A magical place in the serene desert of northwest Las Vegas offers families a perfect blend of education, inspiration, and recreation. Whether sketching a favorite sculpture or simply soaking in the tranquility, the Rita Deanin Abbey Art Museum is an inspiring fusion of nature, art, and creativity.
The Rita Deanin Abbey Art Museum is the only single-artist museum in Las Vegas and celebrates the legacy of the remarkable Rita Deanin Abbey. Rita was an incredibly gifted multidisciplinary artist that dedicated her life to art up until her passing in 2021. She was also a beloved art professor at UNLV for more than 20 years whose work spans seven decades. A visit to RDAAM is an enriching experience that appeals to all ages.
An extensive outdoor sculpture garden greets guests, where towering metal works and intricate stone carvings invite exploration and awe. Children can marvel at the scale and texture of the sculptures, while parents can stroll and ponder the artistry and vision of these nature-inspired pieces.
Pull open the ornate wooden doors of the museum and wander through more than 200 works of art, each providing an intimate glimpse into Abbey’s evolving creative process. The natural themes in her work — echoing the desert landscape surrounding the museum — offer families a chance to connect with art and the environment.
The museum also hosts workshops and events, encouraging creativity and fostering an appreciation for art and the natural world.
About Rita Dean Abbey
Born in Passaic, New Jersey, Abbey attended Goddard College in Vermont before moving on to the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, where she earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in 1954 and fell in love with the American Southwest.
“The innate wonder of nature has had the greatest influence on my work,” she said. “I have explored desert landscapes and have been deeply affected by rock formations, vistas, sunsets, rivers, and the colors and textures of secret canyons.”
She and her husband moved to Las Vegas in 1965, settling in the far reaches of the valley to create art. As an art professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, she inspired countless students before retiring in 1987.
Abbey’s artistic legacy is as diverse as it is captivating, featuring everything from paintings and prints to sculptures and mixed-media installations.