LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — First Friday drew crowds to downtown Las Vegas as people supported local vendors and took in the atmosphere of the Arts District.
First Friday has been around since 2002 and has long been a place where local artists can showcase their work while the community comes together over food, drinks and entertainment.
For many artists, First Friday is more than just a monthly event. Some of the people there have been coming for years, watching the area grow and change as more people, businesses and visitors have been drawn into the neighborhood.
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Young artist voices concerns about commercialization
One of them is 14-year-old artist Mackenzie Krewson, who says she has been coming to the Arts District since she was young. Her parents are both artists and met there, making the space feel personal for her and her family.
She says that while it is exciting to see more people there, she also worries about what might get lost as the area becomes more crowded and commercialized.
“I think it’s getting really chaotic and we should really try to protect our artists the most…because that’s what makes it alive down here,” Krewson said.
Krewson says she has felt strongly about the future of the area for years. She says she spoke to city council when she was just 10 years old about safety issues in the district.
“I believe that kids should be allowed to roam here and enjoy all the same things that everybody else does,” Krewson said.
Now as a teenager, she says she has continued to notice the district shift over time.
“There like changing a lot of these to like a Fremont street you understand like the strip and stuff a lot of gaming drinking etc.,” Krewson said.
New vendors find welcoming environment
For others, First Friday remains a positive and welcoming place to share their work and meet people in the community.
Some artists are new to the event, but say they already appreciate the environment and the support they receive from those who come out.
“Everybody is super supportive… and really nice and very appreciative and like very kind,” said Justin Lex.
Lex addressed a concern that another artists has raised about vendors selling products that may be resold from online stores rather than original artwork.
While he says he understands why some artists are bothered by that, he also offered a practical perspective.
“I’m not gonna yuck somebody elses yum… if that’s how you gotta make a buck you make buck,” Lex said.
Artists discuss financial realities
Artists say making a living from art is not always easy, and maintaining a steady income can still be a challenge even at a popular event like this.
Artist Samuel Dickerson says he has had a good experience working there and values the range of people who come through First Friday.
“You gotta lot of artist come through you gotta a lot people who enjoy art come through here and you got random people who just want to pick something up,” Dickerson said.
He says there are costs that come with being a vendor there, including booth fees and sometimes added charges for things like power, but says compared to other events, it can still be worthwhile.
“I’ve been places where they charge more I’ve been places where they charge nothing,” Dickerson said.
Some artists say First Friday still offers a valuable opportunity to get their work in front of the public, connect with other creatives and be part of the larger Arts District community.
Others say they hope city leaders and organizers continue to make room for the artists themselves as the area grows.
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