A Downtown Art and Wine Day

Spring might be just around the corner, but it sure doesn’t feel like it here in Northern Nevada. There have been buckets of rain and flurries of snow this week and some chillier temperatures this weekend too. Still, there’s something to be said about how beautiful Carson City looks lighting up the cloudy night sky as snow gently covers the rooftops and streets.

For those not heading to Lake Tahoe to take advantage of this weather and spend the weekend snowboarding and skiing, there’s a perfect weekend awaiting you here in town.

Get cultured (and maybe a little tipsy)

As the juxtaposition of snowy high mountains and dry desert scenery is one of the biggest draws to this area, the geography of Northern Nevada inspires countless local artists. And, many of these painters, photographers and craftspeople contribute to Downtown Carson City’s eclectic and exceptional galleries. And since one could make a day touring the city’s art galleries, I’ve put together a list of them — plus a favorite wine bar and restaurant along the way — to make for an art and wine lover’s perfect day in Carson City. And, fittingly, it all ends with an evening at the Brewery Arts Center’s Fire and Ice-themed Winter Wine and All That Jazz event!

Get your gallery on

Start your day (or your afternoon ... weekend adventures don’t always have to start early!) at Artsy Fartsy Art Gallery at its brand new location on Nevada Street. The converted house is now home to the work of more than 65 local artists. Each room has a different color scheme and a different vibe, transporting you up to the Sierra Nevada peaks or even just around the corner to Carson City’s historic homes and casinos, all through the paintings on the gallery’s walls. I’ve walked and driven by these landmarks a million times, but seeing them in detailed color on canvas makes me see them in a new light. Be sure to say hi to Artsy Fartsy’s owner Jeffery; he’ll be ecstatic to talk about some of his gallery’s artists, artwork and inspirations.

Hop over to Telegraph Square and step inside Charlie B Gallery. It’s a small space, but it’s packed with colorful pottery, glasswork and vintage art collectibles, among the watercolor paintings. Charlie, the proprietor, hand picks the local work and creates an interesting blend of art from different skill sets along with antiques that fit within the store’s singular vision. It’s an out of the ordinary type of art store that’s well worth your attention.

Then head just down Curry Street to Carson City Art Gallery, a serene escape into the art world specifically through 43 different artists’ renditions of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and what they mean to each. You’d be surprised how many ways artists can capture the mountain range in a painting, all beautiful and unique. Chat with owner Robin about the art, the mountains or any aspect of the gallery. It’s the perfect cap to a tour of some the town’s best local art.

Wine down and fuel up

With all of this gallery crawling, you might be working up an appetite. Just across Curry Street is Bella Fiore Wines in the Bob McFadden Plaza. On a sunny day I’d suggest grabbing a table outside in the plaza, but this weekend might be a great opportunity to sit by Bella Fiore’s fireplace, sip a Pinot Noir and eat a warm artisan flatbread pizza. Bella Fiore has a massive selection of wines from all over the world, so take your pick and relax.

All that jazz

Now that you’ve cleared your head and have seen the kind of artistic talent that's prevalent in Northern Nevada, you’re ready to end the day at the Brewery Arts Center’s Winter Wine and All That Jazz this Saturday night. The event celebrates fire and ice through its art and music and takes place across the entire historic arts center campus. There’ll be plenty of ice this weekend already, but bring the heat with the live Brazilian band SambaDa and musical acts Controlled Burn, Athena McIntyre and Dysrhythmia Dance Company. Enjoy delectable hors d’oeuvres by Simple Fare Catering and wine, craft beer and spirits tasting as a benefit to the Brewery Arts Center as you peruse the various art pieces provided by local artists. Dance along to the music, taste some delicious food and wine and have an incredible night celebrating the culture and artistic community of Carson City! Tickets are $45 for members/$50 for general admission and can be purchased on the BAC website or at the center itself.

As late winter brings more stormy skies to Carson City, take this chance to appreciate the talent of Northern Nevada’s painters, potters, musicians and artists of all kinds with a fun, cultured day at the galleries of downtown. And, be sure to check out all the other upcoming Daytime, Nightlife and Community events!