Simultaneously, we had art openings for Leslie Rowland at Tinoco’s and  Brett Wesley Gallery at SohoLofts; All The Galleries were previewing; Untold stories was going on at the Springs Preserve. I’m told that ALL of the events were well attended.

There seems to be TOO much going on. Regular reader and friend Brian Paco Alvarez raised the subject of trying to get the history stuff scheduled for early in the week, and leave the art stuff for later. How to coordinate that? We’re going to get people to talk about it. Maybe there’s a way, since there’s so much overlap of interest.

The alternative music scene usually starts pretty late at places like the Beauty Bar, and Bunkhouse, but tonight’s going to be one of those Roller Coaster rides. Fremont Street Experience’s “Summer of 69” series features Janis Joplins original band, Big Brother and the Holding Company, BUT it’s also First Friday. What to do? What to do?

The point is, is that we’ve got a bustling, busy, ever expanding art, music, history, and culture machine in the URBAN CORE of Las Vegas. It’s pumping out events, concerts, art happenings, panel discussions, book signings, plays, music, and all kinds of fun things to do. The trick now isn’t finding out about what “The Machine” is offering…..the trick is making the time to catch it all.

No wonder so many people are are abandoning suburbia and moving back into the Urban Core of Las Vegas.

Your comments are welcome.

Oh, I’ve got thousands of bad MLS pictures stored in a folder on the computer. You’ve seen at least a dozen each of every type over the last two years. How many more sideways bathrooms do you need. Cluttered kitchens – a dime a dozen. Underexposed, almost totally black one’s – you can find them in the dark. Cherrio boxes, bud light 12 packs and other brands name products prominently displayed – I’ll show them again when they start paying me to do it.

So, I’ll bring the series back whenever I have one that’s unique and original. In the meanwhile, all you affectionados of “The Worst MLS Photo” can help out by keeping your eyes open while you search around in the MLS. On any given listing you can just click “inquire”, fill in the spaces, write “check out the kitchen” or whatever, and send. It’s easy, and I won’t be mad if you stay anonymous.

Who knows, you might even find your dream home.  

When Art Becomes A Crime

Many people argue that graffiti is art, but when there is no permission given, that is when it becomes a crime. 

A “crime” is generally defined as an act committed by a person who injures another person or another person’s property. There must be intent on the part of the offender, and there must be a victim who wishes for the offender to be criminally prosecuted. When investigating a graffiti offense the police must establish that there was no legitimate authorization for the graffiti to be placed before an arrest can be made.

Often graffiti vandals who deface property without permission describe themselves as “spray-tip artists” or “aerosol artists.” Anyone can label themselves an “artist,” but it is important to understand that when graffiti is placed on property without permission and the owner of the property has not authorized the graffiti a crime has been committed.

Graffiti is one of the most costly property crimes any community has to confront and manage. There is nothing artistic about damaging the property of others and victimizing citizens.

Graffiti placed without permission is not art, it is crime.

What to Do If Your Property Is Tagged with Graffiti

With graffiti vandalism continuing to be the most costly property crime our community faces our local public agencies are expanding efforts to curb graffiti and bring vandals to justice. One of these measures includes the use of high-tech camera systems which monitor high-graffiti areas. The cameras snap a photo of the graffiti vandal in the act. Some cameras also give a loud audible warning to the offender that they have just been photographed. The photos may then be forwarded to law enforcement for investigation or provided to the media.

Many graffiti vandals commit their crime in a manner that is clandestine. They often operate under the cover of darkness or in a manner that reduces their visibility. These camera systems are an effective means of documenting the crime as it is happening and then serve as a deterrent.

You can also take steps to report graffiti in your area and have it removed:

To make a police report: Stop by your closest police station and make a report. This report will be assigned to a detective and the matter will be investigated. The owner of the property which was damaged must be the person making the report.

To have graffiti removed: If the damaged property is yours you should remove the graffiti immediately. You can do it yourself with paint or graffiti removal products, contact a graffiti removal company, or call for public removal if the damaged property is a wall that faces a public roadway. For public removal call the Southern Nevada Graffiti Hotline at (702) 455-4509. You may also receive free paint and supplies so you and your neighbors can remove graffiti in your neighborhood immediately when it appears.

To report a known graffiti vandal: To report information about a known graffiti vandal you can contact the police department of the city you live in. If you wish to remain anonymous you may contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555. If an arrest is made and the charge is a felony (damage exceeding $5,000) you may be eligible for a cash award.

To report graffiti in progress: If you see a graffiti vandal in the act of placing graffiti, notify the police. It is a crime in progress and you may call 911. A police call-taker will dispatch officers to the location. Do not intervene or try to stop the vandal. Do not place yourself in jeopardy or in a position of liability. Be a good witness for responding officers.

AND, a new one on me:

‘Slappers’ A New Kind of Graffiti

Many graffiti vandals use stickers in order to display their graffiti. The vandals call these stickers “slappers.” Often they will take blank stickers or a stack of mailing labels and pre-tag them with their
moniker or message.

They can then use these slappers to place their tag in locations and under circumstances where they cannot readily use a marker or spray paint. Using slappers falls under Nevada’s Placing Graffiti statute because the law describes graffiti as defacement, which includes “affixing” markings to objects as well as defacement with writing or etching. Many graffiti vandals who consider themselves “street artists” do not participate in using slappers because it is considered to be low-class, childish and appealing only to vandals who lack artistic skill.

The use of these slappers however is very prominent in our community and contributes greatly to our overall graffiti problem. Many of these
slappers are placed using adhesive labels which cannot be removed without causing permanent damage.

 

When I was in LA last week, we went to an underground parking garage in an undersold condo building in Hollywood. That’s where my friend Harry stores his 1910 Overland. I was flabbergasted to see that the entire garage was a graffiti covered work of art.

Harry explained that the owners of the building not only allow it, they encourage it! They even rent out the underground graffiti gallery as a space for raves and parties of all types. Harry went to a fundraiser event for a charity he supports just the week before I was there. It was catered, valet parking, and a dozen of the best artists were on hand discussing their work and giving demonstrations.

I can think of dozens of parking garages right here in Las Vegas that could use some color.

YES, it’s art and as the articles above state, it’s not a crime when it’s done with permission.

I’d love to see some permission based art space for the local aerosol artists.

We could provide an alternative to the storm drains, and the freeway bridges and walls.

The Globe Salon in Downtown Las Vegas

Our friends James Reza and Staci Linklater got an amusing write up on their “Globe Salon” which is in the Soho Lofts Condo Tower at the corner of Hoover and Las Vegas Blvd.

I’ve personally never been to any kind of fancy high end salon, but some of our regular readers such as Megan and Susan swear by them.

Kristen Petersen writes in the Las Vegas Sun:

Why downtown?

Our vision for Globe Salon was always to be an urban, high-end salon like the ones we had seen while walking in downtown Seattle, San Diego, San Francisco and Manhattan. As natives of Las Vegas, we felt it important to put our vision and hearts into action, and become part of the solution rather than part of the problem.

The amusing part of the article was about Parallel Parking, a skill that I’ve never forgotten and that I put to good use in Downtown Las Vegas all the time.

Clark County Nevada Is 100 Years Old Today

 Happy Birthday, Clark County! We’ve mentioned it many times, since Las Vegas History is one of our core topics.

Henry Brean did a nice write up in today’s RJ about the circumstances that led to Clark county breaking off from Lincoln County.

An interesting fact from the article:

The new county’s population, counted officially for the first time during the 1910 census, stood at 3,321 souls.

I’m curious as to whether they all actually had souls.

Centennial Mural On Display At Winchester Cultural Center

Also in The RJ today, a story about the newly installed mural celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Clark County, by artist Brian Porray. The mural is at the Winchester Cultural Center on McLeod, just North of Desert Inn. It’s also home to a very nice “urban forest”, that you should go visit when you want a few minutes of respit from your busy day.

quoting from the article:

“I find the image to be wildly optimistic,” said Porray, an artist who has done work for the county before. “It feels to me like a space shuttle taking off, although it’s a building imploding. Vegas gets to be this weird, quirky place that blows things up and tries something new.”

and:

“Catherine Borg, a visual artist who sat on the committee, said it’s unusual for a mural that illustrates destruction to mark a milestone. But committee members agreed that the mural fits with the area’s continual quest to reinvent itself, she said.”

Though I never celebrate the distruction of iconic buildings such as the landmark, I do agree that there’s a major reinvention of the urban core of Las Vegas going on. In fact, I champion it. Winchester Township has a significant role, as it’s a long skinny township that’s the northern border of county, just below the City of Las Vegas. The Landmark, was in Winchester Township. There’s still a lot of architecturally significant buildings in Winchester, and I hope the township board feels the say way I do, about not destroying it willy nilly. I guess I could say “long live historic preservation”.

I’m focusing on furniture this week. As a general rule, (or at least it used to be) furnished homes show better than empty ones.

Focusing on furniture instead of features doesn’t give buyers a warm fuzzy “Oh, I could be happy there” feeling.

The only thing worse than a bad picture is NO PICTURES ATALL!

One exception is within The John S. Park Neighborhood. The area between has official designation for the area between Charleston and Franklin, and 5^th place and 9^th Street.

John S. Park went thru the process several years ago. From it was developed a set of “guidelines” to help the neighbors maintain and protect the rich heritage of the area as well as the architectural integrity. They also created a walking tour brochure. Here is the John S. Park Historic District Walking Tour in PDF format. Take the tour sometime. It’s a very eye opening.

You’ll notice if you look at the tour that most of the homes in JSP Historic District were built before 1950. It’s just 1 more block south, below Franklin Avenue where you’ll break into a completely different type of architecture from post 1950. Welcome to Mid Century Modern. The modernism really starts with Franklin on the north.

And NOW, it’s Southridge’s turn. It’s the Mid Century Modern architecture that really defines the Southridge Neighborhood Association. The boundaries of Southridge are purely arbitrary. Oakey’s on the north, Sahara’s on the south, Maryland Parkway to the East and 6^th Street to the west. The neighborhood has several subdivisions, and 2 pockets of custom homes that have no subdivision name. You’ll find Alta Vista, Acres, Southridge, and Oakridge and Town & Country Estates subdivisions in the Southridge Neighborhood.

The Southridge Neighborhood Association has been awarded Historic Preservation Fund Grant money from the Nevada State Historic Preservation Office. The funds are being used to “conduct the Phase I Historic Survey and Inventory of the Southridge Neighborhood”.

Yesterday I met up with crew who’s conducting the inventory and survey. Monday and Tuesday are being spent taking a picture of every property in Phase One of the survey. They’ll be writing descriptions, noting the details, INCLUDING obvious changes that have been made to the homes. The number of homes that have been significantly altered with 2^nd stories, rough stucco, popouts around windows, arches, mexican fences, and other components that are not Mid Century Modern will play a key role in determining whether the district will be eligible for Historic District designation.

The goal is to show that there’s a unified, cohesive district characterized by the architecture and the history. Courtney Mooney, the Historic Preservation Officer for the City of Las Vegas is supervising the process.

Eventually, I’d love to see all of the neighborhood associations go thru the process. Beverly Green is starting it up now, and I hope John S. Park will continue with the rest of their neighborhood that’s south of Franklin Ave.

There is no legislation in the county allowing for Historic Districts. Nor is there an historic preservation office in the county. Chris G. is working on it, and we encourage her to get it passed. It’s especially important for Paradise Palms, Paradise Crest and Royal Crest Rancheros, which are all in the county and not in the city.

The only thing worse than a bad picture is NO PICTURES AT ALL!

Wednesday, July 1 is the 100th anniversary of the formation of Clark County. Along with the whole year long celebration, there’s a special panel discussion and exhibit at the Clark County Government Center.

Reception is 5pm

Panel Discussion :The History of The Strip – Howard Hughes and Beyond

Thursday evening July 2nd is the next installment of the “UNTOLD STORIES” series that’s presented by Lynn Zook and Classic Las Vegas. This series is held at the Springs Preserve at 6:30pm.

July’s Untold Stories is going to look at those who help keep our history alive by collecting Las Vegas ephemera.  From postcards to menus to casino chips, these guys are helping to preserve a very vital piece of our collective memory.

It started as a small hobby that over the years has grown in size.  But without them, many of these pieces would be lost for good.

Please join us and panelists: Carey Burke, Robert Stoldal and others as we talk about the hows and whys of their collections and why those collections are so important.

There will be copies of “Las Vegas: 1905-1965″, the history book that Carey Burke and Lynn Zook wrote utilizing a great deal of his postcard collection, will be on sale before and after the panel.  Carey and Lynn will be happy to autograph copies.

Thursday, July 2^nd 6:30 pm Las Vegas Springs Preserve Desert Learning Center

Admission is $12

It should be a fun evening of history and the panelists are bringing items from their collections as well! We hope to see you there!

Speaking of Las Vegas History, as we do often, Vegas Judy sent me a link to a 1956 home video (shot in 8mm) of Las Vegas, narrated 50 years later by man who took it when he was a child. It’s worth 3 minutes of your time.

Thursday July 2:

First Friday Preview at most of the venues.

Marty Walsh’s TRIFECTA Gallery opens with “Ripper Jordan” in the Arts Factory

Opening Reception 6 to 9pm.

Brett Wesley Opening: John Bell, “The Elegant Universe” at NEWPORT LOFTS.

Tinoco’s Kitchen in The Vegas Club hosts a new showing by renowned artist Leslie Rowland. Opening reception is 5 to 7:30pm. Thursday July 2, Stay for dinner, or make sure to come back and use the coupon below. 

Chef Tinoco has created a discount for VeryVintageVegas readers. I mentioned it last week, but now there’s actually a coupon you can print for 15% off. Just click on it and print it out.

First Friday In The Downtown Las Vegas Arts District

First Friday again! Last month was the first time First Friday was done without closing off Casino Center. At first, that worried me. It turned out that I actually liked it better without the street fair. The response I heard was terrific. Everyone I talked to (except the under 18 – spiked hair crowd) thought it was much better. It was much more art oriented, much quieter – volume wise, more traffic to the actual galleries and restaurants. I think you’ll like the new feel of First Friday.

I forgot to put up the latest video of First Friday from the SinCityArtGroup, so I’m throwing it in here. Marty Walsh is interviewed.

There’s 2 new places you ought to visit this First Friday. They’re both right across Charleston from the Arts Factory.

Our friends  and downtown neighbors, Heidi and Peter have opened Las Vegas’ first eco-friendly flower, gallery and gift shop called Gaia. Last month was their grand opening, but if you missed it, as I did, you should definitely stop in and check it out. It’s not like any other flower shop you’ve ever been to. It’s at 4 E. Charleston at Main.

Next door to Gaia is Gary Siebel’s new gallery/workspace. He hasn’t named it yet, but he’s doing a grand opening on Friday. You might remember Gary as he’s the artist who did the “CityVan” (pictured). I’m not sure what else is going to be in his gallery, but he’s saved much of the buildings that were attached to the now defunct CityVan, and there’s a memorial to it on display.

Gary also took us up on our call for someone to host the “How To Be A Pinup Girl” class that’s being held July 9^th. Now we have a location at Gary’s yet to be named gallery at 8 E. Charleston. Here’s the official, newly created flyer for the event.

To register for the class, go to “go go Amy’s” website PrettyThingsProductions

If you’re really wanting to keep up to date on ALL the downtown art happenings, there’s no better place than the “Contemporary Art of Las Vegas” Facebook Group. Yes, you’ll have to be a FB member. You are on Facebook – Aren’t You? If you’re not one of MY facebook friends yet, please invite me.

Fremont Street Experience In Downtown Las Vegas

It’s still the “Summer of ‘69: Vegas or Bust”. The whole promotion has been a HUGE success so far. Fremont Street and all of Downtown Las Vegas is packed every night of the week, and this weekend is going to be extra special. It’s the “American Pie 4^th of July”  spectacular. There’s live music every night of the week, and this Friday, July 3^rd will be “Janis Joplin’s Big Brother and the Holding Company”, and Saturday night’s headliner will be “The Grass Roots”. I did a separate blog post below this one with all the details for the entire weekend including the schedule for the VivaVision Shows.

Don’t forget to visit the Hippie Nation Gallery.

“Star Spangled Spectacular” Moves To The Springs Preserve

This year, Las Vegas’ favorite and most patriotic pops concert has a new home: the Springs Preserve! Join us on Saturday, July 4 for “Star Spangled Spectacular” as we celebrate the birth of our nation with a fun and rousing line-up of patriotic music performed by the Las Vegas Philharmonic, under the direction of Conductor David Itkin. The concert will culminate with a light show finale.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the concert begins at 8 p.m. in our beautiful outdoor amphitheater. Tickets are limited and available for purchase online and at the Preserve box office. There are three ticket levels offered:

VIP Package – $82.50 per person
Includes pre-concert VIP reception in the ORIGEN Rotunda with complimentary gourmet hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine service, and an exclusive tabled seating area in the amphitheater. VIP tickets are extremely limited. Please call (702) 822-7705 to reserve yours now.

Amphitheater Seating – $27.50 per person
Includes assigned concert seating within the Springs Preserve amphitheater and access to on-grounds food and beverage concession stations.

Grounds Pass – $17.50 per person
Includes non-seated access to the concert venue amid standing cocktail tables, as well as the balcony at the Springs Cafe by Wolfgang Puck, and access to food and beverage concession stations.

Springs Preserve annual passholders receive a discount of $7.50 off VIP or reserved amphitheater seating. Children 12 and under receive $7.50 off amphitheater seating or grounds pass (cannot be combined with passholder discount). VIP and Amphitheater seat assignments will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis beginning at 6 p.m. on July 4. Please bring your printed ticket with you.

To purchase your tickets now, click on the “Buy Tickets” button and then click the “General Admission” button in the pop-up window. “Star Spangled Spectacular” tickets can be found toward the bottom of the ticket list.

Comedy Club To Open In Downtown Las Vegas

The Four Queens Hotel & Casino is pleased to have entered into an agreement with the Joaquin Trujillo to bring some of the best and brightest comics to downtown Las Vegas.  The Four Queens’ L.A. Comedy Club will operate in the Canyon Club venue starting July 1.  Shows will run Wednesday through Sunday, with new comics appearing each week.  There will be one show on Wednesday and Thursday at 8:30 p.m., and two shows Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m It opens at the 4 Queens starting July 1. Shows are Wednesday to Sunday in the Canyon Club Show Room.

Las Vegas Fireworks Displays

As she does every year, Lynn Zook At Classic Las Vegas has up to the minute reporting on all the fireworks displays for Las Vegas.