Northern Nevada artists display work at at outdoor art show

A light wind rustled the trees overhead as artisans displayed their work for the Nevada Artists Association Outdoor Art Show in front of the Nevada Supreme Court. Every type of art from Nevada-style watercolors to florals and oil paintings were displayed for sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

The show had a calamity of sorts when a stiff breeze blew one of the display racks over, breaking some porcelain work.

"If you live in Nevada, you have to expect this sort of thing," artist Dorothy Paulsen said, noting she's been doing outdoor art shows for years, and she still thinks they're fun.

"I've been painting ever since I can remember, and I love it," Paulsen said. She prefers painting on location. By working directly in the field, she feels she can better capture the essence and emotional impact of the moment.

Paulsen has been a teacher both at WNCC and St. Mary's Art Center in Virginia City, and her work is displayed in private collections throughout the United States, Europe, and Canada.

"We have some excellent artists in this group," she said.

"We've had a pretty good crowd," Candice Kramer, president of the organization said, noting at least 30 artists were represented in this one-day show.

The Nevada Artists Association will be 50 years old in October: formed in 1950 as a nonprofit organization to develop and encourage a high standard of art. It presently boasts about 250 members in the Reno-Carson City-Gardnerville area. This all-volunteer organization works to promote all local artists, from the beginner to the professional.

The King Street Gallery gives artists the opportunity to show and sell their work with exhibits changing approximately every six weeks. They also sponsor and participate in special exhibitions at other locations during the year, such as the Nevada State Fair and the River Gallery in Reno.