First
Friday Las Vegas announces the winner of Wonderland’s open call for
artists. Local visual artist Brock
Nordstrom took home the top honor for his concept “The Most Beautiful Thing
You’ve Never/Ever Seen.” Nordstrom’s new media technological exhibit explores
the imagery of turning what appeared to be nothing into a beautiful piece of
art before onlookers’ very eyes. For wowing the judges and the public at First
Friday, Nordstrom received a $10,000 commission for a future installation at
First Friday Las Vegas. This
commissioned work is set to be unveiled at First Friday on September 5.
This
installation at First Friday was the first time Nordstrom showed his work to
the public and has since been welcomed to the local arts community with open
arms. Through displaying “The Most
Beautiful Thing You’ve Never/Ever Seen” at First Friday, Nordstrom has been
approached to show at Life is Beautiful, the annual three-day music, art and
culinary extravaganza in downtown Las Vegas this October.
“Brock
Nordstrom not only impressed the entire First Friday creative team, but was
immediately a crowd favorite with his Wonderland inspired piece,” said First
Friday Las Vegas’ Director of Communications, Special Programming and
Sponsorships Charles Ressler. “The fact
that we were able to introduce an artist from the Las Vegas community to the
Las Vegas community exemplifies what First Friday is about – supporting our
local artistic scene.”
First
Friday Las Vegas announced a call for submissions in late June encouraging artists
of all types to apply with a detailed description of their “Wonderland”
concept. After receiving more than 50
submissions, the curation team at First Friday narrowed down the applicants to
15 of the best Las Vegas’ arts community has to offer. Of the 15 artists participating in
“Wonderland,” Nordstrom took home the grand prize – a $10,000 commission for a
subsequent work or performance to be completed specifically for First Friday
Las Vegas and be on public display for an extended period. Other finalists included Epyk Entertainment
for “Body of Wonder,” Justin Lepper for “Kaleidoscope,” Kira Sonaja for
“Kandylane Enchanted” and Johnny Hansen for “Esto Es Tu Pelicula.”
ABOUT
FIRST FRIDAY LAS VEGAS
First
Friday Las Vegas has been a mainstay of arts and culture in downtown Las Vegas
for eleven years and has become the leader for family-friendly activities, art,
cultural enrichment, educational efforts, imagination, community and more;
mostly low cost or free of cost, for every age. The outdoor event which
averages 20,000 patrons each month features several areas throughout Downtown
Las Vegas like KidZone, Green Street, The Hub Stage and Shuffle Zone that
showcase artists of all calibers and genres. Stages throughout the festival
feature live music, food vendors and food trucks offer the finest in cuisine
and other celebratory events each month are always working to build community
in Las Vegas. First Friday Las Vegas, LLC’s Managing Partner is Joey Vanas. For
more information on First Friday Las Vegas, please check the website
www.firstfridaylasvegas.com, like on Facebook page - www.facebook.com/firstfridaylasvegas or follow on Twitter- twitter.com/firstfridaylv .
