The Midtown Art Walk fuses together the unexpected culture of Reno’s Midtown District, while placing locality and inclusion at the forefront of its identity. On June 28 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., The Midtown Art Walk: 10 Year Celebration invites all to commemorate a milestone in its history and the eccentric, vibrant culture of the Midtown District in Reno.
Thousands of spectators will be present to explore more than 75 business-turned popup art galleries for free. The evening is designed to celebrate the revitalization of the area with a combination of art, food, culture, music and live performances––all within a one-mile walkable span.
New this year, a free open-air trolley will shuttle guests between the North and South sides of the event with stops at the Living Stones Church and Statewide Lighting parking lots, enabling increased access to all participating vendors.
“Midtown started out as an abstract concept for Reno and has transcended to encompass our community’s passion, support and love for locality,” said Midtown Art Walk Director Craig Parish. “A decade has passed, and this year’s Midtown Art Walk is meant to recognize and celebrate our growing community and the individuals who have made this vision a reality.”
On Cheney Street at 8:45 p.m., The Midtown Art Walk will awe attendees with an elaborate show sponsored by Marmot Properties and Tolles Development Company. Guest performers from Cirque Paris—the latest show at Eldorado Resort Casino, part of THE ROW—will do the unthinkable, with nail-biting acrobatics, twists and turns. A local Reno band, to be announced, will then steal the show with sweet sounds and grooves. The evening will conclude with a must-see firework show.
The Midtown Art Walk, in partnership with Living Stones Church, Basin Street Properties, City of Reno and Sierra Arts Foundation, is commissioning local and international muralist Erik Burke to design and paint a large scale mural for the monumental celebration. The interpretive mural will be located on the parking garage wall of 50 W. Liberty. While mural painting is scheduled to begin mid-June, a dedication is set to take place during the Midtown Art Walk at 5:30 p.m. in the Living Stones Church parking lot at 445 S. Virginia St. The main focal point of the mural is an outline of the new Virginia Street Bridge.
“The Midtown Art Walk has always described itself as a bridge in a culture that is so easily divided; it crosses over and unites people from many diverse backgrounds,” Parish said. “Ten local flower blossoms will represent each year of the Midtown Art Walk as well as speak to the color and culture found in Midtown. A large, but almost faint, fingerprint across the mural will represent the impression and DNA that many people have collectively made on the neighborhood.”
To stay up-to-day, participants can download the official “Midtown Art Walk” App featuring an interactive map highlighting business locations, artists, main stage lineups and other live elements taking place during the event.
