In a celebration of creativity, culture, and community, the “We, Westside” art crawl emerged as an unexpected delight, offering an informative and engaging tour of art galleries in Las Vegas, Nevada. This was a free event, open to all ages, that focused on showcasing the dynamic impact of Black artists in North Las Vegas and The Historic Westside. It was orchestrated by The City of Las Vegas in collaboration with Spaced Events, Left of Center Art Gallery, and CGC Film Festival. The day captured the attention of a diverse audience, including high school students who were invited through their schools, downtown creatives, artists, art fans, and families alike.
Embarking on this artistic voyage, transportation was provided, as attendees were treated to a seamless and comfortable journey, shuttling between galleries aboard pristine air-conditioned buses. As the wheels rolled, the tour guide warmly welcomed attendees, introducing herself, the collaborative entities, and teasing intriguing information about the upcoming featured artists and galleries on the tour. This skillful blending of logistical ease and narrative engagement laid the foundation for a day brimming with awe, art, and historical insight into a community that helped shape Las Vegas.
Upon arrival to each gallery, a sense of eager anticipation permeated the air, as guests stepped through doors into a world rich with history, stories, and artistry. At the Left of Center Art Gallery, the charismatic Vogue Robinson, former Poet Laureate of Nevada, took the reins, guiding visitors through its expansive and vibrant halls. Amidst the diverse exhibits, a meticulously curated African art section spoke to the ancestral heritage, breathing life into ancient traditions and modern interpretations. The gallery also played host to a visiting artist from Mexico City, deeply immersed in the creation of a large-scale piece destined for the renowned Burning Man festival. One room was dedicated to the very same artists working on their craft as attendees walked in. This room housed paintings and pieces of theirs, a testament to celebrating living artists.
Amongst the curated artistry, a unique location emerged—the Historic Westside Legacy Park. This open-air art gallery welcomed visitors with statues commemorating influential African American figures, including a striking tribute to Barack Obama. A concrete mural adorned with the names of Historic Westside streets resonated with the pulse of the area in which the park was attributed. The centerpiece, however, took the form of grand silver pillars crowned with golden spheres—an emblem of strength within the Black community. These masterpieces, conceived by artist Chase McCurdy of the politically notable McCurdy family, stood tall, encapsulating the spirit of unity and resilience. The park’s mission was clear, each statue and installation carrying stories of the past and aspirations for the future.
From this historical tribute, the journey continued to ThirtyThree Gallery, owned by the aforementioned Chase McCurdy. Here, his insights served as beacons of artistic wisdom, tailor-made to ignite the minds of the tour’s youthful participants. McCurdy stated, “Your genius anywhere. It doesn’t just have to be expressed in the arts. It’s about identifying your values and what’s important to you.” McCurdy’s guidance transformed the gallery space into a forum for exploration, challenging preconceived notions and stimulating fresh perspectives for the next generation.
A nourishing lunch was provided at the West Las Vegas Arts Center, a very important hub for the Historic Westside community. Amid bites of sustenance, attendees were introduced to notable figures from the community along with a history lesson on the intricacies of the Historic Westside over time to become the place and community it is today. The layers of triumph and adversity, interwoven with the deliberate consequences of urban planning and segregtion, painted a vivid picture of the community’s journey. Within the center’s walls, attendees were invited to explore dance studios pulsating with rhythm, music studios resonating with harmony, and a library echoing with the voices of generations.
As the day’s exploration drew to a close, a collection of experiences lingered in the hearts and minds of those who had embarked on this remarkable journey. The “We, Westside” art crawl transcended mere leisure; it became a testimony to the profound impact of creativity and culture, fostering unity among diverse participants and igniting a spark to push through and get creative. The educational components of the tour are sure to leave a lasting impact, reminding us how art can transform oneself, the government, or even just the mood. The legacy of North Las Vegas and the Historic Westside found a beautiful canvas in this event–a canvas that chronicled stories of resilience, celebrated artistic brilliance, Black culture and heritage, and connected individuals in a shared appreciation for the artistic heartbeat and historical importance of the community.
