One Month: 100 organizations, 100 locations, 500 events.

By Jeri Chadwell

The 19th season of Artown is underway in Reno with art exhibits, theatrical and musical performances, workshops, kids’ events, and more. The month-long event brings together artists from around the community and the globe with the goal of fostering a “climate for the cultural and economic rebirth of the region.” With five consecutive National Endowment for the Arts grant awards to its name, Artown is not to be missed. Here are just a few of the events and exhibits taking place throughout the month:

Mack Nez Johnson, Jr.: A Native Soul’s Art Retrospective
The work of Mack Nez Johnson, Jr. is on display throughout the month at the Lake Mansion. Johnson, who was paralyzed after breaking his neck in a car accident in 1983, uses a technique called “mouth-stick” to create stunning paintings.
July 1-31 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Admission: Free
The Lake Mansion
250 Court St. Reno, NV 89501

Rollin’ on the River: Friday Concerts
The Rollin’ on the River concert series began in 1996 and has become one of Reno’s largest free-music events. Concerts take place Friday afternoons at the Wingfield Park Amphitheater on the Truckee River in downtown Reno. Upcoming concerts include the Argentinian band Los Pinguos, blues guitarist and vocalist Brad Wilson, and The System—a Bob Seger tribute band.
Fridays (5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.)
Admission: Free
Wingfield Park
300 West First St. Reno, NV 89503

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)
Reno Little Theater has been a community institution in The Biggest Little City since it produced its first play in 1935. As a part of the 2014 Artown Festival, RLT is featuring “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)”—a mash-up of all 38 of Shakespeare’s plays, performed by three actors over the course of two hours. Show dates and times are available through August 2. Seats can be reserved by calling or visiting the Reno Little Theater website.
July 10-31 (7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. & matinees from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Admission: $13-$16
Reno Little Theater
147 E. Pueblo St. Reno, NV 89502
renolittletheater.org, 775-813-8900

Along the River’s Edge: A Self-Guided Art and Garden Tour
Located on West 4th Street, The River School Farm is an event venue and year-round farm. The self-guided tour of the farm’s grounds and gardens features metal sculptures, buildings made of repurposed materials, and other unique artworks. In addition to learning more about techniques for sustainable growing in a high desert environment, visitors are also welcomed to picnic at the farm.
July 1-31 (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
Admission: Free
River School Farm
7777 White Fir St. Reno, NV 89523
riverschoolfarm.org/artown, 775-747-2222