Northern gallery offers community arts, networking

Some people describe it as a hidden gem in North Las Vegas. Left of Center Art Gallery and Studio, 2207 W. Gowan Road, is more than a gallery. It hosts classes, workshops and has become a second home to local artists.

The studio is a nonprofit educational gallery that features works by local and internationally known artists. Its focus is to educate the public through art, push community involvement and mentor and nurture emerging artists.

“When we built the gallery here, there was nothing but desert,” said Vicki Richardson, director of the nonprofit. “People thought we were crazy for trying to open an art gallery so far away from the downtown area, but I think it’s important that each community has its own art venue. It shouldn’t be concentrated in one area.”

“The Rhythms of Africa” exhibit opened in the summer and features paintings by Calvin B. Jones, including an art piece previously featured at the Smithsonian.

African statues, masks, musical instruments, baskets, African cloth, and various other artifacts are also on display from the private collection of Joseph Walker, Richardson and her husband, Lou.

The exhibit features displays from the Kuba, Baga, Senufo, Pende, Mbulu Nguluand other tribes. Some pieces come accompanied by stories of their origins and traditional usage.

Richardson worked as a teacher for the Clark County School District for 18 years. During her time there, she developed the high school art curriculum and was chairman of the art department at Rancho and Cheyenne high schools.

She opened the nonprofit 24 years ago.

The gallery features an artist lounge located downstairs for resident artists to work in the studio and network.

The lounge has a record player and couches for people to relax in. Richardson said artists bring refreshments and snacks to share with one another.

“We want our artists to feel at home,” she added.

Artist Harold Bradford met Richardson in 1986. He became a resident artist and began teaching a painting class and mentoring aspiring artists.

“A lot of times, younger students and adults are afraid to make mistakes. I try to tell them to keep going. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; it’s a part of life,” Bradford said.

The downstairs area is dedicated to feature new local artists every 10 weeks.

Starting in November, Lolita Develay’s exhibit “A Master’s Journey” is set to feature personal works that led her to obtaining her Master of Fine Arts degree at UNLV as the first female African American to have been accepted and graduated from its Studio Arts program.

For those itching to learn about art, oil and acrylic painting classes are scheduled from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays for $20. Drawing classes are set from 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays for $20.

There is also an open house scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday for artists to network with one another and the community.

In the past, the gallery has hosted birthday parties, weddings, body painting and jewelry making classes.

“This is a place where people can create a community,” said Denise Duarte, director of development at the gallery. “Artists can express themselves with others and learn about different cultures. Everyone benefits.”

For more information, visit leftofcenterart.org.

Contact North View reporter Sandy Lopez at slopez@viewnews.com or 702-383-4686. Find her on Twitter: @JournalismSandy.