Local artists will open their studios and share their creative process with visitors Friday, Sept. 30 through Sunday, Oct. 2 during the eighth annual Reno Open Studios. The event, a free self-guided tour, allows people to explore, engage and experience the artists’ process, tools and materials at over 25 locations spread throughout Reno/Sparks.
“Local art has seen renewed interest in two important areas,” says Reno Open Studios Board President, Kathleen Hallamore-Best. Burgeoning shopping districts in Reno, such as Midtown and California Avenue, are displaying and selling local art. Secondly, there are more art-centric festivals and events being produced throughout the region.
“We are seeing more interest from local people, as well as visitors, seeking out local art and artists. I think it stems from the ‘buy local’ movement,” former Board President Jann Selleck says. She will be opening her studio on Dickerson Road in Reno where she specializes in handmade paper and mixed media pieces. “The artists consider this an opportunity to expose people to how they work and function to achieve the creative process. We want it to be a fun, educational experience – a chance to see the work through the artists’ eyes,” she said. “We have artists working in many media, such as photography, painting, art glass, ceramics and bronze sculpture and they will have work for sale. In addition, many offer classes, both private and group. Many of the participating artists have had their work recognized nationally and internationally.”
As a non-profit educational organization, Reno Open Studios has awarded scholarships each year. We have worked with the Art Department at the University of Nevada, Reno, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and Coral Academy of Science High School to choose recipients. To support these scholarships there will be raffles of donated art in many of the studios.
President Hallamore-Best said, “We are very pleased to be offering ‘A Taste of Reno Open Studios’ at the historic Lake Mansion, hosted by Arts for All Nevada.” The exhibit will run from Thursday, Sept. 1 to Wednesday, Sept. 28. There will be an opening reception, Sept. 1 from 4 to 7 p.m.
Reno Open Studios has printed 10,000 booklets, with directions and examples of each artist’s work, which are being distributed throughout the community. All of the information is also available online at www.renoopenstudios.org.
- September 30, October 1 & 2
- Free Self-Guided Tour
- Maps and Information at dozens of local locations or at www.renoopenstudios.org
