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First Friday arts festival turns 12

In honor of First Friday Las Vegas’ 12th anniversary in October, the art and culture festival will celebrate mythology, time and the number 12 in shows currated by Las Vegas cultural icon Brian Paco Alvarez.

The First Friday Las Vegas arts festival is scheduled from 5 to 11 p.m. Sept. 5 at venues throughout the 18b Arts District in downtown Las Vegas, near the intersection of Charleston Boulevard and Main Street. Admission is free, and free parking with shuttle service is available at the Clark County Government Center, 500 S. Grand Central Parkway. Live entertainment, artists’ booths, food vendors and more are planned.

The outdoor event averages 20,000 patrons each month, but October is typically one of the busiest months. The event features several special areas, including a KidZone, Green Street, which focuses on environmentally friendly products and practices, The Hub Stage and Shuffle Zone, which showcases a variety of artists.

The organizers have announced several special events and programs launching in October, including partnering with the Las Vegas PhotoCollective to have a different guest photographer capture interesting images and the creative essence of the event. The partnership is scheduled for a year and is set to culminate in gathering the work as one complete collection of imagery representing First Friday. To be considered as a guest photographer, send submissions to lvphotocollective@gmail.com.

For information on shuttle services, artists, music and more, visit firstfridaylasvegas.com.

Preview Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 4 offers a more low-key event, before streets are closed and booths are set up. The preview presents an opportunity to see many of the galleries and shows before the crowds on Friday.

Galleries planning to participate in October’s First Friday include:

— The Jerry Misko Gallery in The Arts Factory, 107 E. Charleston Blvd., is set to show works by Misko. Visit jerrymisko.com.

— Jana’s Red Room in The Arts Factory, 107 E. Charleston Blvd., is scheduled to show small works by local artists. Gallery owner Jana Lynch also curated a new show of works by emerging and established local artists at Art Bar + Bistro. Visit janasredroom.com or call 702-454-3709.

— R Space in The Arts Factory, 107 E. Charleston Blvd., is set to show work by gallery members. Visit facebook.com/rspacestudio or call 858-733-2135.

— Sin City Gallery in The Arts Factory, 107 E. Charleston Blvd., is set to show photography by Will Roger Peterson. Visit sincitygallery.com or call 702-608-2461.

— The Trifecta Gallery in The Arts Factory, 107 E. Charleston Blvd., is set to show “JETTISON” by Sam Davis in the main gallery and “ILL Humored” by Anna Tillett in the Attachment Room. Visit trifectagallery.com or call 702-845-7907.

— Peace N Art Studio in The Arts Factory, 107 E. Charleston Blvd., is set to show “We Are All Simpson 32,” a collection of new works by Alexander Huerta.

— Eden Art Studio and Gallery, a new gallery in the central upstairs space in The Arts Factory, 107 E. Charleston Blvd., is set to show “Selfie Show” featuring Justin Lepper’s new collection of paintings and an inside look to his personal art therapy work/pieces representing his archetypal “Selfies.”

— Reclaimed Art Suppliez and Community Art Exchange, 1114 S. Casino Center Blvd., is set to feature live art demonstrations and work by local artists. Visit reclaimedart.org or call 702-241-8926.

— Artifice, 1025 S. First St., is set to have “Atlas Emerged,” an installation by Brock Nordstrom, the winner of the “Wonderland” call for artists in August. The video installation represents Nordstorm’s view of the Las Vegas arts scene, including where he feels things stand today and what the future may hold, and tells the story of coming full circle, new beginnings and the magic this city can create. Visit artificebar.com or call 702-489-6339.

— City of the World, 1229 S. Casino Center Blvd., is set to show “Photos by ANASTASIA,” works presented by Art’s A Cause created by Dana Anastasia Balaban. Visit cityoftheworld.org or call 702-409-7549.

— Clay Arts Vegas, 1511 S. Main St., is set to show “What Goes Bump in the Night” by various artists. Visit clayartsvegas.com or call 702-375-4147.

Downtown Spaces, 1800 Industrial Road, plans to celebrate Halloween on First Friday from 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 3. Visit dtspaces.com for details. Confirmed activities include:

— SolSis Gallery/EQLD Creations Art Studio: Grand opening show “Eternal Roots,” inspired by the four Earth elements, with live belly dancing by Miss Nikki.

— Wasteland Gallery: New works by local artist Das Frank.

— Spectral Gallery: “Creep Show,” a group show featuring artists’ renditions of the gallery’s “Creeper” ghost logo.

— Cerebro Studios hosts a dark-themed group art show.

— Ortego’s Juniper Gallery will feature new artwork by a variety of artists, plus live painting, with artists TBA.

— The Huntridge Foundation will be promoting the 70th anniversary of the historic Huntridge Theatre.

— Music on the outdoor Stagecoach by DJ Selecta’ Scream and Peter Stauber.

Contact East Valley View reporter F. Andrew Taylor at ataylor@viewnews.com or 702-380-4532.

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