The Sierra Nevada Invitational Art Show and Sale returns to Carson Valley, Nevada, after the successful 2021 inaugural event.
A few years ago, artists Teri Sweeney, Joe Milazzo and Sheri Greves-Neilson all got to talking about the lack of Western shows and events in their home of Carson Valley, Nevada, the Northwest region of the state that encompasses the small bucolic towns of Garnerville, Genoa and Minden—close to the Sierra Nevada-Carson Range mountains and Lake Tahoe.
Teri Sweeney, Siberian Eagle Owl, oil, 10 x 8”
“We were all looking for places to display our art without having to leave the area,” Sweeney explains. “We don’t really have any shows or even galleries that feature representational Western art.” In addition, Sweeney notes that collectors are often unable to find “good” Western art and have to travel out of town to find quality pieces.
In response to these issues, Sweeney, joined by Milazzo, pulled together as co-producers to create the inaugural 2021 Sierra Nevada Invitational Art Show and Sale. After a successful turnout, yielding higher-than-expected sales, the duo is gearing up for the second edition to return to the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center on September 17 and 18. This year’s show will feature nine outstanding artists working in the representational Western landscape and wildlife genre. In addition to both Sweeney and Milazzo, the artist list includes Carl Ciliax, Marti Miller Hubbell, George Lockwood, Joe Mancuso, Sheri Greves-Neilson, Julie Nighswonger and Barron Postmus.
“What we’re really trying to stress with the show is that there are high-quality artists working in and visiting the area,” Sweeney remarks. “Carson Valley has a big ranching community and an abundance of wildlife that attracts and inspires many Western artists.” Collector’s will notice that the show will have several works inspired by or directly referencing the area.
Marti Miller Hubbell, Classic California, colored pencil, 16 x 13”
Artist Marti Miller Hubbell will showcase works like Classic California, celebrating in her ranching heritage and her love for nature. While Hubbell takes inspiration from her home close to Hollister, California, rather than Nevada, she hopes that her “passion for the West and its inhabitants is evident,” she says. “I give equal importance to the honesty and accuracy of my paintings. These are scenes from my life.”
Julie Nighswonger, Just Beyond, oil, 8 x 16”
George Lockwood notes that his paintings, like show piece Long Winter, depicting a beautifully lit, snowy scene, is a record of his many outdoor adventures and experiences in the West. Lockwood will have many of his impressive wildlife pieces at the show as well. Julie Nighswonger also captures the beauty of her surroundings in paintings like Just Beyond, “that shares the uniqueness of the Western landscape and its cowboy lifestyle,” reads the artists biography. “Certain things catch my eye,” Nighswonger continues. “It’s the crisp early morning light, the warm glow of the evening, or the way the light dances off of a horse’s mane. It is my hope to stir a memory or evoke an emotional response.” 
George Lockwood, Long Winter, acrylic on board, 12 x 16”
In addition to these remarkable highlights, attendees should expect to see around eight to 10 artworks per artist. While Sweeney and Milazzo are thrilled to be showcasing many fresh, quality Western works, including their own pieces, they’re also hoping to reach the hearts and minds of artists and enthusiasts alike—sharing with them the magic and splendor of Carson Valley. “We want people to see what we have to offer!” Says Sweeney. —
Sierra Nevada Invitational Art Show and Sale
September 17-18, 2022
Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center, 1477 US Highway 395 North, Gardnerville, NV 89410
(775) 782-2555, www.sierranevadainvitational.com
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