Photo courtesy of Aric Shapiro Local artist Jeff Schomberg’s large words series on display in Black Rock City, Nevada at Burning Man 2013. Schomberg is one of more than fifteen artists and sculptors that are participating in Reno Sculpture Fest. Schomberg and his fellow artists will be displaying new and old work at the three day, outdoor art festival.

Photo courtesy of Aric Shapiro
Local artist Jeff Schomberg’s large words series on display in Black Rock City, Nevada at Burning Man 2013. Schomberg is one of more than fifteen artists and sculptors that are
participating in Reno Sculpture Fest. Schomberg and his fellow artists will be displaying new and old work at the three day, outdoor art festival.

By Alexa Solis

Barbecues, tan lines, skinny-dipping —⎯ summer is fast approaching. With finals over and significantly less responsibility to occupy time and minds, college students can now take advantage of the incredible amount of activities that the city of Reno has to offer, especially during the summer months. Here is the definitive list of must-attend events for a successful and carefree summer break.

RENO SCULPTURE FEST

MAY 8 – 9

DOWNTOWN RENO RETRAC PLAZA

Downtown Reno will be overtaken by sculptures, musicians and spectators as they take in interactive art pieces and performances by over 15 local artists and musicians. The festival will feature eight sculptures commissioned specifically for the event that will all be life size or larger. The art will feature interactive elements for attendees to enjoy.

No outdoor art festival would be complete without live music. With both day and night performances by local bands, Reno Sculpture Fest will have no shortage of entertainment. All daytime performances are free, and night performances with prices are listed at the festival’s website.

Photo Courtesy of Aric Shapiro Above is a digital copy of artist Android Jones’s piece “Blue.” Jones is one of the visual artists participating in Reno Sculpture Fest. The festival will not only feature outdoor displays of sculptures and interactive art, but day and night performances by local musicians.

Photo Courtesy of Aric Shapiro
Above is a digital copy of artist Android Jones’s piece “Blue.” Jones is one
of the visual artists participating in Reno Sculpture Fest. The festival will
not only feature outdoor displays of sculptures and interactive art, but
day and night performances by local musicians.

RENO RIVER FESTIVAL

MAY 9 – 10

TRUCKEE RIVER WHITEWATER PARK

If outdoor adventure seems more appealing than three days of local art, look no further than the 12th annual Reno River Festival. Professional kayakers will be competing while visitors can watch or partake in the multitude of other activities available to them. The event will not only be host to world-class athletes, but it will also be home to music in the park, yoga in the park, a kids play area and a fly fishing clinic.

There will be nine musical guests, and all performances will be free throughout the weekend. In addition to participating in outdoor adventure activities, there will also be a craft beer village, a new addition to the 2015 schedule. The passport will take participants throughout Reno to a variety of local bars and breweries, and can be purchased for $25 on renoriverfestival.com

NEUTRAL MILK HOTEL CONCERT

JUNE 9

KNITTING FACTORY

Indie rock legend Neutral Milk Hotel will be coming to Reno this summer. After forming in the late ’80s, Neutral Milk Hotel began producing music that garnered attention for its experimental sound. Though not initially popular, the band has gained a cult following, especially surrounding their most critically-acclaimed album “In the Aeroplane Over the Sea.”

Though the group disbanded in 1999, with lead singer Jeff Mangum later having a nervous breakdown, they announced a reunion tour in 2013. Neutral Milk Hotel then announced that their spring tour in 2015 will be their last tour for the foreseeable future. With this being the last chance fans will have to see the indie rockers live, maybe for good, the concert is not one that should be missed.

ARTOWN

JULY 1- 31

RENO

The City of Reno has been supporting local artists since 1996 with its summer art festival, Artown. The festival takes place in locations throughout the city, and is host to a variety of different activities, galleries and shows all intended to support the blossoming local arts community.

With events spread throughout the month, there is no shortage of new pieces and exhibitions to see. While the event is geared toward being low cost for attendees, some do charge low fees for entrance in order to support the artists and artisans who display their work. A comprehensive listing of events and prices can be found on renoisartown.com.

Alexa Solis can be reached at alexasolis@sagebrush.unr.edu and on Twitter @thealexasolis.