Artown 2011 Festival June 30-July 31, 2011
Posted on May 30, 2011
Filed Under North Tahoe Art Scene
Kelly Peyton, a mixed-media artist and student at University of Nevada, Reno, was selected by an Artown judging committee from among more than a dozen artists to create the artwork that is to represent the festival for its 16th year. The final work, which incorporates drawing and watercolor techniques, conveys the color and energy of Artown while also representing its northern Nevada roots.
With less than a month to go, now’s the time to plan for Artown, kicking off June 30 and continuing through July 31 in downtown Reno, Nev. The festival’s online calendar is now complemented by a bevy of additional ways to access the nearly 400 arts and culture events included in the July extravaganza.
Peyton, just 23 and a Reno native, has considered herself a lifelong artist but didn’t take her first painting class until high school. She’s continued her exploration of art by pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at UNR’s art school and working with various mediums including photography, painting, drawing, watercolor and some sculpture.
“I am an explorer at heart and I have found most of my inspiration for art in my direct environment,” Peyton said. “I have spent a lot of my time exploring around the depths of downtown Reno, to the outer rims of the desert and beyond. I also lived in Santiago, Chile for four months and was inclined to explore that city from head to toe as well. Therefore I have been extremely inspired by graffiti and street art, as well as the natural beauty of an environment. My love of exploration has led me to develop a sincere, spiritual connection to my surroundings.” Kelly Peyton, Artown 2011 featured artist
In addition to the Artown commission, Peyton received the General Undergraduate Research Award for 2010-11 through UNR. The grant funds a research project that involves traveling throughout the state to compile photographs and video footage then express that collection through painting and drawing resulting in an exhibition and book. The project is slated for completion in May 2011. Peyton’s work has been featured in numerous exhibitions
The Artown Magazine, the festival’s official printed guide, releases June 18 at the Riverwalk District Wine Walk. Held from 2 – 5 p.m. the third Saturday of each month at merchants throughout Reno’s Riverwalk district, the June walk is all about Artown not only featuring the magazine but opportunities for wine walkers to donate to the Give $3 to Keep Artown Free Campaign. The Riverwalk merchants are matching all donations up to $500 as well and hosting a raffle with $700 in prizes.
A printable PDF of the festival calendar can be downloaded from www.RenoIsArtown.com and features the same formatting and details included in the printed magazine including fvorites such as the Monday Night Music Series, Family Series, World Music Series, Movies in the Park, Artown After Dark music series and the Discover the Arts children’s series.
