By Joslyn Hatfield

Vegas Womens’ Fest is proud to work with local artists and creators to bring Artisan Alley to Las Vegas PRIDE 2021! Meet some of our featured artists.

Gem Jaxx (She/Her)
Artist and Co-Owner Saturation Gallery

Hi I am Gem Jaxx and I am a modern visual artist, who has been in living life in Las Vegas for the past 17 years. I am a self-taught artist who loves history. I am also the gallery co-owner of Saturation Gallery inside The World Famous Arts Factory downtown. I was just recently in New York City showcasing my artwork and I have been busy with projects that include Life Is Beautiful and Art Basel Miami. On my downtown I produce a local art pop up called Art Show. Look out for my billboard in Las Vegas from SaveArtSpace and Meow Wolf! I live for art!

Describe your artwork.
When you see my art, you will discover a unique style from pop culture to iconic history in an edgy fashion exploding with vibrant colors. The transformation from my digital art cut into pieces of paper pasted over canvas, wood, and reclaimed objects as the foundation. The mediums I use to finalize my work is aerosol, acrylic, oil, paper, and pastel.

Who inspires you?
I am influenced by the work of Andy Warhol and today’s artist Shepard Fairey. I enjoy mashing pop art with street art. Creating new versions and mashing up my own creations.

What are some of your highlights being an artist?
There are too many. Recently I was curated by Van Der Plas Gallery in Manhattan NYC (2021). In addition to artwork permanently installed at the Allegiant Stadium home of the Las Vegas Raiders (2020). I had the honor of being exclusively invited to display my art inside the Liberace mansion for an exclusive Auction. The luxury hotels and brands Venetian, Palazzo, MGM, and Belvedere displayed my work in recent years. If I am not showing in Las Vegas then I am in Los Angeles area. Follow Gem Jaxx on Instagram @gemjaxxart or visit gemjaxxart.com.

Samantha Meyers (She/Her)
Artist

Samantha Meyers was born and raised in Las Vegas, NV and has been an artist since the age of four. She is a student at the University of Nevada- Las Vegas pursing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. She is well known for her conceptual photography and painting. A common theme in her work provides insight to the feelings associated with the ideas of spirituality, mental illness, & anxiety. Meyers has exhibited her photography and multimedia work in multiple galleries at the University of Las Vegas. Some of her most recent work has been chosen to be broadcasted at galleries such as the Donna Beam Art Gallery, and Archie C. Grant Hall.

Meyers was born in Las Vegas, Nevada where she indulged in art throughout her public school career. She was recently commissioned to paint a mural at the Emporium Bar inside Area 15.

Describe your artwork.
I dabble in various mediums and sometimes combine them. Mainly I stick to painting & Photography. I would describe my painting work as very bright, and abstract. My photography is more street style and conceptual.

Who inspires you?
Some of my inspirations include Keith Haring, Tyler Shields, and Felipe Pantone. I combine elements of artists that inspire me to create an interesting piece of art that resonates.

Karma Reyes
Artist

Karma Reyes is a self-taught artist who has been painting since 2012, when they had their first show at Blackbird Studios. They paint to ease anxiety and depression. They prefer to avoid medication and have found that painting I didn’t want to take medication and I found that painting provided an outlet to leave those emotions on the canvas.

Describe your work.
Most of the time when I begin a new piece, I don’t have a preconceived idea of what I want to create, I start painting and the painting leads the way. Only when I finish does the painting tell me its story. I have worked in a variety of mediums and love combining acrylics and watercolor.

This article was originally published in the Mental Health & PRIDE Celebration Issue of Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine, and can be read in its original format here.