Then & Now | Public Art

When you think of public art in Reno-Sparks 15 years ago, what comes to mind? Not much. Sure, sculptures and statues have always been found around parks and plazas, and the Reno Arch has stood sentinel in downtown for decades, but public art has not had a prominent role.

What a difference 15 years can make. The artistic energy of Burning Man, along with the long-term efforts of Reno’s art community — including the month log Artown festivial in July — is now filling the area with pubic art. Numerous Burning Man sculptures have temporary and permanent homes in Downtown Reno, including the newest installation, the Space Whale. Murals adorn formerly blank walls throughout Midtown and parking garages downtown. New construction considers public art as an element. Reno is transforming into Artown.