LAS VEGAS — Thomas Blackman Associates (TBA), the producers of Art Chicago and the San Francisco International Art Exposition, is pleased to announce America’s most anticipated new international contemporary art exposition, Art Las Vegas at the Palms, Oct. 11 — 14.

The exposition will be staged next to one of the newest and hottest casino/resort complexes, the Palms Casino and Resort, at West Flamingo Road and Royal Flush Way.

The 125,000 square-foot temporary structure, housing approximately 125 of the world’s leading contemporary and modern art galleries, will be one of the largest ever constructed in the United States. Situated on a nine-acre site of the famous Las Vegas Blvd. "strip," exhibitors and visitors alike will have easy access to the best hotels, restaurants, shopping and casinos before and after the show.

"With all that Las Vegas offers to visitors and collectors, we believe that Art Las Vegas will become one of the most important art events in the United States," stated George Maloof, president of the Palms Casino Resort. "We are grateful for this partnership, and on behalf of the Palms we look forward to showcasing our spectacular new venue, and welcoming the international arts community to Las Vegas."

Managing Director of the Guggenheim Las Vegas and Guggenheim Hermitage Museums Barbara J. Bloemink comments, "As Las Vegas matures and diversifies as a global destination, it is fitting that in addition to world-class venues such as the two Guggenheim Museums, it will be the site of an international art fair. This addition to the cultural life of the area will be a benefit to all." The exposition will open with an event worthy of the Las Vegas tradition on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2002. Art Las Vegas is expected to draw 15,000 collectors, curators and art enthusiasts from around the world during the four-day event providing an opportunity for visitors to sample the city’s many cultural institutions.

"We are anticipating a strong response worldwide for this exciting new event in one of the world’s most alluring cities," remarked TBA President Thomas Blackman. "Las Vegas is without a doubt one of the United States’ most dynamic cities. It seems that nothing is beyond the scope of its imagination. In recent years the city has transformed itself into a glistening symbol of the country’s economic strength, and a model for the leisure and tourism industries. Las Vegas is already the home to many of the world’s largest and most successful trade shows–Art Las Vegas promises to become an equally important component of the international art calendar."

Thomas Blackman Associates, Inc. was founded in 1992 to showcase the finest offerings of contemporary and modern art and to attract a diverse international group of private collectors, museums and foundation curators to its exhibitions. TBA annually produces Art Chicago, the San Francisco International Art Exposition and exhibitions in the TBA Exhibition Space.

The inaugural Art Las Vegas at the Palms presented by Thomas Blackman Associates will take place Friday, Oct. 11 through Monday, Oct. 14 at The Palms Casino and Resort at West Flamingo Road and Royal Flush Way. For more information, call 312-587-3300 or visit www.art-lv.com.
Art Las Vegas / Arte10.com