Open Studio events are slowly becoming more popular

Nancy Riedell held her second 2nd Saturday Open Studio event on Saturday February 8th. As the word gets out, more people are attending her events. Many have said that this event is becoming more commonplace and more people are interested in attending future events like this. Riedell plans to hold a 2nd Saturday event on the second Saturday of each month throughout the year.

Riedell had a new collection of art to show off. It is called the String Collection. It is a collection of four medium sized paintings. Each one has a complementary background color. Then the string was dipped in watercolor “ground,” a thick viscous medium that hardens as it dries, and the string is applied directly onto the paper creating an abstract design.

Riedell was pleased to have several visitors, some of whom stayed for an hour or more.

One visitor discussed plans to have a “Plein Air” event in August to coincide with a barbecue cookout at the Northern Nevada Railyard. Plein air is a French phrase that means “in the open air”. It refers to the practice of painting outdoors, and the resulting works of art. At the Northern Nevada Railyard, local artists will set up their easels and paint the surrounding scenes. This event is in the planning stages, so the date is not yet set. Riedell agreed to help plan this event with the railyard’s superintendent.
Many more art-related events are planned for Ely. At the Convening of the Arts meeting on February 5th, there was great discussion about what type of event to hold.

Discussions ranged from inviting artists to display their art at the White Pine County Museum to holding musical concerts on the museum’s grounds, dance lessons, a traveler’s exhibit and adding to Ely’s Outdoor Mural Program and Plein Aire events. Also discussed were art workshops, sword-making and blacksmith workshops and Open Studio events.

Riedell has been successful in selling her art. Five pieces were sold on February 8th. Riedell also has over 50 sign-ups for upcoming workshops that are planned to be held beginning in March.

Riedell has enough seating in her art studio to hold workshops between 6 to 8 students. The students’ art supplies have been ordered, and Riedell said that she hopes that all 50 students will be able to take workshops. The dates for these workshops will be staggered to accommodate all interested students.

Nancy Riedell’s art studio is located at 448C Aultman Street in Downtown Ely. It is upstairs on the second floor. Except for 2nd Saturdays, appointments need to be made to visit her studio otherwise. For more information about Riedell’s upcoming events, workshops, and making an appointment to visit her studio, contact her at nancy@nancyriedellfinearts.online.

The next 2nd Saturday event will be held at Riedell’s studio on Saturday, March 8th from 10 am to 3 pm. These events are free and open to the public. No RSVP is needed.