VEGASinsight Archives

Based on a series of articles that originally ran in Las Vegas CityLife, Matthew O’Brien‘s 2007 book Beneath the Neon: Life and Death in the Tunnels of Las Vegas (Huntington Press) chronicles the hidden world of those living in the flood channels beneath Sin City. Local artist and cultural purveyor Brian “Paco” Alvarez has recreated the world captured by O’Brien with the installation of “Beneath the Neon: The Exhibition” at the Contemporary Arts Collective gallery inside the Arts Factory (101 E. Charleston Blvd.).

The exhibit is designed to recreate the aesthetics and environment of the storm drains, surrounding visitors with claustrophobic realism via graffiti, garbage, water, gravel and other discarded items composing the makeshift living spaces O’Brien discovered below the Entertainment Capital of the World. Left with only a narrow path between all the desolation around them, patrons are left feeling somewhat jarred and discomforted.

The exhibit also includes a side gallery curated by Alvarez featuring artifacts and photos from the tunnel explorations, as well as a video capturing some of O’Brien’s adventures. “Beneath the Neon: The Exhibition” runs through July 24. If you missed the preview reception on June 26, a pre-First Friday reception will be held Thursday, July 3 from 6 to 9 p.m. as well as a panel discussion and book signing on Thursday, July 17 at the same time.

Artwork from the show, by Ayako Ono.

One of Las Vegas’ oldest non-profit art organizations, the Contemporary Arts Collective, is holding its 19th annual juried show, on display now through April 26. Exhibiting artists this year represent a diversity of established and upcoming talent, including Marty Walsh, Jorge Catoni, Justin Favela, Mary Beth Heishman, Brent Sommerhauser and many others.
 
“We had a huge response from artists interested in participating in our juried show,” said CAC Executive Director Beate Kirmse. “It was a tough decision, but ultimately we feel the artists chosen represent the wide variety of talent in Las Vegas.”

A reception for the show, at which prizes will be awarded, will be held on Thursday, April 3. The work in the show – which includes paintings, mixed media, photography and video – was juried by Majorie Vecchio, director of UNLV’s Sheppard Fine Arts Gallery.
 
The CAC gallery is located on the first floor of the Arts Factory at 101 E. Charleston Blvd. For more information, call 702-382-3886 or visit www.lasvegascac.org.

Three UNLV graduates are joining forces — and distinct styles — to present one heck of a show at the Contemporary Arts Collective gallery (inside the Arts Factory, 101 E. Charleston Blvd., Suite 101) this January. The exhibit, entitled “extra.ordinary,” features the works of Zak Ostrowski, Grayson Ronk and Barret Thomson, whose different approaches will explore “closely related underlying conceptual themes and ideas.”

A reception for “extra.ordinary” will be held on Thursday, Jan. 3 from 6 to 9 p.m. The trio’s art will be available for viewing until Jan. 26. For more information, visit www.lasvegascac.org or call (702) 382-3886.

One of Las Vegas’ oldest arts organizations has a fresh, new face–in the form of new Contemporary Arts Collective gallery director Beate Kirmse.

The German-born director’s background is in strategic business planning and IT, though she holds a certificate in arts administration from NYU.

Now a downtown Las Vegas resident, Kirmse is responsible for managing operations for the CAC’s gallery, as well as playing a role on the collective’s exhibition committee.

Though she worked as a senior business analyst for BusinessEdge Solutions in New York City, Kirmse was active in the Big Apple’s art scene, donating her time to help both local galleries and a small arts magazine.

The CAC is located on the first floor of the Arts Factory (101 E. Charleston Blvd., Ste. 101) in the heart of the Vegas Arts District. For more information, visit www.lasvegascac.org or call 702-382-3886.