You can find everything from drum circles to portrait photographers to parkour, all in one place in the heart of Downtown Las Vegas: First Friday. As a Las Vegas native and local, you’d expect me to have tried a bit of almost everything Las Vegas has to offer. It was kind of strange to me thinking that in all of my almost 18 years in Vegas, I had not gone to First Friday, a monthly arts festival which happens during the first Friday of every month.
My first time at First Friday was fascinating. There was more art than I could see in one visit, delicious fair food, shops and even a naked Donald Trump statue… what a sight! I had the pleasure of meeting a few of the local artists and musicians that proudly displayed themselves and their work during that (surprisingly) brisk March night. The festival is located throughout the 18b Arts District, though the main attractions find themselves located inside and near the Arts Factory, a warehouse space with studios, shops and galleries alike. Also open was artSQUARE, which holds 16 creative and retail spaces.
Though there were a multitude of talented artists and musicians, a few caught my eye. First I was able to have a short but fulfilling conversation with Shimmy, an artist who draws caricatures for a negotiable price.
He told me he knows what it’s like to want something you can’t afford, so he works with what people can afford so everyone can have something they want. I thought this had an amazing philosophy behind his art. He had been doing art since middle school and plans to do more drawing at upcoming First Fridays.Find him; he does an amazing job. I’ll be sure to buy one next month.
Another vendor was selling prints of celebrities on wood. Babs Johnson from the 1972 film “Pink Flamingos,” Andy Warhol, Tim Curry from “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and a multitude of familiar faces from yesterday and today. Small 6x6” prints ran for $10 each or three for $25. Larger ones were about $25. I ended up buying an Andy Warhol print, my friend buying Tim Curry and prints with other film stars. Also for sale in a separate shop was an almost endless selection of incense that smelt beyond good; at four sticks for $1 and burners for $3, I believe it’s a good deal for anyone who needs something new to spruce up the mood of any room.
First Friday has been a tradition of Las Vegas for as long as almost anyone can remember, making visiting it a necessity for anyone who lives, visits or works here. It is the best way to get a glimpse at local art and vendors and a way to support the local economy. If you’re looking for something to do on the first Friday of the month that doesn’t require spending (though I must admit, it is hard to resist), come to First Friday. I most certainly didn’t regret going, so why would you? You can find out more about First Friday at their website: http://ffflv.org
