Search Results

“Because this series also relates to the universal search for meaning, I have found a way to hide things in the paintings that can only be seen when the viewer changes position. This physical change of position to see elements that may be in plain sight but also unseen until viewed in a new light,” Nancy Good, gallerist, curator, and musician Written and Photography By Isabel M. Castro Since its inception in 2018, Core Contemporary and its nonprofit counterpart, Core Arts Concord, have stood as beacons of artistic expression and cultural enrichment in the heart of the Commercial Center within the Las Vegas community. On December 29, the closing reception and talk by the acclaimed artist Nancy Good at Core Contemporary featured "Meaning: The Search For," a solo exhibition by the innovative Las Vegas artist known for her prowess in painting, sculptural canvas, and murals. The exhibition showcased Good's contemporary work, unveiling unique techniques that invited interactive engagement with various 2-dimensional surfaces and impressive, colorful, innovative installations created from 2018 to 2023, utilizing media materials such as acrylic, airbrush, ink, pastels, and UV pigment on canvas. Good draws inspiration from multiple sources, including her gallerist, curator, and musician roles. Embedded in her work is a captivating "treasure hunt" for viewers, incorporating symbolism and hidden messages in mural-size works and smaller intimate pieces—referred to as tiny seeds of color guiding the eyes to explore. Following a successful showing in Reno over the summer, this exhibition marked her first solo display in the city in nearly three years. Good’s diverse portfolio ranges from abstract typographical artworks to innovative installations, illustrating the breadth of her creative practice, visual stories, and personal narratives. Infused with personal style, visual skill, and a passion that guides her art, some works explore themes such as grief and emotional trauma, transforming visual creativity into a journey toward healing and recovery. As an award-winning artist, Good's work has graced prestigious venues like Las Vegas City Hall, UNLV's Donna Beam Fine Art Gallery, and the San Diego Museum of Art. Her pieces adorn public and private collections nationwide and abroad, including acquisitions by the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Fine Art and celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, among others. With four Congressional Commendations and a recent induction into the National Association of Women Artists, Good's artistic impact extends far and wide. A Shared Vision Founded by Good, Core Contemporary serves as a binary artistic space. This is a fine arts gallery space, studio, and small shop featuring artworks, along with a second space serving as an invaluable artist-in-residence opportunity for emerging talents and under-represented artists. Core Contemporary has played a pivotal role in fostering creativity and encouraging diverse voices within the community. The exhibitions spotlight artists from underrepresented communities, fostering inclusivity and challenging traditional norms within the art world. Taking a bold stance on social issues, Core Contemporary organizes shows addressing topics such as gun violence and free speech. These thought-provoking exhibitions aim to stimulate dialogue and provoke critical thinking, emphasizing the transformative power of art as a means of social commentary. What sets Core Contemporary apart is its dedication to out-of-the-box group exhibitions pushing conventional artistic expression's boundaries. These often experimental and avant-garde exhibitions provide a platform for artists to explore unconventional ideas and challenge artistic norms, contributing to the community's cultural vibrancy. Beyond visual arts, Core Contemporary embraces the multidisciplinary nature of creativity by hosting experimental performance art and musical performances, open mics, movie screenings, book readings, poetry events, and various art workshops. This diverse array of events enriches the cultural tapestry of the community and provides artists with a dynamic platform to showcase their talents. Commitment in Mission Throughout these years, founder Good has shouldered most of the organization's overhead through her personal art sales. This is a testament to her unwavering commitment to maintaining a space where artists can take creative risks without succumbing to commercial pressures. Now, more than ever, Core Contemporary needs the support of the community it has tirelessly enriched by providing a sanctuary for creative expression. The public can help preserve Core Contemporary and uphold its mission of cultivating a community where art knows no bounds. Core Contemporary Gallery of Fine Arts is located at 900 E. Liberace Ave. in the Historic Commercial Center. Gallery hours: Tuesday to Friday, noon to 4 p.m.; all other days by appointment only For more info, visit www.corecontemporary.com|info@corecomporary.com, call 702-805-1166, and follow on Facebook @corecontemporary and Instagram @corecontemporary. Tax-deductible donations are accepted through Zelle: coreartsconcord@gmail.com or Venmo: @corecontemporary.

Kevin Tice will be offered a year-long contract with the world’s largest art dealer and the opportunity to display his work inside the Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery on the Las Vegas Strip Following hundreds of submissions, weeks of voting, and judging from a panel of world-renowned artists, Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery is proud to announce landscape artist Kevin Tice as the winner of its third annual Made in Vegas art competition. Tice, who was selected from hundreds of artists who entered, will receive a contract offer from Park West Gallery, the world’s largest art dealer, as well as a three-month exhibition of his artwork, where his paintings will hang alongside masterpieces by Picasso, Rembrandt, Renoir, and other art legends at Park West’s Las Vegas location. “With the Made in Vegasart competition, we were looking to shine a light and bring attention to the diverse and immensely talented Las Vegas art community,” said John Block, Executive Vice President at Park West Gallery. “Kevin Tice’s work blew us away, and we are thrilled to not only name him as our 2023 winner but to welcome him to the Park West Gallery Family. We’re looking forward to his journey and know he’ll be a tremendous ambassador for the community." "I am truly honored and humbled to be named the champion of the annual Park West Gallery Made in Vegas artist competition,” said Kevin Tice. Witnessing the incredible talent of my fellow contestants has been a source of inspiration. Winning this competition is not just a personal triumph, but a testament to the power of shared creativity. I love this artistic journey that I’ve chosen and am grateful for the opportunity to connect with others and share my art.” Kevin was born in California and was raised in rural Nevada. He now resides in Henderson, Nevada. He is a member of Oil Painters of America and the American Oil and Acrylic Painters Society. He spent his youth outdoors and developed a love for drawing and painting while very young. While fulfilling a career in law enforcement, he continually improved his art through an unorthodox pursuit of art education.  "I didn't enjoy the formal approach to art education, so I set out to immerse myself in specific areas of interest, largely due to my own impatience to be able to paint what I was able to see and feel"." While Kevin also paints other subjects, creating a visual impression that recreates a perfect moment of light and atmosphere in elements of our landscape and evokes emotion for the viewer, is what he loves most. The Made in Vegas judging panel consisted of world-renowned artists and Park West Gallery representatives, including Las Vegas’ own Michael Godard, famed artist Autumn de Forest, former Made in Vegas winner Kat Tatz, local fine artist Melanie Stimmell and Park West Fine Art & Museum Executive Vice President, John Block. Tice’s work will be on display at Park West Gallery in the Forum Shops inside Caesars Palace Las Vegas Hotel and Casino on the famed Las Vegas Strip. For more information or to view Tice’s portfolio of work, please visit kevintice.com. Park West Gallery has two locations at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace on the famed Las Vegas Strip. Current hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, visit ParkWestVegas.com or call 702-630-1037. Keep up with Park West Gallery on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube at @ParkWestGallery.

Written and photography by Isabel M. Castro with additional photography by Meredith Spriggs. "Our goal is to tell stories and educate the public about what homelessness entails. It's not a simple solution, and everybody has a different story.” Meredith Spriggs Caridad extends its impact beyond housing, empowering residents through artistic expression. The organization's art program allows residents to create and sell their artwork, offering income and a sense of pride. "Many even pay rent with the money they earn, and that's pretty cool,” says Meredith Spriggs, the Chief Kindness Officer. In 2010, Caridad emerged as a nonprofit organization under the guidance of Meredith, dedicated to serving and educating the Las Vegas community about the complexities of homelessness. The word "Caridad," meaning charity in Spanish, encapsulates its mission—to provide essential services and challenge misconceptions surrounding homelessness. Spriggs, drawing from 14 years of experience in homeless services, including a personal encounter with homelessness, founded the organization to dispel myths and assist individuals facing similar challenges. Caridad currently manages two housing complexes, partnering with case managers, U.S. veterans, and the Clark County Social Service, catering to approximately 70 clients in transitional housing. One of their housing properties, Hebron, located at the northwest corner of Las Vegas South and Charleston boulevards at 1150 Las Vegas Blvd. South, accommodates 130 residents and focuses on aiding low- and fixed-income individuals. Notably, it serves individuals rather than families, with some residents engaged in maintenance jobs such as Planters in the Alley and Alley Ambassadors. These roles contribute to skill development and reintegrate formerly homeless veterans into society, fostering a sense of purpose. The creative art programs cater particularly to those facing challenges in securing traditional employment, providing a platform for self-expression and income generation. Additionally, Caridad collaborates with local artists and newly housed tenants to create original artwork for apartment doors, compensating artists with $150 per door and covering art supplies. Inspired artists showcase their creations on the first Fridays of each month in front of the Recycled Propaganda store, one of Caridad's partners, located in the arts district from 6 to 11 p.m. Christopher Eric Litwin, one such artist, transforms old glass bottles into unique smoking and cannabis paraphernalia, finding therapeutic solace in this unconventional art form. Litwin's creations, displayed at the first Friday booth, bring others joy, highlighting art's transformative power in overcoming personal challenges. Another resident, Willis, originally from San Francisco, emphasizes the importance of hard work and dedication in achieving goals. His journey, marked by encounters with iconic music figures like Tupac and Keisha Cole, motivates him to inspire others positively. Involved in network marketing, Willis connects with influential figures like Puff Daddy and Kelly Rowland, actively seeking to discover aspiring talent through local events and referrals. His story underscores the potential for positive transformation through creative pursuits and determination. He believes perseverance is guided by a strong connection with God to maintain and share his motivation. He encourages young artists from ages 17 to 30 not to give up, emphasizing the significance of a strong work ethic to cultivate and develop their talents to achieve success. Caridad encourages community involvement through volunteer opportunities, donation drives, and cleanup days known as "Silent Disco with DJ|City Clean Up" in partnership with the city of Las Vegas. Volunteers provide cleanup services in downtown bars and restaurants, focusing on employing individuals. Meredith emphasizes the importance of community involvement. "If people prefer helping pet charities that help unhoused dogs, quite literally, there is a nonprofit for you in the homeless space. No gift is too small for our four-legged friends as they, too, need essential items such as food, shoes, clothing, and booties to stay warm and healthy.” The staff at Caridad urges individuals to educate themselves, volunteer, and contribute to various charities focused on homelessness. As Caridad expands its initiatives, the organization seeks more community sponsors and funding to increase local support, aiming to become the premier service provider in town. Caridad's commitment to refining programs, delivering quality services, and fostering collaborations with partners across the city reflects its dedication to creating healthier, more compassionate communities. The organization's multifaceted approach, combining housing, art empowerment, and community involvement, exemplifies a holistic strategy to humanize homelessness and effect positive change. Contact Meredith Spriggs, the Chief Kindness Officer, by calling (702) 350-1880 or emailing CaridadLasVegas@gmail.com. For more information, visit www.caridadcharitylv.com, follow us on Facebook @caridad, Instagram @caridadlv, TikTok @caridadlv, and YouTube @CaridadSD.

Written and Photography by Isabel M. Castro “My passion lies in fostering creativity, beauty, self-esteem, and cultural awareness in the arts—values I believe are essential for human development.” Roz Knight City of the World (COTW), a nonprofit 501(c)3, proudly unveiled its amazing art space, marking its third transformative chapter. The Meadows Mall administration generously offered COTW the opportunity to move into the expansive former Payless Shoe store, nearly doubling its previous size. Committed volunteers, contributing their time and a few gallons of paint, revitalized the space, culminating in a grand reopening on December 1. Dedicated walls in the space feature young and seasoned artists' artworks, all attractively displayed in diverse media, techniques, styles, and subject matters. The visionary and driving forces include Founder and Executive Director Roz Knight and her dedicated staff, who have recreated a true multi-generational meeting place, including favorites like Chocolate Jazz Art Café and ongoing gallery exhibitions. At its core, this new space has evolved into a beautiful community hub, hosting numerous classes and workshops, a community holiday gift boutique at affordable prices, and many year-round activities. During December, dozens of artists and vendors will sell unique items and outstanding works in various media from featured artists such as Maria Todd, John Trimble, Penny Ramos, Karen Buford, Lesley Davis, Val Woods, and Tracy Jones. Born in Montreal, Canada, Roz was exposed to a formative creative environment by her mother starting at a young age. Growing up in a home where art classes and music were integral, Roz developed a profound love of nature and multidisciplinary artistic expression. After spending six years in Vermont as a young woman, Roz embarked on a thirty-six-year journey in Las Vegas. There, she married an African American man, raised six children, and became a loving grandmother to 15 grandchildren while devoted as a dedicated advocate for a total learning environment. Roz worked with special needs children and offered them new learning experiences through the arts. From humble beginnings of showing student work in restaurants, Roz's milestones include the growth of arts in the city and state, championing creativity, beauty, self-esteem, and cultural awareness. Roz's teaching philosophy is rooted in the artistic freedom of the '60s and '70s, with admiration for artists like Van Gogh and Picasso and the color palette of the Impressionist masters. In 1994, her commitment to education earned her the Teacher of the Year Award, leading to her participation in the Disney committee for the following decade. Roz's journey took her from teaching at UNLV and community college to co-founding the 18b Arts District with others and establishing the nonprofit City of the World in 1996. Her impressive educational background includes two master's degrees, and she is near completing her doctoral degree. In later years, despite personal challenges and significant losses, Roz finds solace in her art, using techniques like concrete poetry. Her unique approach encourages students to draw from their experiences, promoting creativity, kindness, and self-expression. Looking ahead, Roz, along with her staff, envisions a bright future for COTW as they continue to inspire people with kindness and dedication to the arts. Its mission is to educate, produce, and market local artists while celebrating and enriching the arts experience—a year-round gift that keeps on giving. Join them in becoming a volunteer, supporter, or arts patron. The community is welcome and encouraged to call, visit the website, or check Facebook for special event times and schedules. City of The World is located at Meadows Mall, 4300 Meadows Lane, on the second floor by Macy’s. For more info, call 702-523-5306 or email cityoftheworld702@gmail.com. Visit www.cityoftheworldlasvegas.org, follow on Facebook @ cityoftheworldartgallery, and Instagram @ city_of_the_world_art_gallery.

Photo by Alicia Lee The Nevada Ballet Theatre continues its annual holiday tradition, The Nutcracker, at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts from Dec. 15-24. Artistic Director James Canfield choreographed the production and featured music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The show brings the magical journey to life with over 100 dancers, including more than 50 students from NBT's affiliated Academy, along with a team of theater artists and technicians. Audiences will be dazzled by waltzing flowers, nimble fairies, and moonlit snow in far-away exotic lands, along with toy soldiers, naughty rodents, brightly colored peacocks, and people of the world. The production is based on the classic tale "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" by ETA Hoffman. This Victorian-inspired version of the story brings beloved characters like Clara, the handsome prince, Drosselmeyer, Mother Ginger, and the Sugar Plum Fairy to life, enchanting audiences with these traditional characters. The show includes unique Victorian-inspired scenery, props, and costumes, such as a life-sized dollhouse, a 30-foot Christmas tree, 15-foot grandfather clocks, and over 80 costumes. The show schedule includes evening and matinee performances over the next two weeks, including Christmas Eve: Friday, Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21 at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23 at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 24 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at various prices and can be purchased by calling The Smith Center Box Office at (702) 749-2000 or visiting www.nevadaballet.org. Also, follow Nevada Ballet Theatre on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Elf to the rescue By Paul Atreides Author, playwright, and Theatre critic at EatMoreArtVegas.com paul-atreides.com Are you looking for a holiday alternative to A Christmas Carol or The Nutcracker? By the looks of it, people everywhere have been hankering for something different. Look no further. The beloved Elf is here to rescue you. Full disclosure: I’m a Scrooge of the highest magnitude and never liked the movie. At all. If that put me on the Naughty List, so be it. Yes, Virginia, the now-20-year-old film classic, is a stage musical. First presented on Broadway in 2010, it now plays annually all over the world, and Las Vegas Little Theatre (LVLT) has grabbed it for its 2023 December production. Elf The Musical, a book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin, music by Matthew Sklar, and lyrics by Chad Beguelin, is based on the New Line Cinema film written by David Berenbaum. What a production! There are a lot of changes from film to stage. But the only iconic scene you might truly notice missing—rewritten for the stage for some unknown reason—is the fight between Buddy and Miles (played in the film by Will Ferrel and Peter Dinklage, respectively). In fact, Miles's character has been completely cut. Using a wonderful set designed by Chris Davies combined with beautiful projections by Nick Wass, the play moves from the North Pole to New York City. As staged by co-directors Walter Niejadlik and Chris Davies, the opening musical number is a hoot, and the first scene transition is glorious. Julie Horton’s costumes, combined with choreography by Hallie Lyons and April Sauline, add to the laughs. Stephen Rinck as Santa Claus opens the show. His portrayal throughout is disparaging and funny. Michael Kaczurak brings Buddy to life with all the child-like wonder you’d expect and, to his great credit, makes the role his own by not delivering a Ferrel imitation. Kaczurak’s timing is spot on from start to finish, and his breath control on some songs is an awe-inspiring wonder. Playing Jovie, Buddy’s girlfriend, April Sauline is in fine form, particularly her belting vocal on “Never Fall in Love (with an elf).” With the exception of Buddy, the script doesn’t provide smooth character transitions. Working with what he’s got script-wise, Glenn Heath, as Walter Hobbs, does a nice job delivering the over-worked, angry, and filled-with-Christmas-spirit dad. How else is Santa’s sleigh to regain its magic? The large ensemble does a credible job supporting the whole as they change from elves to office workers to people on the street. The standout here is Jax Bigelow. He sits on a store Santa’s lap to ask for a violent video game, delivers the quintessential spoiled rotten kid, and gets the deserved response of oohs and laughs. I begrudgingly went to the show, and a miracle happened on Schiff Drive. A production of this magnitude is an enormous undertaking. Ultimately, LVLT provides a delightful, entertaining, family-friendly alternative for the season. That may take me off the Naughty List. During the SRO opening night, Lebutt indicated that all Sundays are sold out. Tickets for added performances are selling fast. I suggest you get yours before they’re gone. Postscript: It’s a giving time of year, and local theatre can use your help. I’m sure an actor will get their wings somewhere with every donation you make. What: Elf The Musical When: 8 p.m. Friday - Saturday; 2 p.m. Sundays through Dec 17 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec 2, Dec 9 Where: Las Vegas Little Theatre - Mainstage, 3920 Schiff Drive Tickets: $30 702-362-7996 www.lvlt.org Grade: ***** Delicious Producer: Las Vegas Little Theatre; Director: Chris Davies, Walter Niejadlik; Music Director: Toby McEvoy; Choreography: Hallie Lyons, April Sauline; Set Design: Chris Davies; Lighting Design: Ginny Adams; Costumes: Julie Horton; Stage Crew Chief: Dave Elliot

Talented young musicians will entertain audiences while benefitting other young people. The celebration of music, joy, and giving will be the theme for the Youth for Youth Holiday Concert to be held on Dec. 3. This heartwarming event, initiated by the talented Roxy Jones back in 2020, has grown into something truly spectacular. This year's concert promises to be a memorable experience. This is the season as the crew breaks out the Christmas Caramel Kettle and cooks. They estimate they cut and wrapped about 800 pieces. Want some? The Youth for Youth Holiday Concert VIP tickets each come with a box of homemade caramels! All proceeds from the concert will be donated to Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth to help youth within our local community. The concert will be held at Clark High School, 4291 Penwood Ave., from 4 to 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $30 for the VIP section. Tickets are available at Eventbrite.com.

Nuances of Heritage: Celebrating Indigenous Cultures at Nuwu Art + Activism Center Written and Photography By Isabel M. Castro "Today, we celebrate our Indigenous heritages and enjoy our diverse cultures by sharing the arts. We welcome everyone to join us in this important event." Fawn Douglas, founder of Nuwu Art + Activism Center The Native American Heritage Day Indigemart, presented by Children of the CORN – INDIGENOUS - AF, took place at the Nuwu Art Gallery + Community Center on Nov. 24. The center transformed into a haven for holiday shoppers, offering a unique experience with a wide selection of artisanal crafters, original fine artworks, musical presentations, and delectable food from popular local vendors. This grassroots event aimed to support talented indigenous visual and performing artists, as well as local businesses in the greater Las Vegas area. Outdoors, a remarkable cross-section of artists and clothing vendors (including beautifully designed tee-shirts) were represented in celebrations of community, which included Southwest Dine Jewelry & Pottery (representing over 60 individual artists), Native Creations by Dee, Malinalli Productions, Chef Louie, as well as traditional medication crafter and tarot reader Yoshabel Shay. Hourly raffles and musical presentations added fun surprises to the gathering. Among the impressive selection of elegantly hand-crafted jewelry were dentalium shells and precious stone pieces used for traditional powwow regalia and everyday contemporary wear. Notably, earrings and necklaces displayed on a tabletop paid tribute to the MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women), advocating for the recovery of disappeared and murdered native people, presented by Mariah Smith of the Rivers and Roads Beading Co. What was intriguing about these pieces was the use of a red hand, symbolizing the aggressive method (hand over mouth) to silence the screams of women being abducted for sex-trafficking purposes. Today, women use a red hand printed over the mouth as a symbol of outrage activism and revolt against these atrocities, as many of these women never return home to their families. Upon entering the main building, a spacious and bright main gallery of the center featured impressive social-political works, including paintings, sculptures, mixed-media assemblages, and a handcrafted project of beading baby corn created by participants. Each artist's work (several dozen), whether large or small, conveyed an exceptional personal message. Some messages were deeply personal, while others, like the "border wall" installation, were socio-political in nature. The Nuwu Art Collective, founded by activist Fawn Douglas and educator Dr. A.B. Wilkinson, along with other studio artists, is dedicated to the intersections of art, social justice, community, education, culture, identity, and place. Indigenous practices lie at the heart of their community programming, influenced by the wisdom of seven past generations and a commitment to future generations. As modern-day visionaries, the artist collective aims to help advocate for their respective communities' equity through ongoing decolonization and celebration of rich cultural heritages. The Nuwu Art Collective provides distinctive programs and community events aimed at rejuvenating through creative exploration within their studios. They foster self-expression through various artistic mediums such as drawing, painting, sculpting, weaving, and storytelling performances. The themes explored draw inspiration from a diverse range of cultures, including Native American, Indigenous Latin American, Mexica, African American, and other cross-cultural communities. This community-building initiative actively works towards decolonization through the transformative power of the arts and education. The Nuwu Art + Activism Center, a POC-owned establishment, endeavors to uplift all communities by strengthening cultural knowledge and identity through the arts, activism, and education. Through yearlong art classes, a speaker series, teach-ins, workshops, art exhibitions, performances, and cultural events, the center welcomes participants of all ages. Visitors, participants, volunteers, and sponsors can engage with the center by visiting nuwuart.com/contact. Visit Nuwu Art + Activism Center, 1331 S. Maryland Parkway. Hours are 2 to 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays from 12-4 pm. For more information, visit nuwuart.com.

Written and photography Isabel M. Castro Nestled at the vibrant crossroads of Harmon Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard, ARTE MUSEUM 63 emerges as a captivating experiential destination designed by d'strict, acclaimed for creating the public media art WAVE at COEX in Korea. The installations at the ARTE MUSEUM are centered around the theme ETERNAL NATURE, reinterpreting various elements and spaces in nature as immersive media art. The opening ceremony was recently held with a ribbon-cutting ceremony officiated by city and county officials, art creators, and museum staff. ARTE MUSEUM Las Vegas joins its global influence of museum partners in multiple worldwide locations, including Las Vegas. Dubai, Chengdu, Hong Kong, Busan, Yeosu Korea, and Gangneung Korea. The exhibit will be available to Las Vegas visitors through Jan. 31, 2024. Multimedia-curated experiences invite audiences of all ages to enter diverse media artworks that bridge the gap between nature and the digital realm. ARTE MUSEUM transcends the visual realm; visitors of all ages will enter multiple multisensory journeys through spaces inspired by the wonders of nature and magic, from perpetually blooming flowers through generative art to timeless breathtaking natural expressions in spatial designs. ARTE MUSEUM Las Vegas’ soundscape was created by Music Director Young-Gyu Jang, a globally renowned composer with a stellar reputation for his award-winning scores of over 50 acclaimed films and television shows. In designated spaces, audiences are immersed in the sensory symphony at ARTE MUSEUM, where the essence of nature comes alive. Additionally, in a unique collaboration with Marianne Nawrocki Sabatier, perfumer and senior professor at the Grasse Institute of Perfumery, each art space is complemented by selected natural scents. This creates harmonious blends of sublime fragrances guiding you into an enchanting experience. One of the featured spaces is the Waterfall Infinite, a mesmerizing flow of water capturing the beauty of a visually dynamic cascade. In the Flower, the space surrounds you with the joy of life through a symphony of visually perpetual blooming flowers, where the sweet breeze carries the essence of the blooms around you. Another space is the Garden of Light and Sound, where one strolls through scenes inspired by nature, offering a serene respite amidst captivating light and sound. The Forest takes you into a sacred space filled with mystic spirits, surrounded by the enchantment of the forest. The Star Gallery is a vast installation of lights, transforming with brilliant colors and fanciful hues of the spectrum. The Jungle explores a fantasy tropical rainforest where jungle animals come to life with changing lights and environments. The centerpiece of the installations in the museum is a massive gallery that pays tribute to phenomenal works of European master artists of the impressionist era, which is best experienced and not described. Next is the Interactive Exhibit, Live Sketchbook, which allows visitors to create their own drawings by adding an interactive layer to the already immersive experience. Adding another innovative touch to the visit is the ARTE TEABAR, which offers a delightful retreat for patrons to savor sweet, chilled teas, flavored coffees, and mocktails in an environment adorned with live digital art. Exiting the attraction, the museum shop is brimming with unique and affordable keepsakes to take home. “Las Vegas has long awaited a unique immersive experience like the one we welcome to our city today. I believe I speak for Las Vegas when I express my excitement for the privilege to be the first North American location,” says Art Goldberg, Las Vegas Metro Vegas Chamber of Commerce. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week, with the last admission at 10 p.m., and is located at the crossroads of Harmon Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard. For more information, visit lasvegas.artemuseum.com. Convenient valet parking is available on Harmon Avenue and South City Center Road. Stay connected on Facebook @artemuseum.usa and Instagram @artemuseum_lasvegas.

Absurd Happy Days By Paul Atreides Author, playwright, and Theatre critic at EatMoreArtVegas.com paul-atreides.com In an effort to harken back to the origins of Vegas Theatre Company (VTC - formerly Cockroach Theatre), rising out of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas theatre program, they have once again teamed up with Nevada Conservatory Theatre (NTC) to reprise the latter’s production of Samuel Beckett’s absurd comedy Happy Days. Just as musicals aren’t for everyone, and Shakespeare isn’t for everyone, neither is the theatre of the absurd for everyone. These plays feature illogical or meaningless lives with nothing to the plot. Except, there is always something there. Samuel Beckett’s plays certainly fit that description. One has a tendency to ask, “What the hell was that about?” For a more modern take on those themes, one need look no further than Seinfeld. When asked what the show was about, Jerry Seinfeld reportedly famously replied, “Nothing.” In reality, that came out of an episode in which Jerry and George Costanza pitch “a show about nothing” to the networks, and it stuck and took on a life of its own. But each episode was about something. But as with all theatre, it needs to resonate with the audience. In order to understand what the “something” is, they need to feel for the character and connect with them in some way. As one patron put it, doing Beckett is like doing Shakespeare. If it is done well, you don’t need to be a Shakespearian scholar to understand and enjoy it; if it is done poorly…. Directed by NCT’s Stebos, as evidenced by the absence of more than half the audience for Act Two, this production failed to connect. Happy Days should be as relevant to today’s situation as it premiered in 1961 with the nuclear threat escalation with Russia. Things are bleak for poor Winnie (Kymberly Mellen). Her marriage to Willie (Martin Hackett) is no longer exciting; she feels stuck among the detritus of life, yet each morning, she has determined she faces “a happy day.” At the opening, it should seem as if Winnie is talking to herself when speaking to an unseen, nonresponsive Willie with very few lines. Here, it came across as if she broke the fourth wall. It is a challenging role, to be sure; it’s a rolling two-act monologue, but Mellen’s performance felt stilted and mechanical. Much of the comedy didn’t land; the double-entendres didn’t land. The set by Dana Moran Williams is well done. The earthen mound during Act 1 becomes the landfill of Act 2, nicely representing the ever-encroaching quagmire in which Winnie feels she is living. The lighting that sets so much mood in the first act turns stark amid abrupt changes in the second. Savie N. Moore’s costumes are brilliant, though. The perfectly coiffed, perfect make-up and unsoiled dress bring an “all is well” effect even as we see Winnie buried up to the waist, then the neck. If theatre of the absurd is your thing, and you are familiar with Happy Days and its “something,” you’ll likely enjoy this production. What: Happy Days When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 5 p.m. Sundays through Nov 26 No performance on Nov. 24 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25 Where: 1025 S. 1st St., Suite 110 Tickets: $25 - $38 (www.theatre.vegas) Grade: ** Still Hungry Producer: Vegas Theatre Company, Nevada Conservatory Theatre; Artistic Directors: Daz Weller (VTC), Stebos (NTC); Director: Stebos; Lighting Design: Jordyn Cozart; Scenic Design: Dana Moran Williams; Costume Design: Savie N. Moore; Sound & Special Effects Design: Stuart Beck; Stage Manager: Jinay Reitze