18b The Las Vegas Arts District

Downtown district in Nevada, U.S. July 2018 thumb|Looking south over the intersection of Charleston and Las Vegas Boulevard in 2015. A portion of the Arts District is seen along the right half. 18b The Las Vegas Arts DistrictWhat is 18b? https://www.18barts.org/where-what-is-18b 18bArts.org June 29, 2024 is located in downtown Las Vegas, Nevada. The district includes art galleries, clothing and antique stores, restaurants, bars, and breweries. The Arts District is located north of the Las Vegas Strip.Segan Sascha Elvis Was a Hipster: Las Vegas' Arts District https://www.frommers.com/trip-ideas/cultural-immersion/elvis-was-a-hipster-las-vegas-arts-district Frommers June 29, 2024 East Charleston Boulevard runs through the center of the district from west to east. According to the city, the district is officially bounded by Hoover Avenue to the north and Commerce Street to the west. The southern boundary runs just past Colorado Avenue, while the east border runs along 4th Street up until Charleston, continuing along South Las Vegas Boulevard the rest of the way to Hoover.Hemmersmeier Sean You’ve heard of Las Vegas' Arts District. Where is it, technically? https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/local-las-vegas/downtown/youve-heard-of-las-vegas-arts-district-where-is-it-technically-3017070/ June 29, 2024 Las Vegas Review-Journal March 14, 2024 The idea of an arts district in Las Vegas dates to 1998, and slowly developed in the years to come. A First Friday event was launched in 2002, to promote the new district. The event proved to be a success, eventually helping to transform the area. The Arts District rose to prominence in the mid-2010s, with the opening of various businesses. History The Arts District was conceived by Wes Myles (formerly Wes Isbutt),Peterson Kristen Wes Myles, father of downtown Vegas art https://lasvegassun.com/news/2008/oct/27/wes-myles-father-downtown-vegas-art/ June 27, 2024 Las Vegas Sun October 27, 2008 who opened the Arts Factory in 1997.White Ken Arts Central: Creative types find new home in downtown scene https://reviewjournal.newsbank.com/search?text=%22Arts%20Central%3A%20Creative%20types%20find%20new%20home%20in%20downtown%20scene%22&content_added=&date_from=&date_to=&pub%5B0%5D=LVRB Las Vegas Review-Journal June 13, 1997 June 29, 2024 subscriptionCrowley Matthew Creative community gets boost from Arts Factory https://reviewjournal.newsbank.com/search?text=%22Creative%20community%20gets%20boost%20from%20Arts%20Factory%22&content_added=&date_from=&date_to=&pub%5B0%5D=LVRB Las Vegas Review-Journal July 2, 1997 June 29, 2024 subscriptionPaskevich Michael Cultural Corridor: Arts Factory officials envision emerging downtown arts area https://reviewjournal.newsbank.com/search?text=%22Cultural%20Corridor%3A%20Arts%20Factory%20officials%20envision%20emerging%20downtown%20arts%20area%22&content_added=&date_from=&date_to=&pub%5B0%5D=LVRB Las Vegas Review-Journal August 15, 1997 June 29, 2024 subscription Located at 107 East Charleston Boulevard, in what used to be an office supply warehouse,Artsy bistro to open in the Arts Factory https://reviewjournal.newsbank.com/search?text=%22Gateway%20Arts%20District%22&content_added=&date_from=&date_to=&pub%5B0%5D=LVCL Las Vegas CityLife June 20, 2002 June 28, 2024 subscription the Arts Factory housed several galleries. A year after opening, Myles partnered with the city to throw a street festival in the immediate area known as the Gateway Music & Arts Experience. Myles hoped that the festival would demonstrate the potential for an arts district in the downtown area.Weatherford Mike Arts Factory will throw street party this weekend http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1998/Sep-25-Fri-1998/weekly/8249748.html June 27, 2024 Las Vegas Review-Journal September 25, 1998 https://web.archive.org/web/19991231081217/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1998/Sep-25-Fri-1998/weekly/8249748.html 31 December 1999 Mayor Oscar Goodman, elected in 1999, became a prominent supporter of the idea.Puit Glenn Artful Dodger http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Aug-12-Sat-2000/news/14158733.html Las Vegas Review-Journal August 12, 2000 https://web.archive.org/web/20000818072402/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Aug-12-Sat-2000/news/14158733.html August 18, 2000 A year later, the Las Vegas City Council was in discussions to make the district a reality.Neff Erin Main Street shop owner says ordinance hurting business https://lasvegassun.com/news/2000/jun/02/main-street-shop-owner-says-ordinance-hurting-busi/ June 29, 2024 Las Vegas Sun June 2, 2000 S2 Art, an art publisher and retailer, opened next to the Arts Factory in 2001, but progress on an arts district was otherwise slow-moving. Las Vegas, up to that point, had not been known as an art-centric city. Other factors were high rent rates and a common belief that the downtown area was crime-ridden. Myles estimated that it would take four more art businesses for the district to flourish. With a $100,000 loan from the city council, S2 co-owner Jack Solomon moved his company's headquarters to the area to help spur additional development.White Ken Slow Going: Despite modest progress, a vibrant arts district is still a dream http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2002/Jun-11-Tue-2002/living/18868073.html Las Vegas Review-Journal June 11, 2002 https://web.archive.org/web/20021027005458/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2002/Jun-11-Tue-2002/living/18868073.html October 27, 2002Peterson Kristen Las Vegas art dealer Jack Solomon dies at age 83 https://lasvegasweekly.com/ae/2012/aug/20/las-vegas-art-dealer-jack-solomon-dies-age-83/ June 29, 2024 Las Vegas Weekly August 20, 2012 Proponents hoped to transform the area into a SoHo-style neighborhood.White Ken Downtown Arts District finally taking hold http://www.reviewjournal.com/bestoflv/2005/bestartsdistrict.jsp;jsessionid=BMGLLJLEFKAA Las Vegas Review-Journal 2005 https://web.archive.org/web/20110604135102/http://www.reviewjournal.com/bestoflv/2005/bestartsdistrict.jsp;jsessionid=BMGLLJLEFKAA June 4, 2011 The name Gateway Arts District was in use as of 2001,Crosby Gregory The real Gateway http://www.lasvegasmercury.com/2001/MERC-Apr-13-Fri-2001/15784687.html Las Vegas Mercury April 13, 2001 https://web.archive.org/web/20031005212029/http://www.lasvegasmercury.com/2001/MERC-Apr-13-Fri-2001/15784687.html October 5, 2003 and the area was renamed a year later as the Las Vegas Arts District. By the end of 2002, numerous shops and restaurants had opened in the area, and further development was in the planning stage.Negron Sito Downtown Arts District finally becoming reality https://lasvegassun.com/news/2003/oct/08/downtown-arts-district-finally-becoming-reality/ June 29, 2024 Las Vegas Sun October 8, 2003 In 2005, the former Holsum bread factory was renovated into Holsum Lofts, housing numerous businesses.Majority in Collective believe it has outgrown Arts Factory https://lasvegassun.com/news/2006/feb/17/majority-in-collective-believe-it-has-outgrown-art/ June 29, 2024 Las Vegas Sun February 17, 2006Segall Eli Former bakery building up for sale in downtown Las Vegas https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/former-bakery-building-up-for-sale-in-downtown-las-vegas-2488497/ June 29, 2024 Las Vegas Review-Journal December 1, 2021 In 2006, artists voiced opposition to new high-rise condominium projects in the area, including Newport Lofts, expressing concern that real-estate prices would rise as a result. Proponents such as Solomon argued that the projects would bring foot traffic to the Arts District, while the artists believed that most units would be used as vacation homes rather than full-time residences.Arts District divided https://lasvegassun.com/news/2006/apr/27/arts-district-divided/ June 27, 2024 Las Vegas Sun April 27, 2006 Aside from the condo projects, progress remained sluggish in the Arts District.Choate Alan Promoters see district as artwork in progress https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/promoters-see-district-as-artwork-in-progress/ June 29, 2024 Las Vegas Review-Journal December 24, 2007 By 2008, businesses in the area had been featured in television commercials for several companies, including McDonald's.Peterson Kristen Arts District has starring role in McDonald’s commercial https://lasvegassun.com/news/2008/sep/03/arts-district-has-starring-role-mcdonalds-commerci/ June 27, 2024 Las Vegas Sun September 3, 2008 thumb|18b sign on Casino Center Boulevard In 2009, a sign was installed on Casino Center Boulevard for the newly named 18b Arts District, a reference to the original number of city blocks in the area. Because of zoning changes, the district made up 21 blocks at the time of the sign's installation.Peterson Kristen New sign installed for Las Vegas Arts District https://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/nov/20/new-sign-installed-las-vegas-arts-district/ June 27, 2024 Las Vegas Sun November 20, 2009 In 2010, RTC Transit established a bus route through the Arts District, a project accompanied by new trees and wider sidewalks. The route was expected to bring 6,000 riders through the district daily. It was intended to replace an older route served by RTC's Deuce buses. However, RTC restored the old route due to popular demand, while retaining the new route as well. Artists were upset by the change, as it reduced visitation to the district.Peterson Kristen Some arts-district businesses are miffed over new ACE bus line https://lasvegassun.com/news/2010/may/05/some-arts-district-businesses-are-miffed-over-new-/ June 28, 2024 Las Vegas Sun May 5, 2010 S2 Art moved out of the district in 2011, and Myles had become tired of battling with the city over codes and permits.Bornfeld Steve Feisty Arts Factory founder Wes Myles sounds off about politicians, downtown arts scene https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/arts-culture/feisty-arts-factory-founder-wes-myles-sounds-off-about-politicians-downtown-arts-scene/ June 29, 2024 Las Vegas Review-Journal February 2, 2012 He also felt the city was giving more attention to other downtown projects, including the World Market Center and the Smith Center for the Performing Arts. He announced in 2012 that he would sell the Arts Factory.Peterson Kristen Wes Myles' planned departure marks the end of an era in the Arts District https://lasvegassun.com/news/2012/may/02/wes-myles-planned-departure-marks-end-era-arts-dis/ June 28, 2024 Las Vegas Sun May 2, 2012 After several failed attempts,Peterson Kristen Has Wes Myles found potential new owners for the Arts Factory? https://lasvegasweekly.com/as-we-see-it/2014/aug/02/wes-myles-found-potential-new-owners-arts-factory/ June 29, 2024 Las Vegas Weekly August 2, 2014 the building was sold in 2015, and continues to operate.Peterson Kristen New ownership at the Arts Factory calls to mind the good times and cantankerous bouts https://lasvegasweekly.com/as-we-see-it/2016/feb/25/new-ownership-arts-factory-wes-myles-thunderbird/ June 29, 2024 Las Vegas Weekly February 25, 2016 The Arts District became more prominent during the mid-2010s, as new businesses moved into the area. Its popularity increased further after a beautification project concluded in 2018.Seely Mike The Least Vegas Neighborhood in Vegas https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/14/travel/las-vegas-neighborhood-arts-district.html June 28, 2024 The New York Times February 14, 2019 Property values in the area also increased.Hemmersmeier Sean $180M apartment project planned for vacant lot in Arts District https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/housing/180m-apartment-project-planned-for-vacant-lot-in-arts-district-3000642/ June 28, 2024 Las Vegas Review-Journal February 14, 2024 As growth continued, the Arts District began to struggle with an inadequate number of parking spaces.Carter Geoff The Arts District struggles with inadequate parking and rapid growth https://lasvegassun.com/news/2019/apr/07/the-arts-district-struggles-with-inadequate-parkin/ June 28, 2024 Las Vegas Sun April 7, 2019 Between 2020 and 2023, the district saw 30 new businesses. The city purchased several parcels in order to build a parking garage for the district, with completion expected by late 2025.Torres-Cortez Ricardo City hopes purchase will help alleviate Arts District parking problems https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/local-las-vegas/downtown/city-hopes-purchase-will-help-alleviate-arts-district-parking-problems-2706231/ June 28, 2024 Las Vegas Review-Journal January 5, 2023Lane Taylor New multi-story parking garage coming to Arts District https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/politics-and-government/las-vegas/new-multi-story-parking-garage-coming-to-arts-district-2797927/ June 28, 2024 Las Vegas Review-Journal June 21, 2023 The city also partnered with Artspace Projects, hoping to eventually develop affordable living and commercial spaces for artists in the district.Rocha Grace Da Keeping Las Vegas Arts District affordable for artists is focus of Artspace concept https://lasvegassun.com/news/2024/jan/24/keeping-las-vegas-arts-district-affordable-for-art/ June 28, 2024 Las Vegas Sun January 24, 2024 In 2024, CNN called the Arts District "the most exciting neighborhood" in Las Vegas. It was also noted that the area is largely unknown to tourists, who typically spend most of their time on the nearby Las Vegas Strip. Events A First Friday event was launched in 2002, to showcase artists' work and to promote the district,First Friday Primer https://lasvegasweekly.com/news/archive/2004/sep/30/first-friday-primer/ June 29, 2024 Las Vegas Weekly September 30, 2004 the existence of which was not well known. The monthly event was conceived by Cindy Funkhouser, who owned the antique store Funk House.Cohen Billie In Las Vegas, Downtown Steps Up to the Table https://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/24/realestate/24vegas.html June 28, 2024 The New York Times September 24, 2006Peterson Kristen Canvassing Downtown: 'A Day in the Arts District' spotlights downtown arts scene https://lasvegassun.com/news/2002/nov/07/canvassing-downtown-a-day-in-the-arts-district-spo/ June 27, 2024 Las Vegas Sun November 7, 2002Briggs Newt Arts: Funky Friday http://www.lasvegasmercury.com/2002/MERC-Oct-03-Thu-2002/19747307.html Las Vegas Mercury October 3, 2002 https://web.archive.org/web/20030327170108/http://www.lasvegasmercury.com/2002/MERC-Oct-03-Thu-2002/19747307.html March 27, 2003 Funkhouser was inspired to start the event after visiting her son in Portland, where she learned of a local event known as First Thursday.Katsilometes John Downtown Las Vegas loses a leading visionary https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/entertainment-columns/kats/downtown-las-vegas-loses-a-leading-visionary-2716398/ June 28, 2024 Las Vegas Review-Journal January 23, 2023 In 2003, the city provided a $5,000 grant for billboards promoting First Friday.Casey Juliet V. LV grants bolster arts and culture http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Jul-17-Thu-2003/news/21747315.html Las Vegas Review-Journal July 17, 2003 https://web.archive.org/web/20041227064839/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Jul-17-Thu-2003/news/21747315.html December 27, 2004 By the end of 2005, the event was bringing 8,000 to 10,000 people to the Arts District monthly.Peterson Kristen At age 3, First Friday shows signs of growth https://lasvegassun.com/news/2005/oct/07/at-age-3-first-friday-shows-signs-of-growth/ June 27, 2024 Las Vegas Sun October 7, 2005 First Friday soon grew to include musical performances,Peterson Kristen First Friday: Street festival or art event? https://lasvegassun.com/news/2007/feb/09/first-friday-street-festival-or-art-event/ June 29, 2024 Las Vegas Sun February 9, 2007 and eventually became too large for Funkhouser to handle. The event was scaled back as a result of this and of financial problems brought on by the Great Recession. Businessman Tony Hsieh and several investors purchased the rights to First Friday in 2011.Peterson Kristen A (brief) history of the (strides and struggles of the Las Vegas) Arts District https://lasvegassun.com/news/2011/nov/03/brief-history-strides-and-struggles-las-vegas-arts/ June 28, 2024 Las Vegas Sun November 3, 2011Katsilometes John Paco Alvarez: Hsieh didn't lead a cult, but 'a cult of personality, maybe' https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/entertainment-columns/kats/paco-alvarez-hsieh-didnt-lead-a-cult-but-a-cult-of-personality-maybe-2197260/ June 29, 2024 Las Vegas Review-Journal December 1, 2020 First Friday is a free event and continues to be held monthly.Adams Kiara How did First Friday Las Vegas, now 20, get its start? https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/local-las-vegas/downtown/how-did-first-friday-las-vegas-now-20-get-its-start-2787864/ June 28, 2024 Las Vegas Review-Journal June 2, 2023 It is credited with helping transform the area into an arts district.Carter Geoff It's been 20 years since First Friday began transforming Downtown Las Vegas https://lasvegasweekly.com/news/2022/aug/25/its-been-20-years-since-first-friday-began/ June 29, 2024 Las Vegas Weekly August 25, 2022Bracelin Jason First Friday at 20: Festival has helped transform downtown Las Vegas https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/arts-culture/first-friday-at-20-festival-has-helped-transform-downtown-las-vegas-2651671/ June 28, 2024 Las Vegas Review-Journal October 5, 2022 Life Is Beautiful, an annual festival held in downtown Las Vegas, announced that a scaled-back side event would take place at the Arts District in September 2024.Acosta George New 'Life is Beautiful' replacement in Las Vegas Arts District sparks slight curiosity https://news3lv.com/news/local/new-life-is-beautiful-replacement-in-las-vegas-arts-district-sparks-slight-curiosity-lib-rolling-stone-dtlv-downtown June 29, 2024 KSNV June 21, 2024 Features thumb|upright|Able Baker Brewing Company The Arts District is home to various galleries,Villano Matt Why this is Las Vegas' hottest neighborhood https://www.cnn.com/travel/arts-district-las-vegas/index.html June 29, 2024 CNN March 22, 2024 clothing and antique stores,Glionna John M. In the creative heart of the city https://www.reviewjournal.com/rj-magazine/in-the-creative-heart-of-the-city-2441914/ June 29, 2024 Las Vegas Review-Journal September 19, 2021 restaurants, bars,Knapp Rinella Heidi Arts District food scene blends independent spirit with sense of community https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/food/arts-district-food-scene-blends-independent-spirit-with-sense-of-community-2442544/ June 28, 2024 Las Vegas Review-Journal September 17, 2021Schoenmann Joe Joe Downtown: Speakeasy-inspired lounge opening in Las Vegas Arts District https://vegasinc.lasvegassun.com/business/2013/oct/29/joe-downtown-speakeasy-inspired-lounge-opening-las/ June 28, 2024 VegasInc October 29, 2013Dirkse Jeffrey 47 of the best Las Vegas restaurants, on and off the Strip https://www.latimes.com/food/list/best-restaurants-las-vegas-on-and-off-strip June 28, 2024 Los Angeles Times May 31, 2024 and breweries.Hemmersmeier Sean Tapping in: Las Vegas turns to breweries to boost Arts District https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/local-las-vegas/downtown/tapping-in-las-vegas-turns-to-breweries-to-boost-arts-district-2878611/ June 28, 2024 Las Vegas Review-Journal July 31, 2023 Hop Nuts Brewing was the first to open in the Arts District, debuting in 2014. This was followed five years later by Able Baker Brewing Company, named in reference to the Able and Baker atomic tests.Klein David In the quiet Las Vegas Arts District, a craft beer scene is brewing. Cheers! https://www.latimes.com/travel/story/2020-01-07/las-vegas-arts-district-craft-beer June 28, 2024 Los Angeles Times January 7, 2020 Esther's Kitchen, a popular Italian restaurant by chef James Trees, opened in 2018. Six years later, it moved to a larger location within the district.Karel Janna From the Esther's Kitchen Culinary Universe Comes a New Space, a French Bistro, and Something Very Fancy https://vegas.eater.com/2024/3/6/24092429/esthers-kitchen-new-open-arts-district-french-restaurant-fancy-bar-boheme-las-vegas-downtown Eater June 29, 2024 March 6, 2024 Chef Wolfgang Puck is also a co-owner in 1228 Main, another restaurant which opened in 2023.Goldstein Michael New Wolfgang Puck Restaurant, 1288 Main, Hits Las Vegas Downtown Scene https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelgoldstein/2023/07/28/new-wolfgang-puck-restaurant-1288-main-hits-hot-las-vegas-arts-district-scene/ June 29, 2024 Forbes July 28, 2023Wright Johnathan L. Longtime Wolfgang Puck executive opens Arts District restaurant-bakery https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/food/longtime-wolfgang-puck-executive-opens-arts-district-restaurant-bakery-2786961/ June 29, 2024 Las Vegas Review-Journal June 5, 2023 A 63-unit apartment building, known as shareDowntown, opened in 2020.Segall Eli Apartment complex to open in Arts District https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/housing/apartment-complex-to-open-in-arts-district-2049815/ June 28, 2024 Las Vegas Review-Journal June 10, 2020McCarver Katie Ann Affordable housing concept in Las Vegas filling niche, expanding https://lasvegassun.com/news/2024/apr/09/affordable-housing-concept-in-las-vegas-filling-ni/ June 28, 2024 Las Vegas Sun April 9, 2024 The English Hotel opened two years later, in partnership with chef Todd English. The four-story hotel includes 74 rooms and the Pepper Club, a restaurant by English.Segall Eli Boutique hotel being built in Las Vegas' Arts District https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/boutique-hotel-being-built-in-las-vegas-arts-district-2078822/ June 29, 2024 Las Vegas Review-Journal July 22, 2020Lochhead Colton Boutique hotel opens in Arts District with a 'New York feel' https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/boutique-hotel-opens-in-arts-district-with-a-new-york-feel-2537211/ June 29, 2024 Las Vegas Review-Journal March 1, 2022 A condo hotel addition is scheduled to open by late 2025.Hemmersmeier Sean Arts District hotel to expand next year https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/tourism/arts-district-hotel-to-expand-next-year-3018027/ June 28, 2024 Las Vegas Review-Journal March 19, 2024 Other hotel and apartment projects are also planned, with some potentially opening in 2025.Segall Eli Developer behind English Hotel plans another project nearby https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/housing/developer-behind-english-hotel-plans-another-project-nearby-2648517/ June 29, 2024 Las Vegas Review-Journal September 29, 2022Hemmersmeier Sean Hotel and apartment building proposed for Arts District https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/housing/hotel-and-apartment-building-proposed-for-arts-district-2915309/ June 28, 2024 Las Vegas Review-Journal October 4, 2023Hemmersmeier Sean You won't need a car in this future downtown Las Vegas neighborhood https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/housing/you-wont-need-a-car-in-this-future-downtown-las-vegas-neighborhood-2923699/ June 29, 2024 Las Vegas Review-Journal October 18, 2023Hemmersmeier Sean Arts District getting 300 more apartments in mixed-use project https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/housing/arts-district-getting-300-more-apartments-in-mixed-use-project-3004053/ June 29, 2024 Las Vegas Review-Journal February 21, 2024 thumb|left|The English Hotel and Pepper Club The Arts District has several performance theaters, including Majestic Repertory Theatre, opened in 2016.Carter Geoff Troy Heard and Majestic Repertory want to create a theater hub in the Arts District https://lasvegasweekly.com/intersection/2016/aug/17/troy-heard-and-majestic-repertory-want-to-create-a/ June 29, 2024 Las Vegas Weekly August 17, 2016 The Las Vegas Community Healing Garden was established shortly after the 2017 Las Vegas shooting, serving as a permanent memorial for victims.Ventura Leslie Downtown's Healing Garden will honor victims of the Route 91 shooting https://lasvegasweekly.com/intersection/2017/oct/06/downtown-healing-garden-route-91-victims/ June 28, 2024 Las Vegas Weekly October 6, 2017Kudialis Chris 'A beautiful place to reflect': Memorial garden springs up downtown to honor victims https://lasvegassun.com/news/2017/oct/07/a-beautiful-place-to-reflect-memorial-garden-mater/ June 28, 2024 Las Vegas Sun October 7, 2017Johnson Shea 1 October victims remembered by name at healing garden https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/politics-and-government/las-vegas/1-october-victims-remembered-by-name-at-healing-garden-2134718/ June 28, 2024 Las Vegas Review-Journal October 1, 2020 The Arts District also includes a park known as Boulder Plaza, sometimes used for events.Peterson Kristen A community garden in the Las Vegas Arts District? Maybe https://lasvegasweekly.com/as-we-see-it/2015/jan/21/community-garden-las-vegas-arts-district-maybe/ June 29, 2024 Las Vegas Weekly January 21, 2015 It is located on what used to be a portion of Boulder Avenue. It was originally planned as a sculpture park, intended as a signature attraction for the area. Artist Yaacov Agam was hired in 2004 to create dozens of 18-foot columns for the park. The columns would have inlays of colors and shapes that fluctuate as visitors walk past them.Negron Sito Arts district: Boom or bust for businessman? https://lasvegassun.com/news/2004/jan/26/arts-district-boom-or-bust-for-businessman/ June 29, 2024 Las Vegas Sun January 26, 2004Squires Michael Redevelopment money approved for art model http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Jan-22-Thu-2004/news/23047026.html Las Vegas Review-Journal January 22, 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20041010144808/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Jan-22-Thu-2004/news/23047026.html October 10, 2004 Agam's project was eventually canceled as a result of disagreement between local business owners, who were at odds with each other on what material to use for the columns.Peterson Kristen Proposed Arts District sculpture is anything but a sure thing https://lasvegasweekly.com/as-we-see-it/2009/dec/15/pillar-problem-proposed-sculpture-arts-district-an/ June 29, 2024 Las Vegas Weekly December 15, 2009 The park, however, had already been completed. Art Art is featured throughout the district. In 2007, business owners wanted an art installation to mark the gateway to the area. Dennis Oppenheim was one of several artists who competed for the opportunity; none of their proposals were widely acclaimed, although Oppenheim's was considered the best: neon colors being poured from paint buckets, accompanied by flamingos. However, it was later determined that this project would cost too much at $3 million. Oppenheim's eventual design consists of two slanted paintbrushes standing 45 feet. Colorful LED lights beam from the tops of the paintbrushes at night, referencing the city's history with neon signage. Some artists were disappointed with the design, criticizing its simplicity and questioning its relevance to the history of Las Vegas. Oppenheim's initial vision for this proposal consisted of four paintbrushes, but this too was scaled back because of budget constraints. The final project cost $700,000. The paintbrushes were installed in 2010, but one had to be realigned to get the angle correct. The LED lights had also yet to be programmed.Retrieved June 29, 2024: Witcher T.R. The Las Vegas archway https://lasvegasweekly.com/as-we-see-it/2008/jul/03/las-vegas-archway/ Las Vegas Weekly July 3, 2008 Peterson Kristen Paintbrushes? Really? https://lasvegassun.com/news/2010/jan/07/paintbrushes-really/ Las Vegas Sun January 7, 2010 Peterson Kristen 'Paintbrushes' arrives as Gateway to Arts District https://lasvegasweekly.com/ae/fine-art/2010/jul/28/paintbrushes-oppenheim/ Las Vegas Weekly July 28, 2010 Swenson Kirsten Gateway to optimism: An interview with Dennis Oppenheim https://knpr.org/magazine-desert-companion/2010-09-01/gateway-to-optimism-an-interview-with-dennis-oppenheim Nevada Public Radio September 1, 2010 Peterson Kristen Artist Dennis Oppenheim dies, leaving unfinished sculpture in Las Vegas https://www.lasvegasweekly.com/news/2011/jan/24/artist-dennis-oppenheim-dies-leaving-unfinished-sc/ Las Vegas Weekly January 24, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110128181331/https://www.lasvegasweekly.com/news/2011/jan/24/artist-dennis-oppenheim-dies-leaving-unfinished-sc/ January 28, 2011 Oppenheim died in 2011,Dennis Oppenheim, artist behind downtown neon paintbrushes, dies https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/arts-culture/dennis-oppenheim-artist-behind-downtown-neon-paintbrushes-dies/ June 29, 2024 Las Vegas Review-Journal January 24, 2011 and the project was finalized several months later.Dennis Oppenheim's Big Paintbrushes https://knpr.org/show/knprs-state-of-nevada/2011-06-10/dennis-oppenheims-big-paintbrushes Nevada Public Radio June 29, 2024 June 10, 2011 Both paintbrushes were installed along East Charleston Boulevard, one at the intersection of South Las Vegas Boulevard and the other located several blocks west. Originally, they were to be installed across from each other.Trimidal Lourdes Sign Times https://knpr.org/magazine-desert-companion/2022-11-28/sign-times Nevada Public Radio June 28, 2024 November 29, 2022 In 2018, another installation by local artist Luis Varela-Rico was added. Titled Radial Symmetry, it consists of two steel sculptures weighing 10 tons apiece. The project cost $246,000, and is located at Main and Commerce streets.Akers Mick 'Radial Symmetry' sculpture installed to anchor Main Street Improvement Project https://lasvegassun.com/news/2018/aug/29/radial-symmetry-sculpture-installed-to-anchor-main/ June 29, 2024 Las Vegas Sun August 29, 2018 In 2022, the Arts District added two neon signs in the form of 25-foot-tall showgirls, moved from an earlier location near the Strat observation tower.Garcia Tony Pair of 50-foot-tall showgirls make downtown debut https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/local-las-vegas/downtown/pair-of-50-foot-tall-showgirls-make-downtown-debut-photos-2632539/ June 27, 2024 Las Vegas Review-Journal August 31, 202225-foot-tall showgirls relocated to Las Vegas Arts District gateway https://news3lv.com/news/local/25-foot-tall-showgirls-relocated-to-las-vegas-arts-district-gateway-city-of-lv-southern-nevada-clark-county-the-strat-casino-center June 27, 2024 KSNV March 14, 2023 The Arts District features numerous murals.Bleakley Caroline Artists, brushes, and paint come together to celebrate Vegas Golden Knight’s victory https://www.8newsnow.com/news/local-news/artists-brushes-and-paint-come-together-to-celebrate-vegas-golden-knights-victory/ June 29, 2024 KLAS June 19, 2023 One of them, designed to resemble a Las Vegas postcard, was painted in 2020.Luschek Mat Couple creates Las Vegas postcard mural https://news3lv.com/news/local/couple-creates-las-vegas-postcard-mural June 29, 2024 KSNV December 9, 2020 Known as Greetings from Las Vegas, it has since become a popular photo spot. References External links Official website 36.159 -115.151 region:US-NV title Category:Downtown Las Vegas Category:Arts districts Category:Culture of Las Vegas Category:Tourist attractions in the Las Vegas Valley