The City of Sparks and Washoe County is showing its support for local artists during July in conjunction with Northern Nevada’s annual Artown event comprised of a monthlong celebration of live performances, kids’ activities, and lots of color. While much of Artown is based in Reno, over the last few years Sparks and Spanish Springs have become more involved, too. Artown in Sparks kicked off on July 1st with a free performance by the Tintabulations Handbell Ensemble at the Tony Armstrong Amphitheatre in Victorian Square and the Spanish Springs Library recently hosted an art reception for Lena Tseabbe Wright whose work will be on display all month long. But there is still more to come…
Paddles & Palettes at the Sparks Museum & Cultural Center
All Month Long (July 2-31)
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at the Sparks Museum, check out amazing art pieces featuring upcycled materials and paddles from the renowned Dragon Boat Races that have been transformed into sculptures for all to enjoy.
Ruthie Foster Gives a Free Show at the Nugget Event Center
Thursday, July 11
This is a chance to enjoy the new outdoor amphitheater in Victorian Square for free as singer/songwriter Ruthie Foster will be playing a live show complimentary to the public from 4-9 p.m. For more information about how to get tickets for the show, visit www.nuggetcasinoresort.com
Live Mural Painting Session at The Hive at Lazy 5 Regional Park
Sat.-Sun., July 13-14
Now is the perfect opportunity to leave a positive mark on your community by helping to cover up the blank walls of the special Hive building in Lazy 5 Regional Park. Open and free to all ages and abilities, Nevada Paiute and Yurok Artist Lena Tseabbe Wright will be guiding participants in telling the story of the community while also giving firsthand mural painting tips. Come help tell your part of the Sparks’ story from 9 a.m. to noon on July 13-14 at Lazy 5.
3rd Thursday Event Will Have a Special Focus on Local Artists
Thursday, July 18
Taking all the best parts of the First Friday and other weekly happenings in Victorian Square and combining them into one big monthly event, 39 North Downtown has launched 3rd Thursdays featuring food trucks, cooking demonstrations, local vendors, entertainment, and more. During this year’s Artown, 3rd Thursday will also be showcasing the opening of the new Depot Pop Up Gallery at the Sparks Museum where families and visitors can also tour the museum, schoolhouse, and train free of charge.
Help Finish the Live Mural Painting at The Hive at Lazy 5 Regional Park
Sat.-Sun., July 20-21
This is your last chance to add your artistic touch to the mural being painted at Lazy 5 Regional Park during this year’s Artown. Nevada Yurok Artist Lena Tseabbe Wright is hosting the final sessions of the Live Mural Painting project on July 20-21 from 9 a.m. to noon. In this special community event, the public is invited to paint the blank walls of the Hive building by telling Sparks’ story while receiving tips on mural painting technique. Looking for more Artown-related events in Sparks? Visit https://cityofsparks.us/resources/resource/artown-in-sparks/ or simply https://artown.org/.
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