Growing up, I would drive pass by the Left of Center Art Gallery at least once a week. Although they’ve been established in North Las Vegas for 20 years, it wasn’t until recently that I stopped by to explore the space. A non-profit establishment, Left of Center is a Las Vegas art gallery exhibiting various expressions of art and culture.
To my surprise, my curiosity yielded enriching benefits, as Left of Center houses “The Museum Collection of African Art” presented by Calvin B. Jones, Lou & Vicki Richardson, & Joseph Walker. With art representing various places throughout Africa, Left of Center is a gallery worth exploring if you’re ever in North Las Vegas. Not convinced yet, here’s four reasons you should check out the Left of Center Art Gallery:
1. Cultural Representation: In Las Vegas, it’s so important to have establishments that express and share the rich cultures of the world–beyond the cultural mirage that can be, the Strip. Left of Center’ Museum Collection of African Art serves as a unique portal into African culture, unlike other locations in the Las Vegas Valley.
2. Diverse Art Installments: The African Art Exhibit showcases various art from various African cultures via various art mediums–from masks, to paintings, to boat and throne replica, to African weavings (Wooven jute fibers from the Jones Collection, below), and African instruments. Through these various mediums, you’re given the opportunity to divest your energy away from typical Las Vegas “usualties” and emerge yourself into African culture.
3. Nonprofit Initiative: Additionally, Left of Center Gallery operates as a nonprofit initiative. As a nonprofit entity, LOC does not operate for the benefit of profit, but they operate for the benefit of the community–exhibited through the African Art residency and the more seasonal exhibition space on the first floor.
4. Local Support: Left of Center functions as multi-functional space–on the first floor, they house a seasonal gallery space (currently, they’re housing an exhibit from UNLV BFA students) and a studio for local artists to come to create. Their local studio solidifies Left of Center’s support for the cultural and creative enrichment of the community.
To think that I was a few urges away from missing out on this opportunity–after having an issue with confusion about where to enter I prompted myself to leave until I learned of the African Art exhibit via Google Maps–I’m pleased with Left of Center’s existence in North Las Vegas. Definitely a GRAYT PLACE worth exploring!
Connect with Left of Center Art Gallery & Studio:
2207 W Gowan Rd
North Las Vegas, NV 89032
(702) 647-7378
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