Arts district offers free entertainment, culture

Although the 18b Las Vegas Arts District’s signature event, First Friday, draws crowds in the tens of thousands after more than a decade, the majority of the art galleries lining the walkable streets of the neighborhood are open for browsing and shopping all month .

A rare solo exhibition from one of Las Vegas’ award-winning artists, RC Wonderly, entitled “Circle Gets the Square,” is showing at Amanda Harris Gallery of Contemporary Art on the first floor of Soho Lofts, 900 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Wonderly’s art plays on the relationship between the two- and three-dimensional. Each piece in the show began as a piece of oriented strand board , a construction product similar to plywood. Through a process that includes machining the sheets, painting and assembly, the strands are transformed into a work of art. The show runs through June 18.

Amanda Harris Gallery is open Thursdays and Friday, 5 to 8 p.m. and by appointment. Visit www.amandaharrisgallery.com for more information. Free parking is available in the paved lot across the street (northeast corner of Hoover Avenue and Fourth Street). Before you leave, stop into the adjacent Lady Silvia lounge for live music and a cocktail.

Less than a half-mile away, the Arts Factory at 107 E. Charleston Blvd. is home to many galleries, drinking, dining, a yoga studio and more, all under one roof. A stop at Trifecta Gallery is a must. On display through June 28 is an exhibit of classic screen prints and rare original cutouts by the late Charley Harper, an acclaimed minimalist wildlife illustrator in the 1950s. View the selection of his influential works from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on weekdays and until 3 p.m. on weekends. Call 702-366-7001 for more information.

Less than a mile south of the Arts Factory sits Blackbird Studios at 1551 S. Commerce St. The exhibition space is host to a group show featuring many artists exploring the ideas of circus, carnival and traveling side shows throughout the 1920-’50s.

Boldly titled “The Greatest Show on Earth,” the body of individual works by different artists collectively explores the glimmer of hope that arose when the circus came to town.

Blackbird Studios also hosts classes and workshops, including beginning drawing, live drawing and painting, and clay art classes for those with children. Call 702-782-0319 for more information and class prices.