The city of Las Vegas invited the public to celebrate the arts at the third annual Symphony Park Arts Festival Saturday, May 25, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 361 Symphony Park Ave., adjacent to The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. The outdoor event was free. There were more than 50 local artists, artisan vendors and hometown arts organizations representatives as we walked the marketplace aisles in this park setting. Live music throughout the event was provided by Rick Arroyo and the Latin Percussion Ensemble.

Refreshments and food were available for purchase. My husband and I attended and as we strolled through symphony Park, we both agreed that it was such a great use of the space although it’s not a big park there was a tremendous amount of artwork to be seen. This neighborhood is an up-and-coming-spot for Las Vegas. It’s definitely thriving now with new residential units opening and cranes poised to build luxury high-rise condos and hotels. I’m quite certain that one of the selling points of living in this neighborhood is the proximity of walking to the Smith’s Center, the intimate Myron’s theater and the large Reynolds Hall theater and of course the fabulous Vic’s restaurant!


When we were at the arts festival we were lucky enough to meet with Cecilia with Newluminess Path Custom Trees and More! She’s originally from Albany, New York, where forests are in abundance. She said:

“The beauty that surrounded me was second to none. Fast forward 30 years–I have moved from NY to Las Vegas NV, where the climate is dry, and desert abounds. Most trees and shrubs, in the city, have to be planted here. After frequent moves, being a homeowner to a home renter, I could not bear to live in a home that had no trees. I had to have trees! But as a renter, why should I plant a tree that I can only enjoy for a short time and can’t take with me when I move? And real trees would take 20-30 years to grow. Buying them already mature was very, very costly. So I decided to look into buying artificial trees. And I soon realized that too, can cost thousands of dollars. Solution? Build my own! It was at that moment that I unleashed a passion and a talent in me that had lain dormant and buried (pun intended lol) until such a time as this! No coincidences just the right timing (Covid) with the perfect circumstances and purpose-Build for others to enjoy, right here in the US! Our target market? Those looking for beautifully made custom quality trees at competitive prices! From Bonsais to Blossoms.”

I love not just her product but her passion for her company.

Next, we met a fabulous artist from Germany, Anja Whitemyer, is an international contemporary pop artist. Anja Whitemyer Gallery.  She is inspired by historic iconic figures and her love of today’s fashion. She uses a creative mix of mediums, merging digital design with various layers of texture found from resin, glitter, paint, and crystals. She puts a modern spin on familiar imagery. Anja’s pop art not only introduces younger generations to these important icons, but also touches on materialism and values of today’s culture. Her admiration for influential persons can be seen in her past and current works, as she creates a playful spin on contemporary culture using prominent branding and bold colors.

Guided by her fascination with the differences in communities, values, and needs she has seen, she expresses this contrast and culture through her work. I personally just loved how each piece was very bold and dramatic and she too was very passionate about her art. It was a lovely afternoon and if you didn’t attend this year mark it on your calendar for next year.