Urban Enthusiasts – April 2015

4/07/15
Ruzo Logic and Kim Johnson are artists, gardeners, business owners and activists. Johnson is a Las Vegas native while Logic came to the city in 1993, originally hailing from Miami, Florida. Logic started Guerrilla Kage, a monthly art project that invites local artists to create large scale pieces on canvas stretched on three sided “cages,” for road side display. Johnson came on shortly after its inception, and since then, the pair has seen the project grow and become a staple in the 18b Arts District and First Friday scene. Drivers and pedestrians enjoy the constantly changing artwork that adorn the three-panel boxes along the side of Charleston Avenue at Casino Center Blvd. The Guerrilla Kages feature rotating work by local artists and student artists that are painted live during the monthly First Friday art walk.
What drew you to DTLV?
Johnson: I spent my childhood near downtown Las Vegas, so it felt a natural shift to creatively work and play in DTLV. I moved my studio downtown to be close to work in the arts community. About a year later I met Ruzo Logic and fell in love with the Guerrilla Kage project. I’ve been committed to downtown guerrilla art as well as my own artwork ever since. That, and of course the people that work and live downtown. I’m really drawn to the energy that’s unique to DTLV.
What makes living and working downtown enjoyable for you?
Logic: I love the openness of the area and the variety of businesses. The complexity of shops offer interaction with others in ways you can’t get in the suburbs. What we have is what people in the suburbs drive here for: vintage clothing, art galleries, and small community dinners. The whole place is a park as you walk and talk to shop owners checking on how they are doing.
What are some of your favorite attractions in the area?
Logic: We offer anything you want to do: from build a building, bake a cake, paint a painting, ride a bike, feed the homeless or go to church. And with the freedom to do it at your leisure.
Johnson: We walk the “hood” just about every day. Ruzo has generously introduced me to a lot of the neighborhood over the last year so it’s really hard to pick a favorite. There’s so much from RocknNoodles, Ocha to Casa Don Juan’s for eating out. Then of course there’s Bar&Bistro, Arts Factory and all those little shops and places in between in all directions. Because of so much being within walking distance there’s something or someone different to enjoy running into every time without fail.
What do you think sets DTLV apart from other neighborhoods in Las Vegas?
Johnson: When people ask me that the first thing that comes to mind is the difference is DTLV has an energy that has a little sharper teeth and claws than anywhere else in the city. I don’t mean that in a mean or negative way but in a smart instinctive way. Its gritty simplicity and history are unmatched and there’s a sophisticated street smart vibe you can’t get anywhere else in the city.
What new things are you looking forward to downtown?
Logic: We see many ideas come and go here. I look forward to more community events planning. This is what we need more of. Drawing people to our little village and introducing them to our shops and the wonderful people that open these doors each day.
Photo: Ruzo Logic and Kim Johnson by Lucky Wenzel