A Cultural Center

Excitement brews for the first ever large-scale art show and fair to hit Reno, Nevada.

Beginning September 8, the highly anticipated Reno Tahoe International Art Show will descend upon the city of Reno, Nevada, presenting quite the array of art events. The inaugural show is pulling out all the stops by featuring approximately 200 regional fine artists, over 40 national and international galleries, a First Nations, Indigenous Peoples Art Feature, film screenings by the Cordillera Film Festival, 80 live music acts, a Burning Man sculpture display and much more.Madeline Naranjo, Cycle of Planting, clay, 5 7 ⁄ 8 x 5 5 ⁄ 8"

Patrons can expect to see many works in contemporary art, along with bespoke furniture and emerging design, all exhibited within the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. All of the additional events are “bonuses to the fair itself and give a flavor to the area, showing there’s talent besides the fine art realm,” explains Reno Fine Arts Collective CEO Kevin O’Keefe.

The plan for the art show was born out of the master minds of Briana Dolan, the chief operations officer, and her father, O’Keefe. “My dad and I are new to Reno,” shares Dolan, “but my husband grew up here. We always planned on moving back to the area at some point, but that happened much earlier because of Covid. My parents followed us here shortly after our move, and we were very surprised by the depth and breadth of the arts and culture scene in the region.”Ryan Harris, Happy Place, acrylic on birch panel, 11 x 14"

With Dolan’s skills from working in the hospitality design field and O’Keefe’s experience running large scale trade shows, they combined their talents to showcase their newfound passion for Reno, and to share the diversity of the town with the rest of the world. “What we’re trying to do with the show is anchor something unique to the region,” Dolan says. “We’re here to recognize the regional talent, and to the people who are looking inside from outside of Reno, we want to make the statement that it’s an arts and culture destination already and is trending on that path at a fast pace.”

O’Keefe reflects on his time building the renowned Miami Beach-based art show Art Basel established in 2002, in relation to what can be achieved in Reno. “Prior to the start of the show, Miami and Miami Beach were seen as dangerous places, but after the introduction of Art Basel, the change it was able to create was dramatic,” he says. “It’s now seen as a cultural destination. Reno will [also] be viewed differently and will eventually be recognized as a cultural center.”Denise Miller, Rialto Days, acrylic on canvas, 21 x 16"

Many collectors and enthusiasts alike look forward to fresh, noteworthy pieces like Five Ball Jars with Flowers by Peggie Blizard, represented by George Billis Gallery. The oil painting exemplifies Blizard’s realism style and the artist’s focus on creating three-dimensional effects. Other significant works to look for at the show include unique scenes like Happy Place by Ryan Harris, that combines many elements into one and was inspired by the artists trip in Southeast Asia. As part of the First Nations, Indigenous Peoples Art Feature, Santa Clara Pueblo artist Madeline Naranjo will feature works such as Cycle of Planting, a symbolic piece of pottery that shows off her polish and distinct carving design.Peggie Blizard, Five Ball Jars with Flowers, oil on panel, 36 x 30"

This four-day art show and fair will showcase many more varieties of art and include special events. A VIP preview night opens the event on September 8, an opening night concert on September 9, and an award ceremony and gala celebration on September 10. The public is encouraged to head to the website for a full schedule of events and ticket information. —

Reno Tahoe International Art Show
When: September 8-11, 2022
Where: Reno-Sparks Convention Center, 4590 S. Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89502
Information: www.rtiashow.com