The free Oct. 23 event returns for its ninth year with “Rebel Gold,” showcasing the university’s diverse arts programs, student talent and an award-winning lyricist.
By Debbie Hall
Creativity takes center stage when the UNLV College of Fine Arts presents the ninth annual UNLV Art Walk from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23. The free, public celebration transforms the university’s academic mall into a vibrant showcase of visual art, live music, dance, theater, film and interactive experiences.
This year’s theme, “Rebel Gold,” celebrates the creativity and optimism of the UNLV arts community while recognizing the 50th anniversary of the UNLV Department of Dance. Guests can explore fall gallery exhibitions, enjoy performances and demonstrations, participate in art-making activities and sample complimentary food from local restaurants. A beer garden, wine tastings and other surprises add to the evening’s festivities.
For Nancy J. Uscher, dean of the College of Fine Arts and presidential professor of music, the event reflects the growing energy and collaborative spirit of the university’s arts programs.
“What’s new this year is a natural evolution over these years, moving toward our 10th anniversary next year,” Uscher said. “I see more projects, more student involvement, more interdisciplinary areas and more adventurousness. People are trying new things and taking risks.”
The expanded participation reflects Art Walk’s mission to celebrate the arts in all their forms while strengthening connections between the university and the broader community. Students, faculty and staff have opportunities to share their work with audiences beyond the campus.
“We want to serve the community and the university,” Uscher said. “Anything that has to do with the arts, we want to be part of this Art Walk.”
Celebrating 50 Years of Dance
The “Rebel Gold” theme connects the university’s gold identity with the optimism and excitement surrounding the Department of Dance’s 50th anniversary. Special anniversary performances and programming are planned as part of the celebration.
The milestone also highlights the College of Fine Arts’ commitment to student achievement and interdisciplinary exploration. From visual art and architecture to entertainment engineering and design, the event offers a wide-ranging look at the creative work happening across UNLV.
Visitors can also explore the Donna Beam Gallery and other campus arts spaces as the university’s galleries open their fall exhibitions.
Uscher said the event is designed to make the arts accessible to everyone, regardless of age or experience. Families, children, students and adults can participate in hands-on projects rather than observe.
“We want people to feel they’re absolutely a part of everything, not only as observers, but as art makers,” she said.
Admission and parking are free, making Art Walk an opportunity for the community to experience the university’s cultural offerings without an entry fee. Complimentary food will be available, although a food truck may offer additional items for purchase. Visitors can also explore areas beyond the main academic mall, with carts helping transport guests to programming farther across campus.
An Award-Winning Lyricist Takes the Stage
One of this year’s special highlights brings the art of songwriting into focus. Allison Clarke, winner of the third annual Pamela Oland Phillips Excellence in the Art of Writing Lyrics Award, will visit campus for a mini-residency that includes meeting with students and sharing her work.
The internationally open competition recognizes excellence in lyric writing and awards its winner a $5,000 honorarium. The residency allows students to engage directly with an accomplished lyricist and learn about the creative process behind writing songs.
During Art Walk, Clarke will participate in an interview with Jennifer Bellor, a member of UNLV’s composition faculty, in the Barrick Museum auditorium. The program is scheduled to begin at approximately 6 p.m., following opening remarks and acknowledgments. The presentation is expected to include examples of Clarke’s songs and lyrics.
The award is made possible through the generosity of Pamela Oland Phillips, a noted lyricist and supporter of the College of Fine Arts. Phillips plans to participate remotely during the program.
The residency underscores Art Walk’s educational mission by connecting students with working artists and showing how creative disciplines intersect. It also offers visitors a closer look at an art form that often goes unrecognized despite its central role in music.
A Gift to the Community
As Art Walk approaches its 10th anniversary in 2027, Uscher sees the annual event as an evolving celebration of the people who sustain Southern Nevada’s cultural landscape.
She also emphasized the importance of giving students a public platform for their work and helping them understand the value of sharing their creativity with others.
“I think one of the most important things to me is that students feel that they matter,” Uscher said. “When they are proud to present their work, and they get to experience what it’s like to share with the community, that is a very important learning experience.”
For visitors, the evening offers an opportunity to discover new artists, enjoy performances, experiment with hands-on activities and connect with the creative community shaping Las Vegas.
“We want everyone just to have a glorious good time,” Uscher said. “Have a wonderful time and then learn about the arts.”
The ninth annual UNLV Art Walk takes place from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, on the UNLV campus. Admission and parking are free.
For more information, visit unlv.edu/finearts/art-walk.
