Living in a Memory, a photographic exhibit celebrating the spirit of Las Vegas through the stories of first-generation immigrants and first & second-generation Americans. This collection captures the faces, environments, and everyday moments that reflect resilience, identity, and belonging within a city known for its glitz—but grounded in deeply human stories.
Each image offers an intimate window into the lives of individuals, friends and families who have made Las Vegas their home, often overcoming adversity to build new beginnings. From artists, musicians, community organizers and elders, the portraits reveal the strength and diversity of a community often underrepresented in mainstream narratives.
What unites these subjects is the shared experience of navigating between cultures—preserving the traditions of their families' homelands while forging new paths in America. The exhibit highlights the beauty of cultural fusion, where languages, fashion, and family traditions coexist in everyday life.
Set against the backdrop of Las Vegas’ iconic neighborhoods and hidden corners, the photographs also explore how space and place influence identity.
Living in a Memory invites viewers to reflect on the meaning of home, the power of legacy, and the dynamic nature of the American experience. It’s not just an exhibit—it’s a celebration of community, a tribute to those shaping the future while honoring the past.
Documentary & Portrait Photographer Rick R. Ledesma is a 1st Gen Mexican-American photographer born in Oxnard, California. Having spent over a decade in Arizona, Rick picked up his first digital camera and started documenting the lives of community members. Now living in Las Vegas, he has collaborated with various communities within Nevada, helping document current issues and supporting cultural awareness projects & events.
On exhibit at East Las Vegas Library from August 28 through October 21, 2025
Monday: 10:00AM – 8:00PM
Tuesday: 10:00AM – 8:00PM
Wednesday: 10:00AM – 8:00PM
Thursday: 10:00AM – 8:00PM
Friday: 10:00AM – 6:00PM
Saturday: 10:00AM – 6:00PM
Sunday: 10:00AM – 6:00PM
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