The City of Las Vegas has opened a new exhibit, “The Afterparty,” at the Historic Fifth Street School, featuring work by Deborah Newman and Kat Ryals. Their joint showcase looks past the glitter of Las Vegas to explore what remains after the city’s famous celebrations fade. According to their social media post, visitors stepping into the exhibit can expect to be enveloped by Ryals' luxurious velvet installations, which sardonically draw inspiration from the opulent decor of casino floors, while Newman's moody oil paintings cast a contemplative gaze on the eroding luster of the city's famed neons, steeping the gallery space in a sense of reflection on ephemerality.
Step into The Afterparty, our new exhibit at the Historic Fifth Street School featuring artists Deborah Newman and Kat Ryals. Their work digs into the glamour, excess and illusion of Las Vegas and what remains when the spotlight fades. 🎨✨
— City of Las Vegas (@CityOfLasVegas) November 26, 2025
Here’s what to expect:
-Opulent,… pic.twitter.com/F1FkF2MlOa
This exhibit offers a reflective pause in the city known for its constant glitter. Ryals’ work challenges traditional symbols of Las Vegas wealth, reinterpreting casino motifs to comment on underlying excess, while Newman explores themes of nostalgia, capturing the fading allure of once-famous icons.
Sited at 401 S. Fourth St., the exhibit is available to the public free of charge and can be seen through January 23, 2026; those interested in visiting can schedule an appointment by calling 702.229.3277 or emailing [email protected].
