Neon Museum visitors can now view a new mural from acclaimed Las Vegas artist James Stanford.
Written by Jo Russ
Across the street from the Neon Boneyard, the 154-foot mural entitled “From the Land Beyond Beyond,” spans the south wall of the Museum’s newly acquired Reed Whipple building.
James Stanford with From the Land Beyond Beyond mural in progress, June 2020. Image courtesy Laura Henkel, ArtCulture PR
Throughout his career, James Stanford has incorporated Las Vegas’ landmarks and symbols into his multi-faceted work. “Shimmering Zen,” a limited edition publication launched at The Neon Museum in 2018, features his manipulated digital photographs of vintage Las Vegas neon signs and architectural elements from the 1950s and ‘60s.
The following year he completed “A Phalanx of Angels Ascending” on a building near the Museum. This mural commemorates the iconic Blue Angel statue that watched over downtown Las Vegas for six decades from the Blue Angel Motel at Fremont St. and Charleston Blvd. Restored by the City of Las Vegas, the statue is now installed near its original location.
Dunes Hotel and Casino postcard showcasing the fiberglass Dunes Sultan, ca. 1960. Anthony Bondi Collection, The Neon Museum
Stardust Hotel and Casino Postcard, ca. 1960. Anthony Bondi Collection, The Neon Museum
Stanford’s latest mural design also pays homage to early Las Vegas landmarks starting with the Stardust Resort & Casino which was imploded in 2007. The artwork includes two large Moai carved from lava rock which pay tribute to the Stardust’s Aku Aku Polynesian restaurant and Tiki Bar. He also depicts the Dunes’ Sultan from the famed hotel and casino which closed in 1993 making way for the Bellagio, which opened in 1998. (You can learn more about the Moai statues in our blog post "Lost and Found.")
Stardust Hotel magnetic key, ca. 2004, showcasing an image from 1969 taken in front of the Aku Aku Restaurant. Danny Jacobs Collection, The Neon Museum
Rob McCoy, President and Chief Executive Officer, says, “Those are three of the most iconic signs in Las Vegas history. We think more art in that portion is more than a face-lift, it’s a complete reinvention.” He advises the mural will be on view through the second quarter of 2021 when construction on the recently acquired building is planned to resume following COVID-19 delays.
Marilyn Gillespie, Chair of the Cultural Corridor Coalition, states, “The new James Stanford mural is a fantastic improvement to the neighborhood. The mural is like a welcoming beacon to the Cultural Corridor."
From the Land Beyond Beyond mural, June 2020. Image courtesy Laura Henkel, ArtCulture PR
Curated by Laura Henkel of ArtCulture PR, the project is sponsored by The Neon Museum, Las Vegas Natural History Museum, Frankie’s Tiki Room, The Bunkers Group, Dunn-Edwards Paints and private donors.
Watch the story of the mural's creation:
