Studio space is company's new stage

Arty Girl president and director Sheree Angelica said her goal is to put a unique slant on production services.

"In a way, I'm doing something different," Angelica said. "I'm trying to do a prop stylist studio from a little trendier, hipper area."

Arty Girl offers patrons prop and set design, costume and wardrobe design, as well as entertainment associates to help with talent casting. Angelica said many of the props are used in photography, but Arty Girl has worked with live theater productions, events and themed parties.

Angelica kicked off Arty Girl's fifth anniversary by relocating from storage units and her house to a new 2,500-square-foot space at 6165 Harrison Drive, No. 17.

Arty Girl will host a walk-through of the new studios and lunch for potential clients from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 1. The following day, Arty Girl will host a Full Moon grand-opening celebration from 7 to 11 p.m. Guests will be able to see examples of Arty Girl's services, as well as enjoy drinks, food and a live disc jockey.

With the new space, Angelica said she can show off some of the sets, costumes and props that the company already has designed. The offices are designed in a distinct way. The back warehouse includes a variety of set designs Some of the sets include a Moroccan room, a Las Vegas-style martini bar and an art bar featuring famous works of art. Also, designers are working on an ice bar set.

Jennifer Lara is the studio manager and works to create custom costume designs and wardrobes. "We take pieces we have and draw inspiration from them," Lara said. "People can come through and brainstorm themselves so they can figure out what they want to do with their own event."

With the extra space, Angelica said she is able to take on more tasks. "I love styling for commercial photography. Now I'm branching out and doing events and parties," she said.

Angelica said she has worked on several events in the past few years. Recently, Arty Girl designed costumes for an aerial act in New York. The company also designed the sets for Casablanca at Lake Las Vegas and designed a party at The Joint inside the Hard Rock for Bluff magazine on the last evening of the World Series of Poker held in July. The company also designed music video sets, wardrobe styling and handled management for Australian vocalist Vinn Jordan's song "Walking on Memphis."

Angelica said each event she designs is unique. "In all the years I've done them, I don't think we've ever done anything the same," she said.

Angelica came to Las Vegas in 1993 to work for Bayer/Brown Advertising. She became the studio and production manager for Studio West Photography in 1994. From there, Angelica learned the business skills and creative talents necessary to open Arty Girl in 2001.

"To live here (in Las Vegas), you've really got to be on top of your creative game," she said.

Angelica said her main goal is to be successful and grow the company.

"I am a very lucky woman," she said. "Every day I get up and love what I do. Being Arty Girl suits me just fine."