Neiman’s centennial art on display downtown

Friday, April 1, 2005 | 8:53 a.m.

The fact that Las Vegas is universally defined by its collection of gamblers, roulette tables, showgirls and neon explains in part why artist LeRoy Neiman was commissioned to create the city's commemorative centennial painting, which was unveiled today during a news conference at the Fashion Show mall.

In searching for a popular mainstream artist to capture Las Vegas' past and present, officials at the Las Vegas Convention and Visitor Authority, in conjunction with the Las Vegas Centennial Committee, contacted Neiman, whose lively sports and leisure paintings have appealed to the masses.

Neiman's oil work, "Celebrating 100 years in Neon," will be on display from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at downtown's Ice House Lounge, 650 S. Main St., in conjunction with First Friday.

The painting is typical of Neiman in its inclusion of gambling tables, bright colors, wispy brush strokes and recognizable imagery. Not surprisingly, it includes a raised martini glass, a lucky blackjack hand and gamblers from the days of yore who bellied up to the tables in formal dress, rather than shorts and flip-flops.

With a mustache that stretches nearly ear-to-ear and black, slicked-back hair, Neiman, too, is known as a dapper man.

"He's such a popular artist that he's perfect for Las Vegas," Erika Yowell, spokeswoman for the LVCVA, said. "His work is accessible to everyone, like Las Vegas is."

Neiman's use of Las Vegas as subject matter was also appealing, Yowell said.

"He has just been a fixture for Las Vegas. It was a great tie-in for our celebration this year."

The Minnesota-born Neiman, who is nearly 80 (his Web site lists two different years for his birth, 1921 and 1927), is a voracious artist commissioned to sketch on-the-spot scenes and portraits. He began illustrating for Playboy magazine in the 1950s. Las Vegas-themed work is part of his portfolio, as are popular street scenes, events and celebrities.

Tonight's viewing includes a free raffle that gives away 25 poster reproductions of the painting. Posters will eventually be available for sale.

For information, call 315-2570.