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| - On opening day of the very first First Friday, I remember stepping foot in this place and hating every minute of walking through cluttered spaces and crowded hallways. Fast forward 10 years later, and now I'm writing a Yelp review on how I'd recommend visiting it.
The Arts Factory has changed much since I first visited. Each of the galleries that I've visited haven't made me claustrophobic. No more stark walls, but works of art and murals now bless the hallways. It's much more inviting and makes you want to stay and explore each gallery.
There's two levels to the Arts Factory. Each floor has several galleries, but the first has a restaurant called Bar + Bistro (http://www.yelp.com/biz/bar-bistro-the-arts-factory-las-vegas#hrid:9lnC6TxUA5iVHj5Pwp6uKQ) and several stores, such as, Happy Panda Toys (http://www.yelp.com/biz/happy-panda-toys-las-vegas#hrid:Mg5fdzJst2xwYSYYvE5tww), a comic book shop, and a jewelry shop. Artwork and other items can also be purchased from some of the artists at their galleries.
First Friday draws big crowds, but the Thursday before doesn't. Preview Thursday allows artists to provide a sneak peek of their artwork before the official public viewing on Friday. Visiting on Thursday provides a much more intimate experience because you can speak with the artists.
The only downside to this place is the parking. You can choose to street park or park in the lot across the street which is shared with other businesses. This lot can fill up fast, and it's also a pain having to exit this place because there's only one exit -- unless you want to drive over the sidewalk, but that's not a good idea.
The Arts Factory has come a long way, but I'm happy to see how it's evolved. It's become a place I look forward to visiting every first Thursday of the month.
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