Arts Commission schedules summer break, names new staff and previews public-art projects

The Las Vegas Arts Commission on Thursday said it will not meet in June or July and set its next regular meeting for Aug. 21 while staff outlined upcoming exhibitions, hires and public-art projects.

The updates came during the commission's monthly staff report, given by Mary Sabo, cultural affairs staff. "We will not have a meeting in June or July, so our next meeting will be on August 21, the regular meeting of the Las Vegas Arts Commission at 4PM," Sabo said.

The briefing previewed several public events and projects. Commissioners were introduced to the commission's newest member, Todd Von Bastian, and staff announced the hiring of Parker O'Reicchi for the public art and galleries team. "We are excited to introduce our newest team member, Parker O'Reicchi," Laura Machado said.

Staff provided scheduling and exhibition details: the annual Celebrating Life 2025 juried exhibition for artists 50 and older will hold its reception May 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S. Brush St.; the exhibition will remain on view through Sept. 11. An opening reception for "Creativity Is a New Formula for Life" will be June 18 at the Mirror's Gallery in the historic Fifth Street School. Staff directed the public to "visit www.artslasvegas.org or call (702) 229-2787" for more information, Sabo said.

Staff also announced a public-art tour for commissioners already scheduled for Oct. 29, and encouraged signing up for the Public Art and Galleries newsletter. The annual Public Employee Art Exhibition remains open for submissions; Mary Sabo said the call closes Aug. 7 and welcomes city, county and Nevada state employees, including retirees, to submit one or two pieces.

On project work, staff updated commissioners on a set of site-specific works: three artists were shortlisted and one artist has been selected for the Mirabelli Community Center mural; contracting is underway and staff said community engagement events are planned over the summer. Work on a mural and sculpture for the forthcoming Westside Education and Training Center is also progressing: "The building and safety permit for the sculpture has been approved, and fabrication is underway," Sabo said, adding both projects are set to be complete by this fall.

Twilight Design was selected for restoration of the Paintbrush Gateway; lane closures have been approved and restoration is expected to begin in the coming weeks, staff reported.

Staff said the team continues to assess conservation and maintenance needs across the municipal collection and invited the public to report graffiti or conservation concerns via publicartlasvegasnevada.gov.

Commissioners asked procedural and outreach questions: Commissioner Chee asked whether school-district arts teachers were being targeted for the public-employee call; Sabo replied the program does not do targeted outreach to the school district but often receives many submissions from teachers. Commissioner Portnoy asked how to submit for the guest-curator call; staff replied that details are posted on the arts registry website.

The presentation closed with staff noting that one artist, Crystal Ramirez, had completed a project milestone and that fabrication and installation windows for several projects target July–October timeframes depending on permitting and contracting. The commission will next convene on Aug. 21 at 4 p.m.