The Alexis de Tocqueville Society Gathers at The Doberman Drawing Room

By Ann Parenti

The evening of Jan. 21 unfolded in one of those quietly memorable ways that linger long after you leave the room.

I had the pleasure of spending the evening at the Doberman Drawing Room Las Vegas, invited by Laura Henkel, major gifts officer for United Way of Southern Nevada, as part of her inaugural Passport to the City series. Created for Alexis de Tocqueville Society members, partners and friends, the gathering brought together a thoughtful mix of business and creative leaders, all united by a shared desire to lift our community.

For many longtime locals, the space itself carries deep meaning. Formerly known as Artifice, the venue was an integral part of Las Vegas’ cultural fabric for many years. I spent countless evenings there producing jazz concerts with my dear friend Carolyn Freeman, watching artists and audiences connect in ways that felt intimate, unscripted and alive. She is no longer with us, nor is Artifice. It took me a moment to realize this beautifully appointed room was, in fact, the same space.

Under the vision of Ryan Doherty of Corner Bar Management, the former Artifice has been reimagined as a cozy yet opulent salon. The transformation reflects a broader evolution across Las Vegas, where nightlife, art and hospitality are no longer separate experiences but shared cultural expressions. Sophisticated cocktails, intentional design and live music now coexist in a way that feels both elevated and accessible.

The evening was accompanied by a divine vocalist, piano and cello, a soundscape that filled the room without overpowering it, inviting conversation rather than competing with it.

I highly recommend visiting the Doberman Drawing Room, which has been beautifully reintroduced within the beloved Artifice location and is open seven days a week.

The Passport to the City is just one of many ways to engage with the United Way of Southern Nevada. However one chooses to participate, the invitation remains the same: to show up, to connect and to understand that culture and community are strongest when they are built together — thoughtfully, generously and in good company.

Oksana Komarnyckyj, Vice President of Wealth Management at Northern Trust Bank, an Alexis de Tocqueville Society member enjoying the ambiance and friends at The Doberman Drawing Room