“The most satisfying part has been being able to work with my partner and do what we love: bringing art and people together,” Jess says.
By: Jason R. Latham
You cannot stage the Life Is Beautiful Music & Art Festival without the art, and since its inception, the homegrown affair has placed a premium on curating visual and immersive works from both established and emerging artists in the Las Vegas community.
Much of the responsibility for bringing those aforementioned talents into the spotlight falls on the husband-and-wife team of Elliott and Jess Demlow. Artists in their own right, the duo are heading into the 10th LIB as seasoned experts with an unrivaled sense of taste and perspective – absolute necessities when trying to maintain a fresh look and feel for the festival.
Jess started as a volunteer for the event’s art program — “just out of love for art,” she recalls – while Elliott started as an intern in 2015. In the years since, their experiences have woven the couple into the fabric of the festival’s essence, fostering long-lasting friendships both within and beyond LIB. Notably, their contributions have left an indelible mark on the festival’s legacy, adding to the tapestry of iconic street art that dots its 18 blocks of downtown cityscape. If that weren’t enough to fill their photo albums, it’s also the place where they made a forever commitment to each other (more on that below).
For its 10th iteration, LIB is collaborating with arts and entertainment brand Meow Wolf to create new installations, while also recruiting local artists to contribute. Local artist submissions were submitted in July and the Demlows are working with those selected to bring their ideas to life before the gates open on September 22.
“The most satisfying part has been being able to work with my partner and do what we love: bringing art and people together,” Jess says.
Adds Elliott: “For me, it’s the community engagement opportunities that working with the festival has provided throughout the years. Making art accessible to all and providing our little city with world-class art to be enjoyed by the public.”
Five LIB Questions with Jess and Elliott Demlow
OTS: What’s the best performance you’ve ever seen at Life Is Beautiful?
Jess Demlow: There are two main performances that come to mind, which really left an impact on me. The first was Mura Masa (2017). That is a performance I will absolutely never forget, with all the live instruments and big energy- just WOW! The second would have to be St. Vincent, who is a goddess walking among us. She blew my mind with that precision guitar playing, what a talent!
Elliott Demlow: I have seen so many great performances. Tame Impala (2021), Mura Masa, Slyvan Esso (2018), Ford (2021) and St. Vincent (2021) have been some of my favorites.
OTS: What’s your craziest Life Is Beautiful story?
Jess Demlow: Being surprised with a proposal down Light Alley, where my fiancé had hand painted a proposal mural behind him to ask me to marry him. The alley went up in a roar of cheers, it was an intense moment full of love and excitement. It was great, he’s great… if you’re reading this, I love you honey!
Elliott Demlow: Painting a mural with legendary muralist Fafi in a DTLV alley to propose to the love of my life. We worked through the early hours of the morning to get it finished in secret, and the surprise was so worth it.
OTS: Which artist are you most excited to see this year?
Jess Demlow: Cigarettes after Sex, ODESZA, and Flume are at the top of my list. I’m also excited to be introduced to new artists on this year’s lineup that I have not listened to before.
Elliott Demlow: Kendrick Lamar, ODESZA, Flume and Cigarettes After Sex are all going to be can’t miss sets.
OTS: Which experience are you most excited to see this year?
Jess Demlow: D. All of the above. Working behind the scenes and getting a sneak peek of it all, I am anticipating lots of magic throughout every corner of the festival. I cannot wait to see and experience it all!
Elliott Demlow: I have been a longtime fan of Meow Wolf and all their productions since their first debut at LIB in 2015, specifically with their contribution to the Art Motel, where they took up only four rooms of the 20+ rooms there. Fast forward to 2023, and they have something big planned for this year’s festival. I can’t wait to see what they do.
OTS: What’s Your No. 1 Tip For A First-Time Festival Goer?
Jess Demlow: Wear light clothes, stay hydrated, wear your sun protection. Self-preparation is key to partying outdoors in the desert heat. Drink a cup of water between each round of booze… at least!!
Elliott Demlow: Bring your own water bottle and smile at strangers!
Read More: Recap Of Life is Beautiful 2022
