Las Vegas has more than its share of famous local personalities, and a lot of them are huge patrons of the arts. Recognizing this, Bellagio’s Gallery of Fine Art reached out to this who’s who list to see if they would be interested in sharing some of their favorite pieces. The result (the first exhibit at the gallery since reopening in November), Always More: Collecting in Las Vegas, is a stunning showcase, as much a tribute to the collectors as to the artists themselves.

Collectors who contributed pieces to the show include Ralph DeLuca, a professional collector; entrepreneurs and philanthropists Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta, along with their wives, Jill and Teresa; philanthropists Greg and Dana Lee; retired businessman Tito Tiberti and his wife Sandee; and businesswoman and philanthropist Elaine Wynn. There are also several excellent pieces provided by the MGM Resorts Fine Art Collection.

'Always More: Collecting In Las Vegas'

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The works themselves run the spectrum of 20th century and contemporary artists: Diane Arbus, Ross Bleckner, Cecily Brown, George Condo, Takashi Murakami, James Nares, Helmut Newton, Pablo Picasso, Joyce Pensato, Richard Prince, Robert Rauschenberg, Kazuo Shiraga, Gary Simmons, Lorna Simpson, Rosemarie Trockel and Manolo Valdés. Two of the notable pieces include Battitude, a painting by Pensato, part of the Ralph DeLuca collection, and Dragon Shen Breathes Out a Pavilion, an acrylic, gold leaf and platinum leaf on canvas mounted on aluminum by Murakami, part of the MGM Resorts Fine Art Collection.

As you peruse the pieces, the point of the exhibit becomes clear: Collecting art is different for everyone. It might even inspire viewers to begin their own collection.

“Las Vegas is a city rooted in history and culture,” said Tarissa Tiberti, who, along with art advisor and strategist Heather Harmon, co-curates the exhibition. “Art has been and continues to be an essential part of that story. At MGM Resorts, we value the fact that art is truly part of our DNA, and we strive to achieve a cohesive blend of entertainment, culture and luxury for our visitors.”

Tiberti, executive director of MGM Resorts Art & Culture, is a Las Vegas native and graduated from UNLV. Her love of the arts led her to serve as director of the Nevada Museum of Art before joining the MGM Resorts International team.

“Showcasing our community and its collections seemed to be a great opportunity for the reopening of Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art,” said Tiberti. “Also, a special thank you to Heather who has played an integral role in this exhibition. As our co-curator, she was able to weave her vast knowledge and passion for Las Vegas into every detail. Her expertise has been invaluable in making this show come to life.”

The exhibition, which will be on display until Feb. 14, will observe strict social distancing guidelines, including wearing masks, six feet of space between patrons, purchasing tickets online or via QR code on mobile devices, limiting physical exchanges of materials with the staff, and viewing the exhibition brochure online (printed brochures will not be available).

Bellagio, 702.693.7871 or Bellagio.com/bgfa

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