Local cowboy artist wins poster contest

Staff Reports

The Town of Genoa and Carson Valley Arts Council are planning for a new event they hope will become a significant economic driver for Genoa and Carson Valley.

The first ever Genoa Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival is scheduled for April 29 to May 2, combining Carson Valley's cultural heritage and history with music, poetry, performance and visual arts.

In June, local artist and cowboy Doug Robbins was selected from 19 entries as the winner of the Genoa Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival poster contest. The entries were solicited from Northern Nevada and an array of mixed media including photography, oil, graphic design and watercolor was submitted.

"When Doug brought three large works and an array of smaller works, I could see that he was a very talented artist," said Theresa Chipp, representative of the Carson Valley Arts Council.

Robbins' media of choice is watercolor which he uses to depict cowboys painted in the style of dress that is worn by the cowboys of a particular region. He knows cowboys well. He grew up and worked on a ranch in the Susanville, Calif., area until a few years ago when, due to family illness, he sold his ranch and moved to Gardnerville.

"Each cowboy that I paint is a friend or someone that I have known," Robbins said.

Each cowboy is doing something typically "cowboy" such as drinking coffee from a tin cup, falling off of a horse or riding the range while it is snowing. The artwork chosen is called "Range Rider" although the Genoa Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival presenters fondly call it "Cowboy in the Snow." A poster featuring the "Range Rider" has been distributed throughout the Northwest and can be viewed on the event Web site at www.genoacowboyfestival.com

The Carson Valley Inn will feature Robbins' work in a one-man art show at the 22nd annual Rhymer's Rodeer Cowboy Poetry & Music on Nov. 6 and 7 at the Carson Valley Inn.

The Genoa Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival is being planned by a committee, headed by Sheryl Gonzales of the Town of Genoa and Carson Valley Arts Council representative Theresa Chipp. They have been joined by representatives of the GGBA, Douglas County Historical Society, State of Nevada Department of Cultural Affairs, Carson Valley Visitors Authority, Nevada Arts Council and a number of private citizens to bring the event to fruition.

The festival will feature more than 50 performances in a variety of venues around Genoa, as well as exhibits, vendors, workshops and opportunities to enjoy beverages and dining. Participants in all of those areas, from well known musical and cowboy poetry performers to crafters, instructors and vendors are being pursued by the festival's program committee and other committees, including marketing and publicity, logistics, education workshops, finance, visual arts and food are moving forward to put their elements in place.

"We're excited about the potential of the event to put a spotlight on the area's culture and history and to bring new visitors and lots of business to Genoa and the Carson Valley. Residents should be ready to enjoy a great celebration that weekend," said Chipp.

Volunteers at committee and event levels are needed. Those interested are to contact the Town of Genoa office. Information at www.genoacowboyfestival.com

Theresa Chipp, Carson Valley Arts Council Executive Director noted, "We're excited about the potential of the event to put a spotlight on the area's culture and history and to bring new visitors and lots of business to Genoa and the Carson Valley. Residents should be ready to enjoy a great celebration that weekend!"