows on First Fridays. Open daily. 702-612-5516. Commerce Street Studios, 1551 South Commerce, Las Vegas, NV
ART—NEXT DOOR AT 1541 Commerce Street
CIRCADIAN STUDIOS 1541 S. Commerce, Suite 120 First Friday 6-10pm showing work by Daniel Pearson and guest artists. 1541 S. Commerce St. First Friday Trolley Stop
ART—THE ARTS FACTORY, 101-109 E. Charleston Blvd.
Contemporary Arts Center —Pressing the Limits through January 23rd Closing Reception with Artist Lecture:
Friday, January 23rd, 6-9pm with artist lecture @ 7pm Curator: Michael Costello Artists: Michael Costello, Mitchell Shields Marti, Jennifer Lynch, Willis F. Lee. Concentrating on experimental monotype “imprinting” Contemporary Arts Center 101 East Charleston Blvd., Suite 101 Hours: Noon-5pm, Tuesday-Saturday, First Friday 6pm – 10pm (702) 382 3886 www.lasvegascac.org
CRICKET STUDIO, Studio 203. Works by BRIAN SWANSON: Mixed media, illustrations, pastels and prints. Bugspeak and Neon Boneyard drawings. Open FF and Tues – Fri 12 noon – 4pm, Evenings/Wknds by Appointment, 24/7 on the web. www.cricketstudio.com 702-366-9077.
FACE UP GALLERY, Face Up: The Art of Recognition, “Play” works in 3D by DAR FREELAND. Acrylics on canvas, ink and fine art watercolor on paper, originals and prints, books, t-shirts, bookmarks and more. www.faceupstudio.com 702-366-9077.
DAMNED INK STUDIOS, Suite 204. Original paintings, illustrations, and prints by Danny Roberts. Open FF. Fri/Sat 1-6pm and by appointment. www.damnedinkstudios.com (702) 480-9090.
Diederichsen Fine Art, Arts Factory, Open First Friday – Gallery artists: Charles Arnoldi, Phyllis Sloane, David Gilhooly, Geer Morton. 107 E. Charleston Blvd. Suite 101B Las Vegas, Nevada 89104 702.461.2829
JENNIFER MAIN STUDIO, Suite 101. New figurative abstract paintings by Jennifer Main. Open FF 5-10pm. Wed-Sat noon-4pm and by appointment. www.jennifermain-gallery.com 889-8206.
SHANNON WEBB STUDIOS, Suite 202. Featuring the work of Shannon Webb. www.shannonwebb.com 702-371-4300.
Trifecta Gallery–JEFF BRITTON ‘Guilty Pleasures’ January 2 – 30, 2009 With paintings both naughty and nice, Britton’s imagery is carefully chosen to convey to the public not to be intimidated by the worlds abhorrenceʼs, in that everything is ordered and correct. He travels extensively and often paints in his hotel rooms. He lives in Brooklyn NY and LA and will be in attendance for First Friday. 103 E. Charleston #108, Las Vegas, NV 89104 702.366.7001 www.trifectagallery.com
ART—MAIN STREET (North of charleston)
Gainsburg Studio, Inc. 1039 Main Street, #103 behind S2 Art Building. Announcing our upcoming opening featuring nationally recognized stone sculptor Sharon Gainsburg and the works of other award-winning artists in all media. Ongoing First Friday event is Free Stone Carving Open Studio with the Artist between 6-10pm. Gallery hours: By Appointment. www.gainsburgstudio.com 702-384-1388.
MAIN GALLERY New Work. Gallery Hours are Wednesday through Friday Noon to 5pm. maingallerylv.com 702.257.MAIN. 2008 1009 S. Main, Las Vegas, NV maingallerylv.com
S2 ART GROUP One East Charleston Blvd. Fine art publisher and gallery operator S2 Art Group, Ltd. has its world headquarters in Las Vegas’ burgeoning downtown arts district, in a renovated facility. S2 limited editions are hand-pulled on extremely rare, antique lithography presses at the company’s 22,000 square-foot Las Vegas atelier – the largest such facility in the world. Opening Reception on First Friday from 6-10 pm. [email protected] 702-868-7880.
ART—HOLSUM DESIGN CENTER
digs– a studio of photography located at 231 W. Charleston #130 in Holsum Design Center. Open First Friday from 6-10pm. 702.651.6000 www.digsstudio.com
ART— NEARBY
3rd St. Revolution Art Gallery 224 Imperial Av.Las Vegas ,Nv 89104 702-380-8442/702-644-5388 Contemporary Modern Art.Juan Ybarra Sculpture,Graphics. Ezequiel Lee Orona,Sculpture,Graphics,Mixed Media,Paintings. Musical Guests,Billy Dare and The Pumps.Jazz Musician Saxaphonist David Ace.M-S 10-2. Open 5-10pm First Friday.
ArT Gallery at Not Just Antiques Vintage ART from listed artists as well as new talent. Combine a cup of tea and ART. Open First Friday until 10pm. www.NotJustAntiquesMart.com. PARKING LOT IN FRONT OF NOT JUST ANTIQUES.
Henri & Odette 124 South Sixth Street #130, Friday January 9th will bring Thomas Willis to Henri & Odette in his
solo exhibition “Within/Without”. Thomas, A BFA student at UNLV will be on hand at the gallery for a reception to open his new show. Come join us from 7-9pm for this special event! We are located at 124 South Sixth Street Suite 130. Hours are Tuesday- Saturday 11-1 and 4-10, for art, coffee, wi-fi, and a place to relax and chat.
NAOMI ARIN CONTEMPORARY ART— Israeli Art Now showing through February 15, 2009. 900 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Suite 120, Las Vegas, NV 89101. For info please call: 702-324-5868 http://www.naomiarincontemporaryart.
Neon Venus Art Theatre is geared toward live performances, music, and special events. INFO: [email protected] – www.neonvenus.com
Paradise Lounge–Showing the work of a new artist every month.This month showing pieces from the Fallout Gallery show–Play This. Located at 530 S. Martin Luther King Blvd, just west of I-15 and a few blocks north of Charleston (MLK and Alta), 386-6786. www.paradiseloungelv.com
REED WHIPPLE CULTURAL CENTER 821 Las Vegas Boulevard N Las Vegas, NV 89101. Open until 9 pm on First Friday.
studio 8 ten–Art Studio and gift shop located at 810 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Featuring hand made products made by artists at the studio. Open First Friday 10am-10pm. Regular hours: Mon-Friday. 10am-6pm. For more information: 644.9418
SHOPPING—MAIN STREET
THE ATTIC On First Friday The Attic offers a special discount. Open till 8pm.
OPPORTUNITY VILLAGE THRIFT SHOP Opportunity Village First Friday store hours 9:00am till 10:00pm. Sales throughout the entire store. 50% off selected items. Collectable items and wild funky items for sale.
RETRO VEGAS located at 1211 S. Main St. OPEN FIRST FRIDAY 6-10PM–Antiques–Furnishings–Accessories–Art..Call 702.384.2700 for more info. www.retro-vegas.com
SHOPPING-COLORADO AND CASINO CENTER
THE Funk House 1228 Casino Center Blvd. Open First Friday 6-10PM. Discounts up to 20% with your ‘I Y First Friday 2!’ sticker. Also, Rick on the didgeridoo, FF only. Hours: Mon-Sat. 10am-5-pm. www.thefunkhouselasvegas.com
J J C CLOCKS & ANTIQUES 201 E Colorado Ave. Open First Fridays 6-10pm. We can do all of your clock repairs. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10-5pm. 702-384-8463.
A Little Dusty— Antiques, vintage toys and collectible treasures, 205 W. Colorado Ave. Open First Friday 6-10pm. 702.379.6256. www.alittledusty.com
SHOPPING—NEARBY
NO TROLLEY STOP HERE; BIG PARKING LOT IN FRONT
Not Just Antiques 1422 Western Avenue. 12,000 sq. ft. filled with Antiques, Collectibles & Art. Voted Las Vegas Review-Journal Best Place to Buy Antiques & Collectibles 2007. Open daily. Open late First Friday. www.NotJustAntiquesMart.com
RESTAURANTS AND CAFES
Big Island Smoothies—next Dino’s, checkout their great smoothies, wraps and sandwiches. First Friday sticker sponsor-2 for 1 in the month of November!!
Bistro Divino, located in Holsum Lofts Open First Friday! www.bistrodivino.com
La Cabana located at 526 S. Martin Luther King Blvd. Discount of $2 on any entree with your I love First Friday sticker for the month of November!! For more info go to: www.paradiseloungelv.com La Cabana page.
TINOCO’S BISTRO in The Arts Factory 702-464-5008 www.tinocosbistro.net, and CASA DON JUAN 702-384-8070 have food & drink specials throughout the evening.
AFTER PARTIES
BEAUTY BAR features The Get Back, funky soul dance party w/ deejays: John Doe, Danny Boy, Phoreyz, Aurajin and special guests. 10pm until the wee hours. $5 for girls, $10 for guys. A funky good time guaranteed!! http://www.thegetbackvegas.com/
DINO’S LOUNGE:Drink Specials! Karaoke with host Danny G 10pm. 382-3894 www.dinoslv.com.
DOWNTOWN COCKTAIL ROOM, 111 Las Vegas Blvd. South (100 feet south of Fremont). On First Friday: Soulful House, Downtempo by DJ Carlos Sanchez. Live Percussions by Cayce Woody. Valet Parking provided in adjacent alley after 8pm ($5 all night). Seating is limited and may require reservations, so arrive early. Please dress appropriately. 702-880-DOWN (3696) for questions or reservations.
network of immersive sensory entertainment=NOISE ! we present a Forum for local art and music to inter-weave an impulsive synergistic event for all to be a part of .First Friday at the Aruba and Thunderbird lounge 1215 Las Vegas Blvd. ABSOLUTELY FREE! 10pm- till?
PARADISE LOUNGE—Indiecrush.com presents First Friday afterparty. $5 COVER for FIRST FRIDAY. Click here for Karaoke with Rick D. Showing the work of a new artist each month. Out front and inside the bar murals by Dray. Saturday night live music from 9pm-1am. Wednesday & Thursday night Karaoke with Rick D from 8-Midnight. contact: [email protected] to be added to the email list for events. Located at 530 S. Martin Luther King Blvd, just west of I-15 and a few blocks north of Charleston (MLK and Alta), 275-2198. www.paradiseloungelv.com
To be added to our email list please contact:
ENJOY FIRST FRIDAY In The Downtown Las Vegas Arts District
