Open studio event showcases local art

Local artists will open their businesses, and their creative process, to the world Friday, Oct. 2 through Sunday, Oct. 4 during the seventh annual Reno Open Studios.

The event allows people to explore, engage and experience the artists’ process, tools and materials at 40 studios stretching from the Mt. Rose Highway to Spanish Springs Valley.

Local art has seen renewed interest on two fronts, said Reno Open Studios Board President Jann Selleck. Burgeoning shopping districts in Reno, like Midtown and California Avenue, are displaying and selling local art, plus more art-centric festivals and events are be produced throughout the region.

“We are seeing more interest from local people, and visitors, seeking out local art. I think a lot of it stems from the ‘buy local’ movement,” Selleck said, who will be opening her studios on Dickerson Road in Reno where she specializes in handmade paper and mixed media pieces.

“This is an educational experience. We want to expose people to how the artist works and functions to achieve the creative process. To see through the eyes of the artist,” she said.

The artists’ wares, ranging from photography and painting, to ceramic sculpture and bronze, as well as jewelry and print making, will also be available for sale. Many of the artists also offer private lessons and group classes. A raffle for donated art pieces will take place benefiting scholarship programs through the Ronald McDonald House as well as art students at the University of Nevada and Truckee Meadows Community College.

“Many artists support themselves solely through their art, and many would like to,” she said.

The growth in the number of local studios participating in Reno Open Studios may call for an expansion to two weekends in the coming years, she said.

“It would take all three days to effectively visit what we have now. We are at capacity and are expecting more than 1,500 visiting patrons,” she said. “We have been distributing brochures, about 10,000 throughout the community and putting up our posters.”

The complete tour is also available on line at www.renoopenstudios.com.