The Las Vegas Arts District is one of the city’s most vibrant areas, with independent galleries, performance spaces, and a growing community of exciting restaurants. As the restaurants move in and rents rise throughout the city—and indeed the country—it has been getting harder for local artists and antiques dealers to keep their businesses afloat, however. That’s why a team of local entrepreneurs and hospitality professionals are joining forces to create a new, affordable space for artists and antiquers to show their stuff. Called Barter Beer/Mall, this new antiques and art mall will open its doors in a few months at 110 W Wyoming Ave, Units 110 & 150.
Barter Beer/Mall’s space comprises more than 6,000 square feet and will feature a bar near the entrance serving up can beers, wine, and seltzer. That will make it the only antique mall in the area where you can enjoy a beverage while you shop. The brand’s slogan sums it all up: “Beer. Art. Loot.”
“Being in the Arts District for about ten years, I didn’t really consider myself an artist, but I started working in a warehouse where we would flip these incredible things, items that had good value, and that’s what got me into antiques,” said Steve Sansonetti, one of the partners in the project. “Over time, I just noticed that a lot of small businesses and artists were getting pushed out due to the rent.”
Sansonetti got connected with a few other Arts District entrepreneurs, including Suzanne Roozendaal and Derek Stonebarger. Stonebarger’s ReBAR offers cocktails, bar eats, and a selection of antiques and other memorabilia. He’s also behind the upcoming Arty’s Steakhouse, a steakhouse offering a wide selection of art pieces for sale. As these three local entrepreneurs join forces for Barter Beer/Mall, it’s great news for local artists, crafters, antiquers, and marketeers, who will now have access to more affordable space to show their wares.
“We’re going to really try to create a community where we can all help each other, get together on social media,” Sansonetti said. “Who can we help this month? What can we do for this artist? I think right now is a good time to do something like this, because of how incredible the city has been with what they’re doing Downtown, welcoming new businesses. It’s been totally reinvented, and it’s attracting a lot of tourists. It’s neat to be a part of something like that.”
If you’re an artist or vendor who would like to get involved with Barter Beer/Mall, you can reach out at [email protected].
