Just opened: "Always More: Collecting in Las Vegas" at the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art
Curating Artwork Locally in Las Vegas
After eight quiet months, the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art is reopening its doors with a brand-new exhibit — one that almost came together by accident. “Always More: Collecting in Las Vegas” features works from the private collections of prominent Las Vegas figures. With the current pandemic making it difficult for art exhibits to travel between galleries and museums, the Bellagio looked locally to put together its first presentation since the Strip’s temporary shutdown this past spring.
The Greenspun family donated a set of gelatin silver photographic prints by Diane Arbus, while Elaine Wynn offered multiple pieces, including a tall portrait of Philip IV by Monolo Valdés. One of the most captivating works, a large format oil painting by British artist Cecily Brown, was donated by the Fertitta family. At first glance it looks like a series of random brush strokes, but individual scenes quickly emerge, including a couple engaged in what appears to be a romantic embrace.
What You Need to Know
WHAT: “Always More: Collecting in Las Vegas”
IT’S: The new exhibit at the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art
OPENED: November 13, 2020
BRAINS BEHIND IT: MGM Resorts International, Executive Director of Art & Culture Tarissa Tiberti
FUN FACT: The gift shop still contains Japanese-centric items leftover from the previous exhibit, “Material Existence,” whose run was cut short due to the pandemic.
LOCATION: Bellagio
HOURS: Daily | 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
WEBSITE: Stay up to date on visiting the gallery
INSTAGRAM: There’s so much to see at the Bellagio
MGM Resorts Turns to its Own Collection
“(This type of exhibit) is something we’ve talked about and wanted to do for a long time,” says Executive Director of Art & Culture Tarissa Tiberti. “There’s such important work in the city. It’s always great to have access to those works and bring them out to the public.”
To help round out the presentation, MGM Resorts turned to its own in-house art collection, most of which was already on display within its hotel properties. Two Picassos were borrowed from the Picasso restaurant, a Rauschenberg from (the still-closed) Michael Mina restaurant and Lorena Simpson prints from the Nomad boutique hotel.
Much of the exhibit leans toward contemporary and 20th century works, but it wasn’t planned that way. “It really wasn’t about a theme,” says Tiberti. “It was more about… a passion for collecting.”
The Cost
Tickets begin at $16.
The Gist
“Always More: Collecting in Las Vegas” is a compelling glimpse into the world of what decorates the walls of upscale Las Vegas homes. The relatively sparse collection of less than 30 pieces is arranged in a clean, minimalist layout, allowing guests to take their time and absorb the beauty and meaning in each individual work.
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