One of the largest public art exhibits in Nevada happens this weekend. But that’s not really what’s so unique about the show.  “12 Inches of Sin,” which will be housed in 72,000-square-feet of downtown’s New

Orleans Square at Commerciial Center, 953 E. Sahara Avenue.  In addition, this year’s show features bands, DJ’s, lectures and how-to demonstrations. One lecture is about “kink etiquette.”

Event organizer, Laura Henkel, joined State of Nevada to talk about the show.  Henkel says the show has grown so much over six years that artists this year will come from not only Nevada, but from several countries around the world. “This is art, not porn,” says Henkel. > Listen to State of Nevada, KNPR

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American lens master Shelbi Schroeder creates provocative fine art Polaroid photographs with an alluring sense of mysterious figures awash in an aura of light.

Quiet metaphors guide the works of JK Russ (New Zealand) who reimagines the beauty and complexity of the natural world in collage, while the trompe-l’œil photographs of Las Vegas artist Nancy Good plays with morphed body parts to create mesmerizing objects.

Crossing boundaries of identity, pioneering Iranian artist Nanda Sharifpour’s portraits offer unseen views of the private feminine, made invisible by fundamentalist rule in her home country.

Likewise, the act of looking and naming is turned upside down by the San Francisco painter SM Shifflett, whose lustrous paintings are a celebration of the diversity of feminine experience.

On the flip side, a thread of irreverence and rebellion runs is seen through New York artist Marne Lucas’ counter-culture pinup that embraces masculine beauty.

Confrontation and humor is the name of the game for Las Vegas artist Sarah Jane Woodall’s outrageous live-action performance, Wonderhussy, celebrates female power…as she puts “Since the dawn of time, it has remained a thing of mystery and even shame. It has been idolized, fetishized, monetized and demonized…but its full power has never been realized. Until now.”

The magic of Israeli sculptor Dorit Schwartz includes a quiet evocation of the feminine. No overt symbols exist, rather seemingly simple shapes stand to express a spectacular vision of something deep within, the open spaces like an abstract illustration of the innermost heart of a man, containing a chakra like crystal, a round curvilinear wood carved to form a womb like interior, reflecting the hidden chakra of woman.

Per Dr. Henkel, “This reveal of new ideas and practice in art, erogenous secrets, and the unspoken realms of art and amour means this absolutely is a show not to be missed, a fascinating audience driven exhibition that promises unforgettable experiences.” The majority of these artists reside in Las Vegas, and their influences represent a global experience.

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About the Art Motel

“Within the 15 square blocks of this year’s Life is Beautiful Art & Music Festival in Downtown Las Vegas is the former Town Lodge Motel,” said Joey Vanas, Life is Beautiful partner. “We intend to transform the now vacant motel and courtyard into an amazing showcase of art and artists, for a unique popup exhibition that will be open throughout the festival.”

The Art Motel is an amazing showcase for Las Vegas artists, and dozens of local creators, collectives, non-profits, classrooms, and galleries are creating site-specific murals and motel room installations for the 2015 Art Motel Exhibition in Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Art Motel at Life is Beautiful 2015 features a diverse and talented lineup of CREATORS, including site-specific fine art, conceptual artists, community muralists, aerosol artists, architectural installations, performance art, immersive spectacle, high-tech interactive courtyard and room activations, and several independently curated ‘motel room exhibitions’ from Las Vegas art galleries and artist collectives, including INTIMATELY FEMALE from Sin City Gallery!

For more information on INTIMATELY FEMALE and the latest festival news http://lifeisbeautiful.com/artists/sin-city-gallery/

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About Life is Beautiful

Life is Beautiful is an inspirational company dedicated to helping people conquer their fears and chase their dreams. Its signature project, the Life is Beautiful Festival was founded by Rehan Choudhry in 2013 and launched in October of that same year as a highly successful lifestyle event featuring marquee musicians, chefs, artists and speakers. Held in the heart of Downtown Las Vegas, Life is Beautiful attracted more than 60,000 attendees in its first year, grew to more than 90,000 attendees in its second year and expanded to a three-day festival. For more information on the company’s projects and the latest festival news, please visit http://www.lifeisbeautiful.com.

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About Sin City Gallery

Sin City Gallery is known internationally as a destination experience. The gallery is continually featured in the press for its exemplary exhibitions. The gallery produces 12 Inches of Sin, the largest international juried art exhibition of provocative contemporary art in Nevada. Sin City Gallery has been recognized as one of the best 25 galleries in American by the American Art Awards. It is located inside The Arts Factory at 107 E. Charleston Boulevard, Suite 100, Las Vegas, Nevada in the Downtown Las Vegas 18bArts District. Information regarding the gallery’s exhibitions may be viewed at www.sincitygallery.com.

Instagram: @sincitygallery
Twitter: @sincitygallery
Facebook: Sin City Gallery

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