Arts District – March 2015

3/03/15
The Arts Factory, a 50-plus-year-old re-purposed commercial warehouse situated on Charleston between Main and Casino Center Blvd., is known as the “geographic and creative center” of the arts district. Home to art galleries and studios, unique retail stores and the popular Bar + Bistro restaurant and urban lounge, the warehouse was converted into an ever-changing art hub starting in 1997.
Today, an influx of new artists, galleries and shops continues to enliven the venue. Eklectica Gallery, located on the ground floor features three local artists – describing themselves as “an eclectic mix of mixed media, watercolors and abstracts.” Featuring the work of relatively new artist Debbe “Jaye” Sussman (mixed media) and established artists, Bill Fravel (watercolors) and James Donohue (abstracts), the gallery presents “On the Land and Under the Sea,” starting on Preview Thursday, March 4. Also in March, Eklectica will feature on its outside wall, Dray, an artist in another new Arts Factory gallery. .
Dray is also opening his new upstairs gallery, Dray – Studio & Gallery, on March 5-6. His Year of the Buddha series features peaceful and compelling paintings of Buddha, inspired from visiting a small island just east of India, the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka. There, he formed a strong connection with the colossal sized sculptures of Buddha, the Gal Vihara. He is painting this series from May 2014 until May 2015. After that, Dray has stated he will paint no more Buddhas.
Also new to the second floor is EDEN Art Studio & Gallery. Justin Lepper and Eden Pastor have cofounded EDEN, a multifunctional space that is both a working art studio and fine art gallery. As a working art studio, EDEN offers both private and group art classes for all ages in various media from many different talented artist from the community. In addition, Eden Pastor uses the art studio space to facilitate both individual and group art therapy. Justin Lepper is both the gallery curator and EDEN’s main producing artist.
In addition, and new to the second floor (and moving into larger space) is MacSual Studio showing abstract mixed media work created by owner and founder Sheridee Hopper. Also on this floor are Alexander P. Huerta (PeaceNart Studio) and Jerry Misko, longtime and prolific local artists.
Finally, there are many other fascinating studios, galleries and shops to visit throughout the Arts Factory, including Jana’s Red Room, which recently moved into the space Trifecta Gallery inhabited for many years. They are opening in their new space March 5.
If you haven’t been to the Arts District for a while, there’s much that’s new and exciting. You can easily spend a few hours finding art, toys, vintage clothing, jewelry and other surprises from Arts Factory artists and artisans.
The Arts Factory
107 E Charleston Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89104
Photo: Courtesy of EDEN Art Studio and Gallery