A winter’s break in downtown Las Vegas was a happening scene for me in January. The Downtown Project of Freemont Street has been infused with Zappos CEO, Tony Huseh’s capitalism since 2012 and this has given new life to the art, artists and the entrepreneur spirit that can make an area come alive again. The idea of using repurposed shipping containers by the company Xtreme Cube for store fronts in an open, child friendly and individualistic shopping mall has certainly allowed the Art Box to succeed in The Container Mall! This store front is home to the art of over 35 local Las Vegas artists with several reaching national recognition and successful sales. This locale is a mini mart of creativity and I highly recommend a visit to the Container Mall as a great break from the Strip. The art side of Las Vegas is in a terrific walking around area, with good eats, great shopping, and a city that has a community focus approach to business and success. This is a place that is quirky and diverse; just like Art. On your next visit or planning a visit to Las Vegas; remember to check out the Freemont downtown art scene. Just look for the 3 story high “Burning Man’s Praying Mantis that breathes fire and you will be at the entrance to the Container Mall. Do your part for Art. What happens in Las Vegas does not have to stay in Las Vegas! Support the Arts and have fun doing it!
Nelson, Nevada is a ghost town with a great history. The history that unfolds is filled with gold mines, lawlessness, floods, Indian uprisings, union and confederate deserters and western ambience. Today it is a really great place to view “readymade art” that would certainly inspire even Duchamp and Joseph Beuys. It is just a short ride into the desert from Boulder Dam and well worth the ten dollars you pay to the owners at the old Texaco Gas Station to explore to your hearts content. You do need to sign a waiver to walk around as it’s at your own risk; I mean it is the desert! It has rattlesnakes, cactus, crashed airplanes to climb, cars from the 1920’s to current day just waiting to be explored, old buildings, a piano with bench to play, a water tower without the track and train to nowhere, a smorgasbord feast for any one who admires antiques or the past. Take a moment and think about watching the film “3000 miles to Graceland” and you will see what I mean. Don’t forget to put your phone on record and video to capture the essence of the old but with a happy circumstance of just being there. Nelson is certainly worth the time and it will give you a unique and fascinating adventure among the past. This is a wonderful living canvas, great for any contemporary artist looking for some new inspiration whether in film, photography, plein air painting, sculpture or living canvas appreciation.
