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Record of Proceedings

Las Vegas Arts Commission Meeting - September 17, 2026

Public Meetings — Thursday, September 17, 2026
BodyLas Vegas, Nevada
SessionPublic Meetings
DateThursday, September 17, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 52:22

Original source
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0:22

Well, good afternoon, everyone.

0:24

Welcome back.

0:26

Um, I now call the September 17th, 2026 Las Vegas Arts Commission to order.

0:33

With the Deputy City Clerk Jackie, please take roll call.

0:39

Chair Beals.

0:41

Here.

0:42

Vice Chair Chi?

0:43

Here.

0:44

Second Vice Chair Galati.

0:46

Present.

0:47

Commissioner Clevin.

0:50

Here.

0:51

Commissioner Douglas.

0:53

Here.

0:54

Commissioner DeSantis?

0:56

Here.

0:56

Commissioner Cherk.

0:58

Excused.

0:59

Commissioner Von Boschens?

1:01

Here.

1:02

Commissioner Vitone?

1:04

Here.

1:05

Commissioner Anderson?

1:06

Here.

1:07

Commissioner Thompson?

1:09

Here.

1:09

Commissioner Hodges?

1:11

Here.

1:12

And you have a quorum chair.

1:15

Thank you so much.

1:16

Has this meeting been properly noticed and posted in compliance with the Nevada Open Meeting Law?

1:22

Yes, it has.

1:23

Thank you so much.

1:25

And before you speak, uh, Commissioners, before any of you speak, please say your name for the records.

1:31

So now we'll move on to item number three.

1:35

Public comment.

1:36

Comments during this portion of the agenda must be limited to matters on the agenda for action.

1:42

If you wish to be heard, please come forward and give your name for the record.

1:46

The amount of discussion as well as the amount of time any single speaker is allowed may be limited.

1:54

So seeing no one, we are going to move on to item number four for possible action to approve the final minutes by the reference of the regular meeting of June 18th, 2026.

2:10

Do I have a motion to approve those minutes?

2:15

Move to approve.

2:17

Thank you.

2:18

Commissioner Galati.

2:19

Commissioner Chi, second.

2:21

Any opposed.

2:29

Well, thank you.

2:31

The motion passes.

2:34

We're going to move on to item number five, which is a report by myself, Carmen Beals Art Commission Chair, regarding a monthly summary of cultural events and opportunities for all wards.

2:48

I'd like to share a few upcoming events, and I hope you can join us and help spread the word.

2:54

On September 24th, from 5 to 7 p.m., we're hosting a reception at the City Hall Chamber Gallery for Somos Magia, an exhibition in collaboration with the Mexican Consulate.

3:07

We'll have refreshments and the event is free and open to everyone.

3:12

On September 29th, from 5 30 to 7 30 p.m.

3:17

Join us at the historic Fifth Street School for Critchat, our monthly artist meetup.

3:24

You can bring artwork for critique or simply come to connect with other artists.

3:30

There's free on-site parking and the event is free to attend.

3:34

We'll also invite you to join us on Saturday, October 10th from 5 to 7 p.m.

3:41

for the reception of her story through art.

3:47

And I say that very slowly because our very own commissioner is one of the curators of the show.

3:53

So it will be a wonderful celebration as we honor the remarkable artists featured in the exhibition, along with the many women whose creativity and leadership shape the arts and culture of Las Vegas.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Arts And Culture█████████████████████████████████████████████74%
Procedural███████12%
Public Engagement████6%
Budget Equity Analysis████6%
Parks and Recreation█2%
Summary of Proceedings

Las Vegas Arts Commission Meeting - September 17, 2026

The Las Vegas Arts Commission held its regular meeting on September 17, 2026. The agenda included approval of prior meeting minutes, reports on cultural events and staff projects, financial updates, approval of new projects for fiscal year 2027, election of officers, and discussion of future agenda items.

Consent Calendar

  • The minutes of the regular meeting of June 18, 2026, were approved unanimously by voice vote.

Chair's Report and Commissioner Announcements

  • Chair Carmen Beals reported upcoming events: a reception for "Somos Magia" on September 24 (5–7 p.m. at City Hall Chamber Gallery), a Critchat artist meetup on September 29 (5:30–7:30 p.m. at Historic Fifth Street School), and the "Her Story Through Art" reception on October 10 (5–7 p.m.).
  • Commissioner Douglas announced a closing reception on October 22 (5:30–7:30 p.m. at Pearson Community Center Gallery), a workshop on October 8 (4–6 p.m. at Nibu Art Gallery and Community Center), a Final Friday event on September 25 (5–8 p.m. at Nibu Art Gallery), and the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe's Snow Mountain Pow Wow on Indigenous People's Weekend (October 9–11).
  • Commissioner Clevin announced a free concert by Nella (Latin Grammy winner) on September ? at Civic Center Plaza (7–9 p.m.), "High School Musical" performances September 25–October 3 at Charleston Heights Art Center, a Tony Bennett tribute concert on September 26 at Centennial Hills Amphitheater (7–9 p.m.), and the UNLV Art Walk on October 23 (5–9 p.m.).
  • Commissioner Douglas added a free Indigenous People's Day event at Palms Casino Resort on October 12 (1 p.m. and 5 p.m. showings).

Staff Report: Completed and Ongoing Projects

  • Laura Machado presented a detailed overview of completed projects over the past year, including "Harmonic Ascension" by Cliff Garden Studio (May 2026), "The Night We Met" by Crystal Ramirez (January 2026), "Waiting on a Light on the Corner" by David Ryan (February 2026), "Electronic Desert" by Victoria Hart (August 2026, dedication September 29), Westside Legacy Park Portrait Project (February 2026), and Aerial Gallery Banners (August 2026). Four artist talks were hosted. New gallery exhibitions included "Family Album" (with Las Vegas Museum of Art) and "Rhythm and Resilience, Black Vegas" (curated by Chair Beals). Upcoming is "Her Story Through Art" (curated by Commissioner DeSantis, opening October 10). Staff is expanding exhibition space at Veterans Memorial Community Center (new installation of photographs by Kent Lefebvre, opening October) and developing an arts and culture community guide.
  • Mary Sabo reviewed completed conservation and maintenance projects: routine cleaning of "Living Black Pillars," removal of damaged banners, graffiti abatement, cleaning and restoration of bronze sculptures at Anson Park and Lorenzi Park, maintenance of the Goodman statue, and refresh of the Southern Nevada Law Enforcement Memorial. In FY26, $90,319 in percent-for-arts funding was spent on conservation and maintenance. A new funding source from Parks, BRAC and Cultural will cover future maintenance, so percent-for-arts funds will no longer be used for that purpose. Ongoing projects include a ceramic tile mural at Here's Park (by Miguel Rodriguez, installation late 2027), expansion of the Mirabelli mural (funded by Ward 1 Office), Oki Dog Park sculpture (installation late October 2026), and Stupak Community Center mural (RFP issued, proposals due October 2026, with additional Ward 3 funds to expand into Stupak Park).
  • Holly Lay reported completed projects: "Three on Main" temporary sculptures (through 2027), "Star Child" and "Brainstorm" in the medical district, and "Los Tres Flores" by Justin Favela at East Las Vegas Community Center (September 1 celebration). Current gallery exhibitions include "Somos Magia" (collaboration with Mexican Consulate, reception September 24) and "Song of the Oasis" (opening next week, reception October 15 at Mayor's Gallery). Open calls: Lunar New Year exhibition (closes December 2), public employee exhibition (closes August 22), and Windows on First installation by Sarissa Lopez (ending September). Educational outreach includes monthly Critchat meetings. Projects in fabrication: "The Healer" by Luis Felarico, Doolittle Pool mural (final design selection meeting next week), public art map call for graphic designers (open until October 15), and pre-qualified sculptor list (closes October 15).
  • Parker Recky Johns reported completion of AMP Ward 3 Gateway and 18B project (July 2026, 28 painted electrical cabinets), six cabinets on Cheyenne Avenue by Sasha Primo (May 2026), and the 26th annual "Celebrating Life" exhibition (over 250 artists). Current exhibition: "Desert Peoples Words from Ancestors" (through November 19). Open call: Recycled Art Contest at Charleston Heights Arts Center (through October 16). Ongoing projects: second portion of AMP cabinets on Cheyenne Avenue (artist Jig Depio, paying homage to Metro Department), Centennial Hills Park tile mural by Lee Lanier (installation October 10–24), Cimarron Rose Community Center mural (proposals under evaluation), Wallapai Canyon Trailhead sculpture (artist Luis Varela Rico, second milestone), and Pop Squires Park mural (evaluation panel reviewing muralist lists).

Financial Report

  • Commissioner Clevin reported that FY26 expenditures from the percent-for-the-arts fund totaled $1,437,630.56. FY27 projected revenue is $840,503.39, resulting in a total fund balance of $2,111,089.86. After deducting encumbered projects (over $1 million), approximately $1 million is available for new projects in FY27.

Discussion and Approval of New Projects for FY27

  • Staff presented a list of nine proposed projects and a contingency fund to be funded from the available balance:
    1. Veterans Memorial Community Center basketball court mural ($62,000)
    2. City Hall floor paintings for new works ($110,000)
    3. Contingency fund ($20,000)
    4. Wayne Bunker Family Park pickleball courts exterior mural (8,400 sq ft; budget not separately stated)
    5. Arts District Garage interior murals (five murals on each floor, budget divided)
    6. East Side Education and Training Center mural and sculpture (in coordination with building construction, budget not separately stated)
    7. Angel Park Trailhead entryway sculpture ($92,700)
    8. Gary Reese Freedom Park restroom facility mural (budget not separately stated)
    9. Ethel Pearson Park sculpture using organic materials ($102,700)
  • Commissioners asked about prioritization and timelines. Staff noted that some projects are dependent on other construction schedules and that the complete list will be presented to City Council in October or November as part of the municipal arts plan.
  • Motion to approve all proposed projects as presented was made by Commissioner Thompson, seconded by Commissioner Chi. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote.

Election of Officers

  • Chair: Carmen Beals was nominated by Commissioner Chi, seconded by Commissioner Douglas, and re-elected unanimously.
  • Vice Chair: Terry Chi was nominated by Commissioner Douglas, seconded, and re-elected unanimously.
  • Second Vice Chair: Craig Galati was nominated by Commissioner Clevin, seconded by Commissioner Douglas, and elected unanimously.

Future Agenda Items

  • Commissioner Douglas requested that the Arts Commission consider funding for the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe's Snow Mountain Pow Wow and Indigenous Talent Showcase, possibly for 2027, as a future agenda item.

Public Comments

  • No public comments were made during either of the two public comment periods.

Adjournment

  • The meeting was adjourned.

Meeting Transcript

Well, good afternoon, everyone. Welcome back. Um, I now call the September 17th, 2026 Las Vegas Arts Commission to order. With the Deputy City Clerk Jackie, please take roll call. Chair Beals. Here. Vice Chair Chi? Here. Second Vice Chair Galati. Present. Commissioner Clevin. Here. Commissioner Douglas. Here. Commissioner DeSantis? Here. Commissioner Cherk. Excused. Commissioner Von Boschens? Here. Commissioner Vitone? Here. Commissioner Anderson? Here. Commissioner Thompson? Here. Commissioner Hodges? Here. And you have a quorum chair. Thank you so much. Has this meeting been properly noticed and posted in compliance with the Nevada Open Meeting Law? Yes, it has. Thank you so much. And before you speak, uh, Commissioners, before any of you speak, please say your name for the records. So now we'll move on to item number three. Public comment. Comments during this portion of the agenda must be limited to matters on the agenda for action. If you wish to be heard, please come forward and give your name for the record. The amount of discussion as well as the amount of time any single speaker is allowed may be limited. So seeing no one, we are going to move on to item number four for possible action to approve the final minutes by the reference of the regular meeting of June 18th, 2026. Do I have a motion to approve those minutes? Move to approve. Thank you. Commissioner Galati. Commissioner Chi, second. Any opposed. Well, thank you. The motion passes. We're going to move on to item number five, which is a report by myself, Carmen Beals Art Commission Chair, regarding a monthly summary of cultural events and opportunities for all wards. I'd like to share a few upcoming events, and I hope you can join us and help spread the word.

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