Laura Henkel, Marc Abelman, Jill Abelman, Ann Parenti, Curtis McCoy

Holiday Cheer at the Scotch Eighties

By Laura Henkel

The Scotch Eighties was lit with holiday cheer at the home of abstract impressionist artist Dutch Montana. As a new resident of the historic and art-centric community, Dutch welcomed neighbors and out-of-town guests to a magnificent soiree filled with art, music, and much more. I was delighted to attend the festivities not only to celebrate the holidays in style but also to enjoy Dutch’s art gracing his 15,000 sq. ft. abode.

For those not in the know, the origins of the Scotch Eighties date back to 1911 when the first Mayor of Las Vegas, Peter Buol, bought 120 acres of mesquite trees and artesian springs via a Scottish investor. The area was a short distance from the burgeoning City of Las Vegas. World War I delayed the development; however, the community became “the place” to build expansive bespoke luxury homes during the 1950s and 60s. Notable residents over the years have consisted of actors Orson Wells and Nicholas Cage, comedians Jerry Lewis and Shecky Greene, politicians Mayors Goodman and Commissioner Tick Segerblom, and cultural influencers P. Moss and Steve Wynn, to name a few. The community is now considered to be in the heart of the City within the enclave of Charleston and Oakey Boulevards and Rancho/215, less than a 5-minute drive to The Strip.

Dutch’s sprawling 1970s-style compound is surrounded by independent structures, an indoor pool, lush landscaping, and The Strat’s iconic form gracing the desert sky. Like his neighbor, multi-media artist James Stanford, the property serves as an inspiration to create art and an ideal setting to display large works of art to collectors. One certainly feels elevated by the visual experience and, at the same time, recognizes that it is not a typical art experience found in Las Vegas.

When speaking with fellow guest Jill Abelman, Owner and Principal Designer of Inside Style, she shared, “When walking into Dutch’s home, we were awestruck by the grandeur of the entry. We knew we were going to be in for a treat! It’s always exciting to walk into a home for the first time with curiosity about how it is designed and laid out and what this person’s style is like. One of our favorite discoveries is what type of art do they have? Art exhibited in someone’s home says so much about them, and it is an exciting way to discover new artists. Dutch’s paintings are almost dream-inducing. ‘I want to be there’ was one of my thoughts as I gazed upon his work. His broad strokes and use of color added so much to the room, as well as the ambiance of the event. It left me wanting more.”

One of the many things I love about Las Vegas is that it attracts the best creative talent from around the world. This attraction equates to a diverse and inclusive culture that is unique and nonpareil. To discover incredibly talented artists and their great works of art is an off-Strip treasure trove for discerning collectors. As a professional who specializes in art consultancy, I love meeting the artists who reside in the Scotch Eighties. Dutch is certainly a luminous addition to our neon metropolis.