Inspired by the spirit of Betty Willis' Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, the Las Vegas Sign Design competition goes on display at Contemporary Arts Collective on First Friday, May 7.
"The show runs the gamut," says contest organizer Joshua Abbey. More than 30 artists submitted entries from as far away as England and Italy, and as near as right here in Vegas. From watercolor to folk art, Power Point presentations to video installations, the call for entries—make a new Las Vegas sign—sparked diverse ideas. Even Abbey did a piece for the show: a sculpture made from an old slot-machine handle.
The contest is sponsored by the LVCVA, Las Vegas Arts Commission, Las Vegas Hospitality Association, the Las Vegas Museum and the Las Vegas chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Artists. Entries will be on display through the end of the month.
Best in Show will be announced at First Friday, and the artist will receive $1,000. Betty Willis' sign, designed in 1956, also will be on display.
