Though it may be better known for its mob ties, flashy slot machines and celebrity-packed nightclubs, Las Vegas also has a deeper, more artistically entrenched side to its personality.
On the Strip, visitors can view work rivaling that found in fine art museums throughout the world, while downtown Las Vegas showcases a rich and growing local arts scene.
Las Vegas resort developer Steve Wynn and Roger Thomas, executive vice president of design for Wynn Design and Development, both have a personal interest in quality artwork. Their eye for fine art is obvious throughout Wynn and its sister property, Encore.
Fine art highlights include the multi-colored "Tulips" sculpture by Jeff Koons, Fernando Botero's Circus series and a couple of paintings by British artist Tim Bavington, who lives and works in Las Vegas. Go to www.wynnlasvegas.com.
Mid-Strip, fine art enthusiasts should visit the Bellagio Las Vegas, where the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art features a rotating exhibit of work from renowned artists. The current exhibit, "Warhol Out West," which runs through Oct. 27, features 56 of Andy Warhol's iconic images, including "Double Elvis" and images from the Campbell's Soup series. Past artists featured at the gallery have included Claude Monet, Peter Carl Faberge and Alexander Calder. See www.bellagio.com.
The Cosmopolitan, the Strip's newest property, has drawn fans for its poolside concerts, dining establishments and laid-back but hip atmosphere, but one of its lesser-known attractions is the P3Studio, which showcases a rotating exhibit of eclectic artwork. In recent months, an increasing number of local artists have been highlighted in the gallery. Visit www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com.
When it comes to homemade talent, Las Vegas isn't lacking in artists who sculpt, paint, draw and use other media to create original pieces. The heart of the Las Vegas arts scene is found downtown, primarily in the 18b Las Vegas Arts District. This area is home to dozens of artists who have studios and galleries, many of which are housed in the Arts Factory.
During the monthly First Friday festival (held from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.), the Arts Factory and much of downtown are packed with thousands of people interested in the local arts scene. Serious buyers should make the trip to the galleries on Preview Thursday (held the day before First Friday) or by appointment during the week to enjoy the art without the crowds. Visit www.theartsfactory.com.
Closer to Fremont Street, a familiar destination for many tourists, is a former medical clinic now called Emergency Arts. This serves as part gallery and part creative community collective and has several studios, small businesses, a tech library and a coffeehouse. People may visit for the art, but most stay for the camaraderie. See www.emergencyartslv.com.