Host for this Project Exhibition

 The Host for this Project Exhibition

Founded as part of the Reno Creative Movement by father-daughter team Kevin O’Keefe and Briana Dolan, the Reno Tahoe Artist (RTA) Awards began as a platform to recognize extraordinary talent in the region. Running in correspondence to the newly launched Reno Tahoe International Art Show, the RTA Awards were created to celebrate individual achievement and the overall ascendency of Reno Tahoe into a national destination for arts and culture.

As the RTIA Show entered its second edition in 2023 with double the footprint from the inaugural event, the RTA Awards expanded to include a segment titled “Best of Show.” Where the regional awards remained jury-led with newly appointed judges, the Best of Show awards were determined by popular vote onsite at the Reno Tahoe International Art Show. 

The Best of Show categories reflected the seven segments of the show, with artists and galleries from around the nation and the world: Galleries & Features, Independent Artists, Heart of Reno, First Nations, Indigenous Peoples, Sculpture (large-scale), Sculpture (small-scale) and Student Art. All winners were announced at the RTA Awards Gala held at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center where the RTIA took place. With more recognition and an official 509(a)2 non-profit status, the RTA Awards received incredible community support with the primary sponsor, the Nevada Arts Council upping the regional category awards to $1350 each. All Best of Show award winners were granted $1500 credit for exhibition space at the 2024 RTIA Show and a special edition award- and again almost all categories were sponsored by local organizations, individuals and national media. As the annual RTIA Show continues to grow and strengthen its roots, the RTA Awards- both regional and Best of Show- will grow with it. - Briana Dolan

The Nevada Awe: Tiny Treasures Project germinated at the RTIA 2023 show. Artists wanted to find a way to connect more with one another and to also help the Arts writers around the state. This is a time to show how amazing artists are in Nevada and how we can connect with each other throughout the year and then all come together to celebrate in September 2024!

A special thanks to Pitch Black Printing Co., too. They were the ones that sponsored the Best of Show in the Heart award which made it possible to secure a booth area in 2024 for this project.