Sierra Arts Foundation
by Jerri Conrad, Outpost staff
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Where can you go to find the featured artist at a local gallery, rent meeting space for your cultural organization or apply for an arts grant?
Sierra Arts Foundation, that's where.
Sierra Arts Foundation is a non-profit organization that has provided programs, services and support to all five disciplines of the arts in Northern Nevada since 1971.
"Sierra Arts programs and services are designed to support an environment where the arts and cultural diversity can thrive in Northern Nevada," Jill Berryman, executive director, said.
This is accomplished with help from a 45-member board, five full-time staff members and 100 volunteers. And of course, financial support through membership, grants and fundraising events.
"In the past we have lost arts education in schools," Berryman said, "But we now know that arts soothes the soul."
"It has come full circle," Berryman said.
Sierra Arts is helping it come full circle with their arts and education programs.
In the Arts-in-Education program, a professional artist encourages creative skills and creative problem solving in a classroom setting.
Creative writing, music and visual arts provide at-risk students in The Children & Violence program with alternative outlets.
The Arts Alternative program provides art experiences to at-risk youth at Wittenberg Hall, McGee Center, Washoe High School and the Transition Learning Center.
The Youth Art Works program partners with the Reno Police Department and the Nevada Museum of Art in an effort to decrease vandalism and graffiti. This is done through art education and job training for youths 15-21 years of age.
In addition to its arts and education programs, Sierra Arts provides grants and fellowship opportunities. They act as a fiscal agent for newly formed organizations and work together with more than 200 arts and cultural organizations in Northern Nevada.
Sierra Arts is also active in assisting artists by bringing artist space to Reno.
"Sierra Arts Foundation is setting an example by reinvesting in the community," Mary Bennett, theater artist, said. "They know that if they can keep artists here, by providing affordable living space, the artists will stay."
"Reno's art and culture has always been here," Berryman said. "Its just been a well-kept secret for 30 years. We need help to get the word out."
"Who knows, maybe Reno can be known as an arts and culture destination."
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Posted April 17, 2000
Copyright 2000 Nevada Outpost
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