Through the Lens: Honoring the Architectural Legacy of Paul Revere Williams

Paul Revere Williams was the first licensed African American architect to work in the western region of the United States. His work in Nevada spans from the 1930s through the 1970s and his architectural contributions collectively helped to define the built environment of the region. Contemporary photographer Janna Ireland has spent the past year documenting Williams’ structures throughout the state of Nevada and her images are featured in the exhibition Janna Ireland on the Architectural Legacy of Paul Revere Williams.

Williams’ architectural body of work in Nevada includes churches, commercial properties, residential homes for the state’s wealthiest residents, and planned communities for working-class citizens. His most notable designs in Nevada include the La Concha Motel (now The Neon Museum) in Las Vegas, and the First Church of Christ, Scientist (also known as the Lear Theater) in Reno.

Join us for a special program at the Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas, where we will hear from contemporary photographer Janna Ireland, independent curator and former Director of Architecture and Design at the Palm Springs Art Museum, Brooke Hodge, and Nevada historians Dr. Alicia Barber and Claytee White.

Special guests include exhibition curator, Carmen Beals, Associate Curator and Outreach Manager, Nevada Museum of Art, Aaron Berger, Executive Director of The Neon Museum and Hollis J. Gillespie, Director of the Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas.

NOTE: This event will be held at the Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas located at 309 S Valley View Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89107

FREE, Advanced registration recommended.