Bright colors, Vegas tributes and vintage flair will define the art collection found at Circa Resort & Casino, set to debut October 28. Circa will add a new layer to Downtown Las Vegas’ already flourishing arts and culture scene with a portfolio that celebrates the city’s history and legacy.
“Circa will pay homage to Las Vegas and those who built this city, so it was important to have an art collection that reflected this,” said Derek Stevens, CEO of Circa. “The property is going to be full of ‘wow’ moments and will showcase significant pieces from the homegrown talent of Las Vegas. We can’t wait to expand on and be a part of the legacy of the terrific Downtown art scene.”
Fusing Then and Now, Circa was able to bring its creative vision to life with the assistance of DAC Art Consulting, Kevin Barry Fine Art, Kalisher and the resort’s Director of Design & Architecture, Alice O’Keefe. Through its art, the resort will honor the city’s Golden Era and the icons that transformed Las Vegas into the Entertainment Capital of the World.
Below are highlights of Circa’s art collection:
- Vegas Vickie – Las Vegas’ iconic neon kicking cowgirl, Vegas Vickie, will make her grand return to Downtown Las Vegas with a sparkling fresh makeover by YESCO, the 100-year-old company synonymous with many of the city’s most internationally recognizable signs. The brightly colored sign will be one of the must-see features in Circa’s lobby and will kick her leg up in Vegas Vickie’s bar. Vickie debuted in 1980 and, a few years later, made major headlines when she married her neon counterpart, Vegas Vic in 1994.
- Lobby – Upon arrival to the registration desk, guests will be greeted with a show-stopping, three-piece rotating mural. The first two works were created by local artist Jelaine Faunce with portrayals of a Picasso-esque rendition of Vegas Vickie and a still-life on familiar casino elements. The final piece in the cycle was made by Georgia-residing artist Reza Torabi and displays a scene of Downtown Las Vegas’ landscape transitioning from past to present. A gold and geometrical shaped piece by Mark Brandvik also dresses the VIP Host desk just steps away.
- Second Level Casino – Paying tribute to the neighboring Four Queens Hotel, a painting by Paul Macias replicates neon signage from this famous Downtown property and will enhance Circa’s south casino entrance. At the Cashier’s Cage, a standout darkroom Benjamin Franklin print on silverflash by Kentucky native Darrell Kincer will embellish the back wall.
- Garage Mahal – Circa’s high-tech transportation hub acts as one of the first entry points for the property and will welcome guests with a large, 22-foot chandelier by Egads and with concept by SixteenFifty Creative Agency. Circa’s tagline, “Time of Your Life,” will be layered throughout. The sparkling light fixture will be complemented with three large murals nearby by Eric Vozzola, delivering an artful take on the casino narrative with Mid-Century pattern work, casino signage and illusionary geometry. Featuring a warm palette, the murals will be an eye-catching accent to the parking hub, with the hopes that visitors find something new within the intricacies of the murals each time they pass by.
- Guestrooms – Circa’s room corridors will showcase a selection of sophisticated art pieces transporting guests back in time with compositions of a Vegas Vickie sketch painting by YESCO artist Adolfo Gonzalez, a black-and-white polaroid series featuring handwritten calligraphy by Schin Loong and playing card canvases and whimsical tributes to Dancing Dealers by Jelaine Faunce.
- Suites – Classy and stylish artwork will decorate the walls of Circa’s well-appointed suites. This will include an interpretation of Downtown’s famous Dancing Dealers as well as a portrayal of larger-than-life playing cards by Jelaine Faunce, a luxe gold-patterned geometrical shape piece by Sarah Scherf, a sparkling gem and diamond piece by Michael Afsa, a black-and-white still with a handwritten inscription of “now is my favorite place to be” by Schin Loong, a dazzling reflective work by Mikayla Whitmore and much more.
- Barry’s Downtown Prime – More than 40 artists helped embellish the highly anticipated steakhouse concept from Chef Barry S. Dakake and Make It Happen Hospitality. Housed in Circa’s secluded bottom level, the restaurant will feature a throwback feel complemented with cool vibes and great art. A trio of realistic style paintings by Jelaine Faunce will be a focal point of the restaurant, with two being a pair of flirty and humorous eyes and another of a woman’s face gazing in awe of the iconic Vegas Vickie statue above her. Other local artists that helped with the space include Tim Bavington, David Ryan, Zak Ostrowski, Sush Machida, Barret Thomson and many others.
- 8 East – Circa’s pan-Asian concept by Chef Dan Coughlin will feature an urban contemporary vibe and drew its artistic inspiration from modern metropolises and antique Japanese prints. Las Vegas artist Liz LaGumina crafted six contemporary takes of women paired with a selection of delicacies for 8 East’s private dining room. The pieces will showcase women posed with foods like sushi, oolong tea, shrimp nigiri, lychee, mandarin orange and Asian pear.
- Jack Pots – The contemporary coffee stand from Michigan restaurateurs Paul Saginaw and Steve Mangigian will keep guests buzzing with its beverage selection and lively atmosphere. Going hand in hand with its name, the art scene will combine the likes of coffee, gambling, Jack playing cards and Vintage Vegas nostalgia with standout pieces by Liz LaGumina. Her giclee prints will signify the overall theme of Circa and were created by digitally aging photographs of antique Jack playing cards. Another spectacle was created by Recycled Propaganda artist Izaac Zevalking and was fashioned with spray paint and stencils.
- Saginaw’s Delicatessen – The modern 24/7 delicatessen will feature not only sandwiches so big that you’ll need two hands, but also a lifesize statue of the restaurant’s owner, Paul Saginaw created by Matt Byron. The sculpture stands at six feet tall and will be housed at the front of the eatery, making for a must-see photo opp.
The 1.25-million-square-foot Circa will include 777 rooms & suites, the world’s largest sportsbook, five original restaurant concepts, six beverage hubs, Stadium Swim pool amphitheater operating 365 days a year, a high-tech parking garage dubbed Garage Mahal, two-story casino and more.
For more information on Circa, please visit circalasvegas.com.