I now call the January 15, 2025 meeting for the city of Las Vegas Art Commission
to order. Would the deputy city clerk call the
role, please? >> Chair Fields. Here.
» Vice Chair Benaric. >> Here.
» Second. Vice Chair Roberts. Excused. Commissioner Cleven.
» I'm here. >> Commissioner Westfield excused.
Commissioner Douglas excused. Commissioner Dantes
» here. >> Commissioner Churk
» here. >> Commissioner Chi
» here. >> Commissioner Portoy
» here. >> Commissioner von Bastians
» here. >> Commissioner Galott
» here. >> Thank you chair. You have a quorum.
» Thank you. And item number two, has this meeting been properly noticed and posted
in compliance with the Nevada open meeting law?
» Yes, chair, it has. >> Thank you. Moving on to item number
three. Public comment during this portion of
the agenda must be limited to matters on the agenda for action. If you wish to be
heard, come forward and give your name for the record. The amount of discussion
as well as the amount of time any given speaker is allowed may be limited.
I see there's no public comment at this time. So, we're moving to item number
four for possible action to approve the final minutes by reference of the
regular meeting of November 20th, 2025.
Would
anyone like to make a motion to approve the meeting minutes?
» Commissioner Cleven and I'll move to approve.
Commissioner second
the meeting has all in favor
» I >> I
» I >> any oppose
passes and the meeting minutes are approved.
Okay, now we're moving to item number five, report by Carmen Bills, art
commission chair, regarding a monthly summary of current initiatives, cultural
events, and opportunities, all awards. Celebrate with us at the opening
reception of It's Oak Clay, the Animal House Pottery Member exhibition on
Thursday, January 29th from 5 to 7:00 p.m. at the Grand Gallery in City Hall.
Light bites and refreshments will be available. Please join us on Groundhog
Day, Monday, February 2nd at 10:00 a.m. for the unveiling of Waiting on a Light
on the count corner by Sound Exchange by artist David Ryan. The event will take
place at the corner of Third Street in Ogden, where guests can view the artwork
up close and hear directly from the artist.
Join us for a proposal presentation meeting for the Walapai Canyon
Environmental Sculpture Project on Wednesday, February 4th from 2 to 3:30
at the historic three fifth street school. Be a part of the process of
selecting the award awarded artist for a new public pro art project.
For more information about these events and more departments of parks,
recreation, and cultural affairs programming, please visit www.artslo
vegas.org or call 702229 arts. Do any commissioners have
additional events or happenings they would like to mention?
» Yes, this is uh Commissioner Portoi. Um I have a couple events which are coming
up. Um, National Pop Art Day, Meet the Artist Night at Portoi Gallery. Um, on
West Oki Boulevard. That'll be from 7 to 900 PM. Um, and featured entertainment
will be Barry Manalo's music director, Joey Milotti, will be on Keys.
Also coming up um April 9th through the 14th um my endangered species series
artwork will be on ex exhibition at West Charleston Library from April 9th
through the 14th 2026.
» If there's no one else, >> this is Commissioner Shurk. Thank you.
Um just want to share two opportunities um from the Nevada Arts Council. The
first one is the project grant for organizations. If you're a nonprofit
organizations and or public institution looking for funding for an arts project
for um fiscal year 27, the application is currently open um for a grant for
$7,000 um with a uh onetoone match. The
application is currently open and will close at February 3rd um at 5:00 pm. For
more information, please visit nvartsconsil.org.
Um the second opportunity is that uh the Nevada Arts Council is also looking for
a portrait painter to paint the governor's portrait. Um the com this
contract is for $40,000 and uh more information is also available on
nvartsconsil.org. Thank you.
Thank you. If there is there anyone else?
Okay, we're moving on to item number six, report by cultural affairs staff
regarding a monthly summary of current initiatives, all wards.
This is Parker Reki for the record. Hello. Uh you should have received the
staff report with updates of the percent for the arts projects and we've also put
together a presentation to show the activities and initiatives happening.
Now here you can see our upcoming meeting
schedule. Um just so everyone is aware it's going to um be on the third
Thursday of every month. Laura [snorts] Machado for the record.
Uh, as mentioned in the chair report, we're excited to share that Waiting on a
Light on the Corner by Sound Exchange by David Rain is being installed this week
and we look forward to seeing you there at the opening on Groundhog's Day,
February 2nd at 10:00 a.m. on that southwest corner of Ogden and Third
Street.
The AMP Gateway and Arts District public art project. Um, we have our finalized
artists here and they will be presenting their proposals at this meeting during
the next agenda item. The AMP board for Cheyenne A public art
project is moving along and is currently being reviewed by the council women and
staff.
Mary Sabbo for the record. Um, the Boulder Plaza sculpture project, the
seed by CR2 is still in progress. Um, the engineering documents are still in
review with building and safety.
Parker Reki, Centennial Hills Park Environmental Tile Mural Project. Um,
the evaluation panel is meeting to determine which artist to award the
project. Uh, we're hoping to select that artist by the end of this month.
Laura Machado. Uh Cliff Garden Studio is currently at the 50%
uh completion rate for their project, their fourth project milestone. They
continue to be on track. We have the installation scheduled for the end of
April and then we hope to welcome everyone for the dedication of this
event at the beginning of May. We'll provide more information as we get
closer.
Also, you may have noticed when you walked in to the meeting today, we're
excited to share that Crystal Ramirez's piece, The Night We Met, was officially
dedicated and um we welcome it. It's a wonderful addition to our public art
collection. We're really excited. Uh the project is almost complete. We have one
step left to check off the box for permitting and then that project will be
complete.
This is Mary Sabo for the record. Um, conservation and maintenance is always
an ongoing project. Um, we've secured conservation and maintenance funder
homerogo uh before general collection, maintenance and graffiti abatement. And
we worked with um RLA conservation um on routine cleaning of radial symmetry. And
they are developing some assessments for us as well of some other pieces in the
collection. And as always, we welcome members of the public to report any
concerns related to conservation and maintenance um by emailing us or you can
reach out to any one of us.
The Here's Park Tile mural project um a request for proposals was issued to a
directly se selected artist and proposals were received in December and
they are currently under review uh by the project stakeholders.
This is Parker Reki. The Walapai Canyon Trail Head Environmental Public Art
Project. Um, as Commissioner Beiels mentioned, we will be having the
proposal presentation on Wednesday, February 4th from 2:00 to 3:30. Um,
where we will select the awarded artist.
This is Holly Lelay for the record. Justin um actually we had a big move in
uh his contract today. So, we're finalizing that with the attorney to get
that finally signed and probably changing the date to May of this year
for an installation.
Uh the medical district projects are moving along. We have this contract with
Luis Fella Rico in um uh we're still working on that. He's getting bids and
he's almost completed his third bid that he has to get um for legality reasons
and then we will be moving forward.
And Wayne will be installing next month. The event for this will be on February
20th um from 10 to 11 a.m. if you can make
it. Um, currently we have the the pedestal on
site and he will be installing that closer to the reception date.
This is Mary Sabbo. Um, the Mirabelli Community Center mural project, Find
Your Wings by Matthew Murphy, is uh now complete. Um, he wrapped this project up
uh in early December and we had an unveiling ceremony. Um definitely go
check check out this project uh if you get a chance.
» Thank you. That um wraps up our summary of current initiatives. Do any
commissioners have any questions? >> This is Commissioner Chi. Um we had
decided at previous meetings that we would try to make sure there were
commissioners attending these uh launch events and stuff. So is anyone
who's going to the February 20th event? I am
» Commissioner Churk. I have the one on February 2nd and 20th on my calendar.
What's the one on February second? >> It is the waiting um on a light
» David Ryan's. >> Okay.
» And I'll be at that one too. >> Okay.
So, we I noticed that usually in our folder we have a piece of paper that had
the dates and stuff. I know this time we don't have it. So um how do we get the
» This is Parker or I can provide that commissioner. Thank you.
» Thank you. >> And this is Holly Lelay for the record.
The event was just scheduled a couple days ago. So we're still working on
everything I had to schedule with UNLV because it'll be on their site. So I'll
get that stuff out to you guys as soon as I have more finalized stuff.
This is Commissioner Cleven. I just want to say thank you to the staff because
there's so many projects that are being completed and everything looks
wonderful. So, we really appreciate all of your hard work and stewarding the
projects forward. I know it's a long long process for many of us. We've seen
these processes for for the course of a few years. So, it's great to see them
come to fruition.
Thank you. And thank you to the amazing staff.
And so now we're moving to item number seven, report by cultural affairs staff
regarding AM Gateway District in 18B Arts District Project design proposals
for various locations or three DS. This is Parker Reki. Um, for this
project, our evaluation panel has uh vetted all the proposals and has is
confident to showcase it to you folks today. We do have an artist uh in
present and he'll be speaking on his behalf. But for all the others, um, I'll
be speaking on their behalf. So, let's go.
Our first artist is Shan Michael Evans at Industrial in Wyoming.
He says, "My design features a series of colorful geometric flowers painted
across the utility boxes in an industrial undeveloped area. These
stylized flowers bring an intentional burst of vibrancy to a place defined by
concrete and dust, creating a visual contrast that is both surprising and
positive. Beyond decoration, the work serves as a gesture of transformation, a
signal that this area too is part of a living city. The design invites
curiosity and their presence reclaimed the space with creativity.
If we go back, you can also see his design
uh superimposed to the sidewalk here.
Next, we have Andrea Pavas at Oki and Las Vegas Boulevard.
She says, "Because my utility cabin cab cabinet sits at the entryway at the Las
Vegas Arts District, and because Vegas is forever linked to gambling, I think a
painting of lemons and cherries, iconic symbols of slot machines, makes
delicious sense. The fact that the box sits in front of a restaurant also
influenced the food and beverage theme. In terms of the composition, I kept
hearing the phrases glass half empty or half full and the cherry on top in my
head and thought that dividing the box into separate stacked sections that
resemble a glass filled with fruit with the cherries being on top would be a fun
way to illustrate those sayings and to play more with the themes of luck and
positivity.
Next, we have artist Matt Hughes at St. Louis and Las Vegas Boulevard.
Matto says, "I focused on animals rendered in my own style. The animals I
chose were the redtailed hawk, coyote, mule, deer, and big horn sheep.
Embodying characteristics such as perseverance, adaptability, bravery,
strength, and wisdom. These creatures do not represent the desert ecosystem. They
also, excuse me, they do not only represent the desert ecosystem, but they
act as mirrors of human character, reminding us of the resil resiliency and
beauty within ourselves." He's also included plants for the
smaller electrical box, the Mojave Yaka, desert marolds barrel cactus, and the
beavertail prickly pear cactus.
[snorts]
Next, we have artist Samir Asani speaking on his design.
» So, my art piece is on St. Louis and Paradise. It's pretty close to the
gateway arches. So, I really wanted to make sure I incorporated those elements.
So, I wanted to use a bright pallet so has contrast from a far distance. I
wanted to have the gateway arches with the car driving under it. Um, on the
sides, I wanted to incorporate the Strat as well as a showgirl gesturing towards
the Strat. Um, I wanted to incorporate Las Vegas elements like gaming symbols,
cards, poker chips, diamonds, all that kind of stuff. Um, I want to use bright
colors and um have something that has a lot of contrast.
» Thank you. >> Thank you.
» Next, we have Bonnie Kelso at Bob Stupac in Las Vegas Boulevard.
She says, "This mural series for my utility cabinets along Las Vegas
Boulevard explores themes of whimsy and nature and concealment. Each cabinet is
transformed into a faceless monochromatic aven creature rendered in
bright vivid hues. The largest box painted in pink represents a maternal
figure followed by four smaller chicks each showcasing their individuality
through color. The flowing feathers guide them towards the art district
symbolizing movement, identity, and purpose.
Next we have Nathaniel Benjamin at California A and Commerce. Now we're
moving into the arts district.
He states, "The two larger cabinets shows the shoes of people from different
walks of life. The top of the cabinet shows stars in space extending onto the
sides like legs into each of the shoes. In a similar way, the other larger
cabinet shows the texture of earth also extending into its respective shoes. The
smaller cabinet says many feet one path across the two sides facing towards the
intersection. Another side shows a shape reminiscent of a spiral or thumbrint.
The final a circle of people holding hands and on top is the symbol of an
atom. He is hoping to form a sense of
connection and represent a diverse cast of characters including small details
that tell a little bit of their stories.
Chala Escobar has a box on California A at Kasa Dan Juan.
[snorts] [clears throat] She states being located
near that restaurant whose atmosphere celebrates Mexican culture and the art
of Freda Kalo. She wants to pay tribute to Latin art and culture designed by
Loaria cards, the beloved bingo game played across many generations and parts
of Latin America. She selected the iconic symbols of El Corazone and La
Cala Vera and the duality of existence prominent in Latin American culture.
She also has a box a few boxes um on California a at ers
and [clears throat] here she honors the importance of storytelling by depicting
a continuous fantasy landscape that focuses on a young heroine's journey.
Next we have artist Miguel Hernandez on California A. [snorts]
He states, "I came up with this concept for my love of flowers, nature, and
realism through art, and would like the opportunity to paint the boxes to look
like 3D barrel cactus plants with various and vibrant flowers on top.
He has a series of four boxes.
Next, [snorts] we have artist Giovani Uronda entitled Sweet Treats on
California AV at You Are Me." He says, "These are my first murals on an
electric box." And he wanted to do something fun, light, and happy. The
artwork focuses on themes of clowns because they bring joy and remind people
to be silly and clown around. He believes that anyone who sees this work
should be able to have fun and get in touch with their inner child.
And lastly, we have artist Mila May on California at Mscala.
[snorts] She states, "The proposed designs
transform an ordinary utility cabinet into a playful reflection of downtown
Las Vegas. Vibrant and full of energy, it connects to an environment by
imagining what might be happening inside these mysterious boxes, turning function
into fantasy. The design blends circuit board-like platter patterns and smiling
faces, revealing an imagined inner world.
I also wanted to add a final thank you to our evaluation panelists,
Commissioner Vonbastians, Ido, Yur Uturalde,
La Wilcox, Stacia Fiser, and David David Renan.
Thank you. Does anyone have any questions?
» Thank you so much. We're going to move forward with item number eight, obeyance
item, discussion for possible action regarding the purchase of enriched
heritage by Adalfo Gonzalez located at 1300C street
not to exceed $35,000 of the percent for the arts fund ward five summers
Armstrong. >> Hi, this is Laura Machado for the
record. Um, as you may remember from our last meeting, um, at the last arts
commission meeting, we're proposing the purchase of Enriched Heritage by Adelfa
Gonzalez. I'll just give a little recap. The sculpture was originally installed
in January 2024, part of the contemporary public art project. The
installation was initially planned for one year. That was extended for an
additional year. That loan period ends this month. So, we're bringing it to the
arts commission for discussion and possible action to purchase this
sculpture. So, we had a few questions at the last meeting and we've addressed
those questions. Um, the first was regarding maintenance.
A condition report was completed in December. We did determine there were
very few minor rust issues. So the artist went out, cleaned the sculpture
and repainted those rust areas. Um, so all of the issues that were discovered
have been resolved and it has been cleaned.
Uh, there was another question about ongoing care. The annual maintenance
will be minimal. It will consist of cleaning with soap and water followed by
drying with a cloth. If there are any issues regarding um any rust or open um
spaces where there's been a chip of the paint, we'll reach out to Adulo and
he'll address those issues. One of the other questions was regarding
the structural stability. So this sculptures foundation and the
anchorage was approved and designed by a Nevada licensed engineer that the city
hired when this piece was installed. Uh the anchorage is rated to last more than
10 years and there's no additional support that's needed.
Uh and then the final question was do we need to do anything to make sure that
it's protected from the weather. So currently it has a durable automotive
grade paint and at this time there's no additional weathering protection that
need we need to require but we will do an we do an inventory every year and
we'll make an assessment if there is anything that comes up that we need to
address. Uh we don't anticipate any additional maintenance beyond the
standard annual cleaning. Um the artist has been really wonderful to work with.
He's very responsive and the business owner would really like for this to say.
So staff recommends uh acquiring this into the city's public
art collection, but it's up for you for further discussion. I'm happy to answer
any questions.
» Would anyone like to make a motion to purchase the enriched heritage
installation? >> Ch. This commissioner Gotti, I would
make that motion. Commissioner Churk second.
» Is there any discussion? >> I This is Commissioner Churk. I just
want to say thank you so much for doing the due diligence and making sure that
we're very confident in making this purchase. Thank you.
» This is Commissioner Cleven. Um I just wanted to note that this is in an area
that has been disinvested for a long time. And so by the city really
realizing that this is a great location for temporary artwork and now
programming it with permanent, I think it really puts a stamp on this as an
important community space and also reinvest in the community. So I
appreciate that we're having this discussion.
» If there's no further discussion, I would like to call for a vote. All in
favor? I
» I
» All opposed.
» The vote carries.
Item number nine, discussion for possible action regarding the acceptance
of a donation of artworks titled Ruby's pool parking lot pano hammer pano and
Liberace by Linda Altruits into the city's permanent artwork collection no
fiscal impact all wards. This is Laura Machado again for the
record. So, in the process of conducting our annual inventory, we located these
four pieces that have been on loan with the city and this loan has expired. When
I reached out to the artist, Linda Ultrawitz,
she suggested or recommended offered a generous donation to um offer these
pieces into the city's permanent art collection.
There's no fiscal impact associated with this donation. They are two-dimensional
pieces in good quality. There's no additional maintenance that's required
or conservation. They were installed on the seventh floor. They have been
removed for that room to be rehabbed and I believe there is a location on the
fourth floor that is open for these pieces in the finance department that
really appreciates photography. So, um, based on your discussion and possible
vote, staff recommends, uh, accepting this donation, but I'll leave it up to
your discussion and happy to answer any questions.
Would anyone like to make a motion to to accept the donation of artworks titled
Ruby's pool, parking lot pano, hammer pano, and Liberace by Linda Alterits
into the city's permanent artwork collection with no fiscal impact.
» This is Commissioner Ch make that motion to accept the donation.
» Commissioner Port second it. >> Thank you. The move the motion has been
properly seconded. Now I will for the vote. All in favor?
» I >> I
» I
motion passes. Thank you.
Item number 10, discussion regarding topics for future agenda items. Comments
made during this portion of the agenda by individual members shall refer solely
to proposals for future agenda items and any discussion shall be limited to
whether or not such proposed items are within the purview of the commission and
or whether such proposed items shall be placed on a future agenda.
No discussion regarding the substance of any proposed topic shall occur and no
action shall be taken. Are there any
uh future agenda items? >> This is Commissioner Portoi. Um I was
contacted by a couple artists in the district about the RA uh raised prices
of parking and the inconvenience. I don't know whether that comes under our
jurisdiction. Probably not. But at least I want to
just bring it up for discussion if possible at a future date.
This is Commissioner Cleven. It doesn't fall under our jurisdiction, but we
could ask for a report from parking services.
We could always ask.
Thank you. Is there anyone else?
Thank you. We'll move to item number 11, citizens participation. Public comment
during this portion of the agenda must be limited to matters within the
jurisdiction of the commission. No subject may act be acted upon by the
commission unless that subject is on the agenda and is scheduled for action. If
you wish to be heard, come forward and give your name for the record. The
amount of discussion on any single subject as well as the amount of time
any single speaker is allowed may be limited.
Okay. Well, if there is no one else to comment,
I adjourn this meeting. Item number 12, adjournment. Thank you for your time
today, everyone.