The Gypsy Den Las Vegas ▲ Fashion Night Out

 FASHION NIGHT OUT

By Michelle Franco

Every First Friday the Gypsy Den provides a free service to the Las Vegas community. It gives the displaced (sometimes unwanted) teenage population a place to hang out, listen to up and coming musicians, admire artwork, and most importantly get cultured. But as the saying goes; nothing is free; now the Gypsy Den is paying the bill. And it is a hefty one. The cost of  acquiring permits for the performances, hiring Metro police officers to attend, liability insurance covering the 400+ attendees, and previous tickets have made the future of the Den uncertain. These facts were too much for Raven Moonhawk to bear. She took action by organizing Fashion Night Out a fundraiser to save the Den.

The fundraiser took place May 19^th at The Gypsy Den. It was a delightful event, pleasing all the senses. The focus of the event was the 15 mannequins Ms. Moonhawk gave to local artists to be decorated and then placed up for the silent auction. Casey Weldon’s eerie lobster boy generated heavy buzz during the evening. The black planter produced by Bryan Hainer was simple yet creative. My favorite piece came from 17 year old, Las Vegas Academy student, Sophia Piña-Page. A haunting, all red piece infused with yarn and glass marbles, it still resonates in my mind. Las Vegas Mannequins loaned out for the evening some of their lovely ladies to be dressed up in bohemian chic by the Annex Vintage Boutique. The live entertainment included belly dance troupes DEA and Cabernet, Dinner Music for the Gods, Thee Swank Bastards, and DJ Rex Dart. For refreshments, 15 gallons of homemade sangria were on deck at the pirate bar, yum. Although this was a special event to save the Den, every event held there is special. This is why the Gypsy Den must not go under.  

 

A childhood wonderland set in a beach paradise is what the Gypsy Den is like. When you are there it feels like you are stranded on the coolest island ever. The backyard area is adorned with hanging lights, vintage doors that double as display walls for art, cleverly painted images, statues, and plenty of seating. Even the simple act of stepping is taken to another level as your feet are treated to the soft beach sand which covers the ground. Aside from its physical beauty, the Den is worth saving for what it does.

 Every First Friday any artist is free to display and sell their work, without giving commission to the Den. Musicians who are looking for a large audience need only to contact the Den. As for our youth, they are given a safe, creative environment to socialize. Las Vegas needs a place like this.

This city is changing. Art and culture are becoming priorities in our community as we see the lasting impact of such investments. Do not let the Gypsy Den become a fond memory. Go in there! Buy a shirt or a piece of handmade jewelry, maybe even a custom headdress for that party you have to look dashing for. If you’re more of a philanthropist, donations are accepted. Let’s keep this wonderland alive and well.

 

Mannequins Generously Sponsored by Las Vegas Mannequins