One point of criticism regarding Las Vegas you’ll hear often is that there is no culture. Actual theater has been replaced with highly stylized variety shows. Architecture has taken a backseat to overly themed resorts dripping with neon. While it’s true Las Vegas has no art museum … yet, we do have First Friday. The aptly named art festival has taken place in Las Vegas’ 18b Arts District, about halfway between the Strip and Downtown, on the first Friday of every month for nearly 15 years. The festival is a celebration of local artists and galleries. This coming Friday happens to be First Friday, and whether you show up for the live music and food trucks or the artwork, you’ll have a good time. Here’s a preview of some of August’s highlights.

Also found at Downtown Spaces, Heartbroken Reality will exhibit a new show from local art collective Weft in the Weave member Sam Canales, Bubblegum Gallery will display a Harry Potter themed group show, and Skin City Body Painting is hosting August Abstract, featuring body painting and work from artists Santiago Vasquez, Angela Black, Michelle Hengveld and Robin Slonina.
The Arts Factory, one of the two galleries that started the tradition, is always a happening hangout during the festivities. The Twisted Artist Gallery inside will hang a new showing from artist Matthew Murphy called “After Dark.” Hiptazmic, a locally owned shop selling handmade jewelry, accessories and art made from recycled materials, will host what is being billed as a “Pop-up Pokéstop Shop ‘N’ Play” event. They will be selling Pokémon items and raffling away prizes via Snapchat. With more than two dozen galleries, a yoga studio and a pub, The Arts Factory is worth a visit.
The majority of galleries will be open this Thursday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in conjunction with Preview Thursday, which is intended to give the serious art connoisseurs, critics and collectors first crack at new exhibits. It’s the art festival without the festival. First Friday runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. as well. Follow VegasDaze on social media for more useful vacation advice and recommendations, and browse our website for tickets to the city’s hottest shows, attractions, tours and nightlife!
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