Be Home Soon

Exhibiting: July 20 – August 27, 2026

Reception: Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM

About the Exhibition

In a city known for constant movement, BE HOME SOON explores what it means to build a life somewhere new.

Featuring artwork by Clark County artists who were born outside of Las Vegas, the exhibition reflects on migration, memory, belonging, and the evolving idea of home. Through painting, sculpture, photography, fiber, printmaking, drawing, writing, and mixed media, artists consider the journeys that brought them here and the experiences that transformed Las Vegas from a destination into home.

The exhibition asks:

• What makes a place feel like home?

• How does moving reshape identity?

• Do we ever truly leave where we came from?

• How has Las Vegas changed us?

Together, these works offer deeply personal perspectives on displacement, community, family, adaptation, and the ways we carry home with us.

Exhibiting Artists

The exhibition features original artwork by AerynClare Gaddy, Alycia Cordova, Andres Rave, April Bermudez, Beatriz Castillo, Björg Brend Laird, Cat Ricketts, Cesar Ceballos, Cheyenne Yu, DeAnna Beachley, Jamie Zepeda, JM Huck, Joice Gabriela, Karen Buford, Kayla Lockwood, Laura Averill, Louise Ahrendt, M k Santos, Megan Heeres, Narz Dela Rosa, Natalie Bella, Paulette Baker, Romy Umholtz, and Taylor Pierce. Artists are encouraged to make their work available for purchase. All sales are handled directly by the artist.

Juror

Jennifer Kleven serves as the Deputy Director of Cultural Affairs for the City of Las Vegas, where she leads initiatives across public art and galleries, festivals and performances, and citywide special events. Her work champions creative expression and community engagement throughout the city.

Prior to this role, Jennifer spent 13 years at the Neon Museum, where she played a pivotal role in its public opening in 2012. During the final three years of her tenure, she served as Director of Advancement, overseeing fundraising, membership, grant acquisition, and event Programming.

Jennifer is a Creative West Leaders of Color alumna and a former president of the Nevada Museums Association. She currently serves on the Las Vegas Arts Commission and leads as president of the Southern Nevada Arts Coalition. Beyond her administrative leadership, she is a practicing visual artist and independent curator, deeply committed to supporting and uplifting Southern Nevada's vibrant arts community.

Reception

Join us on Thursday, August 27, from 6:00–8:00 PM for an evening celebrating the exhibiting artists.

The reception will include the announcement of the exhibition awards:
• Best in Show — $300 Desert Art Supplies Gift Certificate
• Honorable Mention — Two $150 Desert Art Supplies Gift Certificates
Guests will have the opportunity to meet the artists and learn more about the stories behind

their work.