Artown is officially here and there was a lot to hear and see on the first day of this month long festival of the arts. The first day of Artown seems to be a swinging success.
The crowd was full of smiles, as Paul Thorn closed out the day with a mixture of rock and blues. “Best part of Artown was the music and comradery from my family and friends,” said Reno resident Dexter Sims.
Earlier in the day, travelers coming into the Reno Tahoe International Airport could see art take place before their very eyes. As part of Alley Art, artists would sketch those coming through the terminal.
“Artists of all different genres are kinds are out on the street. They’re in restaurants bars and public events. They are celebrating the art that is around Reno,” said artist Jen Charboneau.
This is the 24 anniversary of Artown in Reno. This year there are 500 activities at 150 locations scattered throughout the city. Artown's Discover Our Community event gave parents and kids the chance to see different types of dance troops, and musical performances. Many of which were performed by the kids themselves.
“The coolest thing was seeing all the cultures and exploring that different part of the world,” said 12-year-old performer Alicia Lucchesi.
Artown's parade then led families to Wingfield Park. The brass band led them there and played a musical set at the park, before Thorn took the stage.
“There are just so many events for me to take my kids to go and it fills up my summer,” said parent Rong Lucchesi. And there's still another month of activities left to do.
