VEGASinsight Archives

Just one of the haunting works by Justin Crabtree and David Ward at Main Gallery

Amongst all the Election Day nonsense (oh, and topless shows, dance-punk concerts and Tiki bars), we almost forgot First Friday was coming up this week. I know, I know, “how could we?” Well, it’s not like the future of our country (and the free world?) is hanging in the balance today or anything, right?

With that in mind, assuming the world hasn’t shat itself by then, here’s a look forward to November’s worthy art openings in Las Vegas not only before and during First Friday, but maybe a little after, as well:

First up is the return of Brian and Jennifer Henry’s creation Lola in her newest show, “Lola vs. The Universe,” at Trifecta Gallery (inside the Arts Factory, 103 E. Charleston Blvd.). Opening with a preview reception on Thursday, Nov. 6 from 5 to 8 p.m., this new series catches up with the exploits of Lola, an “avid activist,” “steam train conductor” and Presidential candidate.

Meanwhile, at Main Gallery (1009 S. Main St.), Justin Crabtree and David Ward team up for “Method and Theory,” which opens Friday, Nov. 7 at 6 p.m. This installation juxtaposes the approaches, disciplines and styles of artist Crabtree and biologist Ward. You really need to see it to believe it.

Around the corner at MTZC (on the second floor of Commerce Street Studios, 1551 S. Commerce St.), we bid a sad farewell to the 4-year-old gallery with “20/20 Hindsight,” the final show featuring the art of owner Mark T. Zeilman. Do not miss the opening reception on Friday from 6 to 10 p.m. for this closing show.

If you survive all that First Friday noise, then by the next week you’ll be ready for the opening of “Love and Water” by San Francisco-based Alexis Amann at Atomic Todd (1221 Main St.), showing Nov. 14 through Dec. 31. The exhibition, curated by Naomi Arin, features Amann’s acrylic gouache paintings, which explore the dual themes of love and water. The opening reception is from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 14.

Other shows to keep on your calendar that we’ll revisit later: Tarissa Tiberti at The Fallout (1551 S. Commerce St.) from Nov. 21 to Jan. 3, 2009, and “Israeli Art NOW,” showing Nov. 26 through Jan. 4, 2009 at Naomi Arin Contemporary (formerly DUST, 900 S. Las Vegas Blvd. Suite 120-B).

Works by Jill Magid, on display at Dust

Amidst all this fancy Las Vegas art news we almost forgot that there’s a new show opening at Dust Gallery tomorrow night. How could we? Well, that’s a whole other story, but regardless, you’ll want to be at Dust (900 Las Vegas Blvd. S., in SoHo Lofts) Saturday, Oct. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. for the opening reception of “Capital Jewelers.” Curated by Glen Helfand, the exhibit (running through Nov. 23) features the varied works of Luke Butler, Curtis Fairman, Jill Magid and Lacey Jane Roberts.

You know what we love about Dust Gallery (900 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Suite 120-B)? The gallery hosts its opening receptions in the middle of the month, realizing that there’s no point in competing with dozens of other galleries for attention on First Friday or, as has become popular of late in the Las Vegas art scene, receptions the Thursday prior.

We also love Dust’s new location on the ground floor of SoHo Lofts, which almost redeems the otherwise offensively mediocre architecture of this condo building. The airy, echoing space is perfect for Dust’s typically minimalist contemporary art offerings. As well, the gallery will have some worthy neighbors soon, in the form of Globe Salon, which is moving from its age-old Charleston and Decatur location to the retail level of SoHo this summer, further moving downtown toward livability.

The new exhibit worth checking out at Dust is “Make It Rain,” a show featuring new works by Curtis Fairman and Jeffrey Gibson. Fairman is a UNLV MFA recipient who lives right here in Sin City, while Brooklyn, N.Y.-residing Gibson received his MFA in London at the Royal College of Art. Fancy, huh? “Make It Rain” debuts next Friday, May 16, at 6 p.m. Surely there will be refreshments and art scenesters aplenty. You know you love it.