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Cultural Scene and Heard: Gateway Gallery – A Labor of Love
By Lisha Ross
The Gateway to the Cultural Corridor, as the somewhat seedy area behind Stratosphere is known, may seem an unlikely locale for a gallery, and yet there it is. The Gateway Gallery Public Arts Collection began five years ago out of ever growing frustration over graffiti. But where others saw eyesores, Camille Duskin saw a novel opportunity to revitalize a downtrodden neighborhood with raw, urban-inspired art. The notion was simple; give the blank canvases, i.e. neighborhood buildings, over to local artists who would beautify the area with their creations. Thus, Camille created a nonprofit organization called The Gateway Gallery, which, over the years, has quickly turned into a full on visual and performing arts foundation.
To start out, Camille commissioned artist Greg Etchison to paint the corridor’s first mural on an apartment complex on Fairfield Avenue. Etchison’s mural, which features reproductions of gallery art by Picasso, Matisse, Degas, Gaugin and Monet, sparked a sense of pride in the community and inspired other property owners to donate their building facades to the cause. Spray paint artist Dray’s work blends musical instruments and facial features into a vibrant blend of colors and shapes; on another building a larger than life desert tortoise stands proud against a bright orange sky. Steven Naccarato’s thoughtful and geometric art depicts various rock art-like figures in imperfect symmetry.
Informed residents have probably heard of these murals over the years, but the Duskin’s passion for the arts didn’t start and stop in the corridor. Camille’s mission to bring community oriented arts to the city, as well as provide opportunities for aspiring local talent, has led to many an entertaining performance ranging from small recitals and lectures to off-Broadway style musicals at the Family Music Center and Trinity International School. In a touching tribute, Duskin actually transformed her late mother’s home in Peccole Ranch into Hattie’s House, providing a venue for teachers to conduct lessons and young performers to showcase their singing and musical talents in front of an unintimidating audience. The 2,600 sq. ft., single story home has been outfitted for acoustics with tiled floors, as well as 40 chairs and 3 pianos, and is free for use for qualifying teachers and performers.
One of Gateway’s most successful productions can be caught August 29th at Summerlin Library’s 300-seat Performing Arts Theatre. “I Know I Came in Here for Something” is a musical comedy revue in which four talented actors turn all those marvelous middle-aged experiences and faux paus like forgetting, erectile disfunction and menopause into hilarious tales and musical numbers. Similar to the Strip phenomenon Menopause, but with the inclusion of the male species, it’s a riot for those who “get it” and those who will eventually. The show sold out when it played the Starbright Theatre earlier this year, so you may want to get your tickets early by calling Show Tix 4U at (866) 967-8167. Tickets are $18 general admission and $15 for seniors. If you miss the August 29th show, fear not; “I Know I Came in Here for Something” has been such a huge success that plans for future performances are already in the works at community theatres across the valley and possibly a stint on the Strip.
In the meantime, stay tuned for 2nd Sunday events featuring an array of fresh, local musicians and singers; “Dance! Dance! Dance!” with the Las Vegas Contemporary Dance Theatre September 19th; “From Russia with Love” October 17th; “Broadway Favorites” November 14th; and “Undone Divas” in January. For more information on upcoming shows and venues, including the famous chamber music series beginning in October, check out www.gatewayartsfoundation.org or call Camille at 255-0695.
