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| - Art has had a tough go here in the neon basin. The Guggenheim came and went. The Art Museum came and went. David Hickey came but stayed, and he's not too happy these days. So, I am not sure if he works to our advantage or disadvantage currently, but Air Guitar still makes me smile. I also hear his English courses are awe-some in the truest sense of the word.
Still, with all this coming and going and haranguing, there like the white walls of Wayne's Casa de Shenandoah stands the Contemporary Art Center, a 21-year old organization committed to fostering and supporting contemporary art. What is contemporary art? The question has perplexed me from time to time as well, but thanks to attending an arts networking event on Tuesday and hearing the president of the CAC talk, I think I have it now: Contemporary art is art that sparks thoughts regarding contemporary issues or uses a contemporary medium to push art into new realms. Simple enough.
Some exhibitions are more avant-garde than others, but they are always thought-provoking. (Yes, that means occasional nudity and things found in any good PG-13 flick these days.) Many exhibits showcase the best local talent.
I really appreciate the CAC's positive energy; they are working to be inclusive and pushing to build a sustainable future for Las Vegas culture without smirks. One of the many events the CAC creates for Las Vegas is a 4-day new genres art festival entitled "Off The Strip." Last year I attended one of the performance art evenings and laughed, then almost cried, watching Kristina Wong and Danielle Kelly. Both women delivered heart-warming explorations of identity, femininity, life and love. "Off The Strip" is coming back in October. (They are currently accepting submissions, so consider this your call to action you yelpin' artists!)
In the meantime, there is plenty of artistic goodness to be explored. Just remember to keep an open mind. Oh, and don't touch the artwork, even if it looks fuzzy.
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