Public invited to opening of Playa Art Park in downtown Reno

More interactive art is coming to downtown Reno in the form of a temporary playa art park scheduled to open on Thursday, Nov. 10 at 5 p.m. A Burning Man Global Arts Grant recipient, the Reno Playa Art Park (RPAP) includes an assortment of interactive sculptures that were seen on the playa at Burning Man 2016. The park is situated in a space formerly occupied by two blighted motels on Virginia Street near Fifth Street in downtown Reno.

“This is one of the first areas drivers see as they get off the freeway and head toward downtown, and I’m proud that we are able to replace blighted motels with vibrant Burning Man art,” said Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve in a press release. “As we work to further our thriving Downtown and University District, it’s critical that locals and tourists alike enjoy the area, and I’m confident that this project will accomplish that in the interim.”

The Gateway Project, a coalition of nonprofits, businesses and volunteers who are raising funds to bring interactive public sculptures from the playa to the City of Reno for temporary display, are spearheading the effort behind the project.

“RPAP has seen tremendous support from the community in the form of sponsorships, including a $5,000 grant from the City of Reno Arts and Culture Commission,” said Maria Partridge, project coordinator for The Gateway Project in a press release.

A Burning Man-themed painting by local muralist Joe C. Rock provides a picturesque backdrop for the park. Sculptures include “Imago,” blue mirror steel butterflies; “Electric Dandelions,” giant glowing dandelions; “Electric Renaissance: A Tribute to Cadillac Ranch,” featuring a half-buried wooden car; “Star Way,” a glowing star made up of miniature stars; and “Good Luck Horseshoe.” Click here to view and download images.

The public is invited to attend a grand opening celebration on Nov. 10 at 5 p.m. The opening will include fire dancers, a DJ spinning tunes and ribbon cutting by city officials and Gateway representatives.

The Gateway Project is sponsored by Artech, Art Spot Reno and BLG Agency. More information can be found at RenoGatewayProject.com and ArtSpotReno.com.