DESIGN CONNECTION

The energy is palpable on a “First Friday” of the month in what is fast becoming known as “Oscar Goodman’s New Downtown.” This includes the areas bordering Charleston Boulevard and Main Street (referred to by most as “The Arts District,” and home to some 25 art galleries), and the reclaimed, long-abandoned Union Pacific railroad yards now hosting the great World Market and permanent home of the Las Vegas Design Center.

Until a year or so ago, “First Fridays,” as they are referred to by the cognoscente in this town, used to be confined strictly to “The Arts District” from early evening on. During this time, art devotees—and those who were just plain curious (approximately 100,000 each month!)—could browse the many galleries and personally meet with the artists themselves. It proved to be a tremendous success with the buildings and artist lofts undergoing a continuous upgrading and renovation.

But now, with the opening of the Las Vegas Design Center at World Market, things have really started to heat up much earlier in the day on a “First Friday,” as designers and the public alike are invited to attend free educational seminars hosted by leading design professionals. These seminars are always followed by a wonderful catered buffet in the grand foyer of either of the two World Market buildings, and then attendees have a chance to tour more than 70 exclusive designer showrooms. If it sounds like a wonderful way to spend a Friday morning, trust me, it is.

Past speakers have included such design luminaries as Joe Rogerrio of HGTV’s “This Old House” (who also introduced his beautiful new line of textiles). Also a recent special guest is Vladimir Kagan, a colossal figure in the world of 20th and 21st century contemporary furniture design, along with his gracious and charming wife, Erica Wilson, world famous in her own right for her needlepoint designs and expert craftsmanship.

Personally, the “First Friday” seminars are an event I always try to attend. Being a design professional myself, I welcome this golden opportunity to come face-to-face with luminaries I may only have read about in books or seen on television; and then there they are, only a few feet away from me, relating personal stories about their life, their experiences, their travels. They graciously answer most any question put to them by the audience and are even accessible after the seminar and all during the informal networking lunch. It’s truly a rare and special time for fun and learning in a relaxed and casually intimate atmosphere.

The new season of “First Friday” seminars begins this September 7 with a gentleman by the name of Dean Robert Jones, known “to keep the stars in stitches”—his own. That is to say, Mr. Jones is a renowned wall upholsterer and has worked in the homes of celebrities like Eddie Murphy, Christina Aguilera, Cher, Tom Selleck and the Sultan of Brunei. He is extremely talented and blessed with a great sense of humor. His seminar will include a slide presentation, as well as tangible samples of wall upholstery and techniques such as leather button tufting, and should make for a most enjoyable opening “First Friday” event. Don’t miss this master craftsman who is truly “one stitch above the rest.”

Mr. Jones is followed in October by American Master artist Paul Maxwell who is internationally recognized as an award-winning sculptor, printmaker, creator of functional and conceptual art, as well as a filmmaker. He is a very gifted and talented man to say the least, and his presentation promises to be nothing less than awe-inspiring. His seminar is aptly entitled “A Retrospective Encompassing a Life in Art, Ceramics, Film and Sculpture” and it’s a rare opportunity for all of us to meet this true Renaissance man.

And for November, Charlie Popeck of Green Ideas Environmental Building Consultants is scheduled to discuss the timely topics of energy efficiency in home design. He will talk about “going green” and its positive effect on the environment, and how luxury and cutting-edge design can be integral to environmental construction.

“Major companies in Las Vegas are embracing green strategies and they’re showing exciting progress in their efforts to become more environmentally friendly,” says Charlie. “They recognize their success and the future of the communities where they operate are impacted by the actions we take today.”

This much-anticipated speaker will demonstrate how “going green doesn’t have to cost a lot of gold” and will give examples of how homeowners who want to fight global warming or trim their household expenses, or both, can achieve this goal. (Sign me up for this one considering my own utility bills!)

As you can see, these seminars present us with a broad range of topics; they are fun, educational, great networking opportunities, and are free with pre-registration. Each seminar will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on the 16th floor of building B. Details and reservations (which are a must) can be obtained by contacting the World Market Center at (702) 599-3093 or e-mail lvdc@lvdesigncenter.com. (On-site registrants will be asked to make a $20 donation to Safe Nest.)

Resolve to be inspired, and to be a part of the downtown “scene” and the unmistakable energy that is “First Friday.”

Stephen Leon is President of Soleil Design Intl. Inc. and has been designing and manufacturing custom furniture and cabinetry for over 25 years. He is currently on the Board of Directors of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) serving as Communications Director for the Central California-Nevada Chapter. Stephen can be reached at soleildesign@cox.net or 702-873-5358.