Mayor Goodman’s local art exhibit

By Kristen Peterson

Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2011 | 12:05 p.m.

At the Las Vegas18b Arts District Neighborhood Association meeting last month, newly elected mayor Carolyn Goodman professed her support for the local arts scene after working the room with handshakes and introductions. This month she’s getting even cozier with artists.

Six pieces by Las Vegas artists were installed in her wood-paneled City Hall office this week, replacing the infamous eclectic décor of Goodman’s predecessor, her husband Oscar, who left office due to term limits . More art is on the way. Arts Factory owner Wes Myles has been rounding up the work, says that about 25 pieces will be installed.

Prints of Jerry Misko’s neon sign paintings are up, as is a large Dar Freeland work. Hanging in the office is a three-dimensional, mechanical wall piece with moving gears inside a heart by Dale Mathis, whose surreal, watchmaker-style sculptural works could fit easily into the 1985 sci-fi flick Brazil. Joining the Vegas-flavored assortment is a Jim Dine-esque heart by Michael Wardle in the entrance, alongside a folk-art-style work by Jorge Betancourt-Polanco. James Henninger’s encaustic portrait of Goodman will make its way to her office after its official unveiling at September’s Preview Thursday.

Meanwhile, the portrait of former mayor Oscar Goodman painted by Michael Wardle on each of the steps on a back staircase inside the Arts Factory might be on its way out.

Myles says his insurance company cited it as a safety risk –a visual distraction making it difficult for users to determinate where each step ends-- and that he has 45 days to amend the stairs. Myles says he is considering his options, including replacing it with a painting of Carolyn Goodman.