One Artist a Day: Sunrise Manor

April 22, 2016

We are so excited to have local band, Sunrise Manor, perform during Small Space Fest!

About: Sunrise Manor was created on a patio in the spring of 2013 by Maxamillion Kane Huthert and Michelle Watts. Some of their influences include: summertime, The Fleet Foxes, Beach House, driving fast in cars, Silversun Pickups, The Catcher in the Rye, and The Japandroids. They live in Las Vegas, Nevada. Their facebook page can be found here: www.facebook.com/sunrisemanorband.

Get a taste of their music below:

For more of their music click HERE

One Artist a Day: Paula Shoultz

April 21, 2016

We welcome the beautiful floral and photography work of Paula Shoultz to Small Space Fest!

ARTIST STATEMENT

Paula Shoultz makes photos, performances, installations and conceptual artworks. Her photographs are considered aesthetically effervescent, a serial springboard for reflection and projection. By referencing Romanticism and symbolism, her works embody the post-modern, champion the feminist and buck the archaic traditions of religious and sociopolitical standards. By challenging the division between memory and experience, Shoultz creates work through a labor intensive process which can be interpreted as a personal liberation ritual. Her images demonstrate how life extends beyond its own subjective confines and often narrates story lines that are globally relate-able even if embedded in staunchly personal constructs. Shoultz transfers her imagery from both celluloid and pixels to many different materials such as paper, silk, wood, and phototex. Experimentation and performance are at the core of her process, always scrutinizing and harmonizing her approach to best catapult her imagery into the landscape of the beholder.

To See more of Paula's work: http://www.bohemianbotanics.com/

One Artist a Day: Michael Barraco

April 19, 2016

We welcome Michael Barraco to Small Space Fest! He is an artist and independent curator based in Brooklyn, NY.

Artist Statement: "My work is concerned with post-natural histories of organisms, the interclusion of natural and man made infrastructure and how the existential concerns of the individual manifest themselves in the Anthropocene - the new geological epoch we find ourselves in resulting from human intervention and ecological apathy. I address this content through a re-investigation of modernist conventions, and new media techniques utilizing the experiential qualities of video and photography. By combining these elements and changing their context I create objects that elicit an immediate, confrontation with the material, while at the same time also creating a clinical distance from the subject matter. The effect is one of anesthetized physicality, and it allows me to materialize the intangible while also making very clear distinctions between reality and illusion.

The work is at the forefront experiential. My installations often incorporate silent video that develops infinitely as a seamless loop inseparable from the architecture that supports it. The mood is often quiet, meditative, and solemn. There is often a friction with the thee dimensional form of the piece, and two dimensional representation. Video footage may float above a lake in space, or appear from behind a mirror, two dimensional photographs appear to have something on their surface, mounted spiderwebs appear to be drawings at first glance. This combination of the experiential with the collapse of traditional formal boundaries is used to slow the viewer down into a more contemplative state. This allows the viewer time for a more nuanced deconstruction of the work, which allows for a richer invested experience. I'm very much influenced by mid century European film in this regard. Particularly the work of Ingmar Bergman and Jean Cocteau in which slowly developing narratives paired with radical formal strategies leave the viewer in a state of existential inquiry. It is this reevaluation of the individuals place in the world that I aim to instill in the viewer. Artwork that implicates the viewer while simultaneously evoking a sense of empathy are particularly apt and necessary in this era of economic collapse.

My process starts outside of the studio. The work often begins with a first hand research into nature, historical writings, or public and private archives. Over the course of the journey I gather data, footage, photographs, interviews, and field samples. The elements are then reevaluated as to how best to transform the research into experiential visual poetry. Very often elements are commercially fabricated in order to create an unassuming ubiquitous first impression. Many of my early photographic works use images taken from private and public archives in order to reinterpret multiple histories of the printed image, while bringing them into contact with the physicality of the present. However, in order to understand and demystify the tropes of the present I feel that it is necessary to deconstruct the past. In my most recent projects I have become more interested in the role of the collector and in creating archives of my own, which allows me to document contemporary trends in subject matter.

To see more of Michael Barraco's work click HERE

One Artist a Day: Emily Wilson

April 18, 2016

We are beyond thrilled to have Emily Wilson's photography in Small Space Fest. Emily's work is brilliant, beautiful and the lighting is just gorgeous. She has a wonderful way of capturing the spontaneity of life and making it look even more stunning. We love how her photographs have a sense of movement and a story that captivates us and makes us want to see more.

About Emily Wilson:

"My career began in Brooklyn, NY photographing the indie music scene for record labels. My style of portraiture and visual storytelling caught the eye of editorial photo departments ranging from Details to Real Simple and agencies Fallon to Wieden & Kennedy.

I've spent years on personal projects about Young Race Car Drivers and Summer Camp. Currently, I'm working on projects about Downtown Las Vegas and Young Aerial and Acrobatic Performers.

I love candid portraiture and bringing to life all the little details that help tell a bigger story. Whether it's about a person, product, brand or company."

See more of Emily Wilson's work HERE

One Artist a Day: Jeff Grindley and the Las Vegas Zine Library

April 17, 2016

We are super excited to have Jeff Grindley from the Las Vegas Zine Library! His art pieces will be interactive and we cannot wait to see what he creates for our Small Space Fest audiences to take part in.

In the meantime, we welcome you to head out to Emergency Arts to check out the LV Zine Library located just past The Beat Coffeehouse and Records. Find out how you can send in one of your own Zine creations.

About the Las Vegas Zine Library:

"Someday I'll have come up with a mythic story involving mob lawyers, radiation, card sharks, zombies and meth dealers, but for now we'll have to settle for simplicity.

Me: There's no place for people to read or find zines in this town! I should make such a place, I have zines! But...but....but....
Her: Sounds great, you should do it. I'll help out, I love you.
Me: Aw You're the best, but...but...but...
Her: DO IT!
Me: AAAH! Okay!

Our desire is to share our love of zines and other self published d.i.y. projects locally as well as globally. We believe that zines are an empowering form of creative communication and should be readily accessible to all people in all communities.

The LVZL serves as a historical connection between several generations of do-it-yourself publishers. We house an ever widening variety of zines from as far back as 1968 and as new as -just now! In July 2010 we set up shop in the heart of downtown Las Vegas inside the Emergency Arts Center where we continue to maintain our home.

You'll find the bulk of the library located in the artists "common area" of the Emergency Arts building (THROUGH the Beat Coffeehouse).
See you there!" --Jeff Grindley

http://lvzinelibrary.blogspot.com/

One Artist a Day: Jessica Rowshandel

April 15, 2016

We are very excited to have Jessica Rowshandel in Small Space Fest! She's a woman of many trades. Originally from New York City, now living in Los Angeles, she has a background in Social Work, is a self-proclaimed science nerd, is a freelance writer and author of the book, Lupus: 365 Tips for Living Well. We love what she stands for and we are looking forward to the art work she will bring to Small Space Fest!

Jessica's Artist Statement: "Much of my work is gender-based. I don’t sit down and ask: What can I say about gender or feminism today? But the more I make art, the more gender-based work comes to the surface. I am passionate about other justice issues like poverty, racism, food justice, and animal rights. Though these issues all intersect with my personal identities, my work keeps visiting themes of gender. There are likely a lot of forces at play, but maybe in addition to politics, some of it is my age: In my thirties I think differently about body image, motherhood and the pressure to have children than I did in my twenties, and I am more comfortable with my own gender identity.

Some of my other work is exploratory of different life experiences, but also of different materials (e.g. fire, collage) and art-making disciplines beyond painting and drawing (e.g. conceptual, sculptural, video/time-based art). I find these explorations to be fascinating and feel that they only provide me with more options with which to make art. I enjoy experimentation and I enjoy sharing my findings.

Gender-based or not, my work is often very personal. I don’t set out to be “confessional,” but I also take the chance to be personal where maybe some artists choose to make a different kind of art and keep the personal private because that’s what is important to them. It seems to be my impulse to share the personal perhaps because I am rewarded when I discover that you like my work because you can identify with it. Perhaps this is my mating ritual, but in a platonic sort of way (is there a term for that?).

I create online community-based projects (most currently Artist Stories) because of this desire for connection, this passion to interact with you and to experience your creative responses. The Internet is vaster than I can imagine and can reach more people than I ever could in person. I encourage anyone (artist or “non-artist”) to enter a project submission because I believe that everyone has a creative impulse and it’s beautiful when people follow that impulse."

More of Jessica Rowshandel's art work, click Here.

Other related work:

http://vaginaproject.org/

http://artiststories.wordpress.com/

http://mayadjango.wordpress.com/

http://lupustips365.com/

One Artist a Day: Nicole Perroni

April 14, 2016

We welcome the beautiful work of local photographer, Nicole Perroni, to Small Space Fest. Her photographs document an intimate reality captured in soft light and black and whites that add mood and depth to the subject matter. We look forward to seeing more of her work installed in the Emergency Arts building.

Works selected: From The Mouth of The Holler (2002- present)

Statement from Nicole Perroni: From The Mouth of The Holler explores the tragedies and beauties of life and existence along the Appalachian Trail in Western North Carolina. Having spent the majority of my childhood in this region, I left Western North Carolina and my family around the age of 15. I first returned in 2002 at age 22, and with large and medium format analog cameras, began to document the eternal struggle between holding on to long standing traditions and charting new trajectories. This area, so steeped in generational traditions, once boasted thriving family industries such as tobacco farms, textile mills, coal mines, and horse breeding. As surrounding areas transitioned to more modern, large-scale economies, the region suffered from severe economic stagnation. It is now ravaged by the impacts of alcoholism, teen pregnancy, meth, and methadone addiction.

I photograph children, individuals, and families in their homes, often on land and in houses that have been in their family for many generations, to create a deep, sustained, human to human engagement. The result is an intimate window into the bonds of family and the perceived honor of daily living with the hardships of incarceration, suicide, drug use, unemployment, and the precarious navigation through adolescence.

To see more of her work: http://www.nicoleperroni.com/

One Artist a Day: Magical Madness Dance Theater

April 13, 2016

We welcome local performance group, Magical Madness Dance Theater to Small Space Space Fest! We love dancers and movers who create works in unconventional spaces! We are excited to see what they choreograph throughout the spaces of Emergency Arts.

About the Magic: "We exist in the world of imagination, the time in which dreams come true, where reality holds still for just one moment, where magic lies in the madness. Dedicated to artistic excellence in dance, Magical Madness is committed to creating a lasting impact through the magic and madness of dance in the Las Vegas area, regional, and national level. Magical Madness Dance Theater’s mission is to spread the magic of dance throughout the community; through workshops, master classes, showcases, choreography therapy, and production pieces. We aspire to bring dance to life through collaborations with diverse artists; sculptors, musicians, composers, photographers, videographers, painters, circus performers, and designers. We strive to build the bridge between professional dance companies and the community."

Their Facebook Page: Here

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/magicalmadnessdance

One Artist a Day: RuBen Permel

April 11, 2016

Today we welcome RuBen Permel, a multi-disciplinary artist who resides in Las Vegas. You can see his costume creations in many Cirque du Soliel productions. We love the way he combines design, sculpture, textiles and color into his works. We cannot wait to see the new work he is creating for Small Space Fest!!!

RuBen Permel's bio:

"Theatre, Art and Design have always been the threads holding RuBen Permel’s tapestry of life together. For him, there is not one without the other and they are all connected. Having worked professionally in “ShowBusiness” for more than 3 decades, RuBen’s vibrant personally and layered expressions have always appeared in his works. His Performing Arts Education lead to continuous year for acting, dancing and singing in theatres across the U.S. While performing, RuBen used his Artistic talents behind the scenes in many forms including Costuming, Crafts, Props and Puppetry. This adaptability opened him to a successful career as a Designer for more than 50 productions and Touring Wardrobe Supervisor for Broadway Musicals. 15 years ago he joined Cirque du Soleil as the Wardrobe Head for Alegria, KA, Viva Elvis and then Zarkana. He also designed the costumes for Cirque’s first One Night for One Drop on the O stage at the Bellagio. Since his relocation to Las Vegas in 2004, RuBen has remained involved in the local art scene. He was awarded Best in Show for the first 2 Years of the Pride Art Show and has shown annually at the Parade Exhibit at the Arts Factory. His quilted sculpture titled Olivia was featured in the LA Times and an abstract painting appeared in Las Vegas Weekly. In 2012, RuBen at Studio One opened at Dinosaurs and Roses Gallery. There he operated his own art space and selling out works in Acrylic, Watercolor, Collage, and Up cycled Crafts. Recently, he completed the Independent short film, Whispering Goliath, featuring his series of large cocoon and figurativeacrylic on canvas. This project highlights the protection of your own ideas and work. Anyone can take credit for your work as long as you allow them. However, in RuBen’s work the heart and soul are always on the canvas. There is more than what you see."

More of his work: http://www.act2art.com/

One Artist a Day: Robin Slonina

April 9, 2016

We are honored to have multi-disciplinary artist and Skin Wars judge, Robin Slonina, as a part of Small Space Fest! Look through her website by clicking here. Her work is amazing. We are so excited to see what this talented lady will install in Small Space Fest!

More about this fabulous woman:

"Robin Slonina is a multi-disciplinary artist whose creative output includes body painting, mixed-media paintings on canvas, mural painting, indoor and outdoor sculpture, installation and performance art. Much of her work is interactive, inviting the viewer to experience the art rather than simply observe it. Slonina enjoys taking the “Do Not Touch” sign off of her art, inviting people to recognize art as an integral, fun part of everyday life.

Robin is also a producer and judge on the hit body painting competition show Skin Wars, alongside RuPaul Charles, Rebecca Romijn and Craig Tracy. Robin graduated from the School of the Art Institute in her native Chicago, but Las Vegas has been her adopted home for the past decade, where she runs Skin City Body Painting studio. She currently lives in Vegas with her young son Leo and her husband Jimmy Slonina, who is an actor and performer with Cirque du Soleil.

Slonina’s artwork has been collected and exhibited internationally in numerous galleries and museums around the world. She is available for appearances, body paint demos, custom art and mural paintings, and to create interactive art exhibits."

Catch Robin on Skin Wars on the Game Show Network. Can't wait!

One Artist a Day: Sin City Opera

April 8, 2016

In this case it's a company...yep, we've got Sin City Opera on the bill for Small Space Fest! Their big, bold, beautiful and booming voices will fill the halls, rooms or even stairwells and elevators of Emergency Arts during the live performance portion of Small Space Fest. Don't miss them on June 20th! We are looking forward to the inventive ways they will use the space for their performances!

A bit about SCO: "Sin City Opera is a nonprofit organization entering into its third year in Las Vegas. We are a contemporary opera company dedicated to bringing opera and classical music to the Las Vegas Valley in fresh and exciting ways. Our focus is on modern works, as well as the avant-garde re-imagining of classic pieces. We pride ourselves in offering opera to the community in a way that is innovative and accessible."