Every July, Reno turns into Artown with a month’s worth of music, art, dance and other cultural experiences—almost 500 individual events, exhibits and workshops. Artown is about the community – it is Reno’s festival.
It gives locals and visitors a means to have access to national and international performances that are unsurpassed in terms of enriching our lives. Everyone is invited to be a part of the 32 days in July; with over 70% of the events and performances free, the city has access to the multidisciplinary experiences throughout town.
Anniversary Poster: The annual Artown poster defines and celebrates the year’s festivities and is a highly coveted project. With the 20th year at the July 2015 festival, Artown commissioned locally grown artist, Franz Szony, to create this signature piece. With his passion for the arts and his vast experience with each Artown Festival, Franz has created a clever and unique story to tie into this year’s festival.
The goal for this image will be to depict a message or a theme as a personified character. “Lady Artown” celebrates the beauty and imagery we experience each year at Artown. In July 2015 astrologically we will have two full moons as well as a new moon. This is called a “blue moon,” and happens so rarely it is what coins the term “once in a blue moon.” A perfect setting for our 20th Anniversary.
Currently, Franz resides in Los Angeles fulfilling his passion for the arts industry serving as an extraordinary artist specializing in the rare medium of painted photography. www.franzszony.com
Lady Artown
Collaborations: Artown has commissioned two productions for performances this July. The first artist is called The Taeuber Troupe (collaborators Michelle Lassaline and Nate Clark).
This presentation is an ongoing, traveling, interactive performance that will visually connect downtown Reno to the arts. While dressed in handmade costumes and animal masks, there will be a performance and interaction from a platform of a mobile stage. Built upon a 64” long trailer, and towed by fellow artist on his bicycle, this miniature but elaborate stage will provide a chance meeting with the Mountain Bluebird, the Highland Cow or the Pashmina Goat. This format will also allow the performer to greet you and draw your portraits as an animal. This allows for one-on-one interaction but will also stir a curiosity of viewers while supporting the belief that childlike imagination is a skill that can be revived at any age. Every Monday At Family Night from 5pm – 7pm The Taeuber Troupe will appear in Wingfield Park and celebrate the arts with our family night.
The second commissioned artist is Eve Allen of Destination Dance. On July 23rd this dance troupe will take the audience on a walking dance tour lasting approximately one hour that includes site-specific dance works created and performed by local choreographers and dancers. Vivid tour guides will lead audience members on a walking tour around the Riverwalk area stopping at various locations to view site specific performances on a boulder, the porch of the VSA building, or the steps of the Pioneer Center.
Midtown: In 2015, Artown will also add a free Sunday evening performance in Midtown. Celebrating this vivid district through our concerts, we will blend the goals of Artown together with the thriving retail community. Highlighting businesses will be artistically decorated Papier Mache People that are a signature piece of Artown. This year, musical performances will be Rising Appalachia, Tim Snider, Portland Cello Project, and Darlingside.
World Music Series: World Music Series on Wednesdays in Wingfield Park will be double billed. Featuring artists globally, we will bring cultural diversity to the crowds of 3,000 in the park. Touted as a festival highlight, this year will stretch the depth of creating a climate for cultural awareness in our region. Experience the cultures of India with DJ Karsh Kale and Ragamala Dance Company; Native American with Martha Redbone and Buffy Sainte-Marie; groups from Mexico represented by Mariachi favorite Reyna de Los Angeles and Las Cafeteras. The series ends with an impressive blues lineup with Lurrie Bell and Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba.
Summer Soiree Under The Stars: Our ticketed Summer Soiree Under The Stars series is set outdoors at the amphitheater in Bartley Ranch. Betty Buckley, Home Free, Clint Black and Mary Chapin Carpenter will set the stage with their diverse and vibrant sounds every Thursday in July.
