By Nancy McGonigal
Over the past 19 years, “The Biggest Little City in the West”, also known as Reno and the stepsister of another gambling and entertainment mecca in Nevada has tried valiantly to morph into a different classification. Reno, once considered a shining star all her own, has suffered setbacks recently but continues to repaint her image as Artown, USA.
Artown? Somehow that just doesn’t seem to fit the image of this former western gateway of the Sierra Nevada desert and silver mining industry. But ask Reno citizens about Artown, and chances are they’ve enjoyed an art event, display, performance or lecture somewhere in town in July. From Basque dancing to quick-draw events to concerts to edible art to poetry to dramatic recitations, and even animals interacting with art, Reno’s Artown consists of many venues and reflects a community coming together to appreciate art in all forms.
Like painting? There’s a presentation or display for that. Like singing or music? Take in the the free Monday night concerts at various locales around the city. If the performing arts are more your style then look for the Chautauqua presentations or the many dramatic performances at different theaters in the area. Artown has an extensive website (http://www.renoisartown.com) with a calendar and maps to help residents and non-residents navigate to the events of their choice.
Stephanie Briggs, a teacher from Sparks, Nevada attended the Art Paws event with her daughter Maddie and their lab Allie on Sunday, July 21st. This is the one pet-friendly, Artown events that caters to four-legged friends. Amidst the clamor of barking, whining and general hullabaloo, animal-lover Briggs said, ”Reno is amazing in July. We love the many arts events and try to get to as many as we can.” Her daughter Maddie, 10, agreed. She especially liked getting to bring her dog to this art and animal event at the McKinley Arts and Culture Center. Based on her wagging tail, it seemed Allie didn’t mind either.
When the most recent recession hit the country, the Reno-Sparks area was hit hard. Housing starts were down nearly 40%, and the value of the average home fell at about the same rate. With income down and a loss of nearly 17% of all jobs in the area, the art community felt the hit too.
But, the Artown Committee forged ahead and continued promoting the idea of Reno as an art town. So even in the midst of downsizing and job loss, and what might appear to be some very dark days in the area, Artown persisted.
Briggs, who left the Reno area in 2006 right at the start of the recession for the state of Montana, returned with her family in 2012 so her husband could open a barbershop and she could teach in the Sparks school system. She acknowledged the difficulties still plaguing the area.
“At first, I was reluctant to move back. Things were really tough here still. But my husband had an opportunity to take over for a retiring barbershop owner, and he just didn’t want to pass it up. We were both raised in the Reno area, and it was coming home for us.” As she continued to talk, Briggs sounded optimistic about the future of the Reno area, noting that the Artown events are a highlight.
Artown in July is sponsored largely by a grant through the Nevada Arts Council and has brought art to the area for 19 years. Other sponsors include NV Energy, The Reno Gazette Journal, NPR, and KOLO8 among others. These businesses have been integral in keeping the program going. Executive director for Artown Beth McMillan said the arts festival is, “about inclusiveness at its heart. From whimsical to compelling, we (The Artown Council) are elated to bring another month of events, exhibits, workshops and innovation to northern Nevada.
One permanent opportunity to take in art is The Nevada Museum of Art located at 160 W. Liberty Street in Reno. It is the only nationally accredited art museum in the state of Nevada. It’s been around in some format or another since the turn of the century. Now in an ultra modern four-story building, the museum features exhibitions by national and international artists and currently has a permanent collection of 19th through 21st century art.
Katrina Raenell, an arts and culture reporter for the Reno Gazette Journal, says she thinks Artown is still relevant even after 19 years. “Some patrons might think the festival is dwindling,” she said, but she thinks it has given confidence to local artists. Some might even branch out. Raenell continued, “I wouldn’t be surprised if the local artists start to do something on their own.” However, she is confident July will continue to be tagged as Artown due to the clear branding the festival has enjoyed.
Reno has a lot of art at its fingertips, and even the most reluctant of Reno citizens can find opportunities to enjoy the art medium of their choice. Make a visit to a museum or check out the University of Nevada Reno. This 128-year-old urban university has art exhibits in the Church Fine Arts building on campus. It is not uncommon to find displays put on by students as well as renowned artists.
Art has the ability to cross barriers such as cultural, and socio-economic. Times have been tough in Reno, but many signs point to a much more vibrant future, and it seems that Reno might once again be on the rise. Many of the Artown events in July are completely free.
The Inverted Period 