Review: Made in Tahoe Art Festival

While my husband and I were arranging a road trip to Lake Tahoe, I scheduled our arrival a few days earlier than originally planned. I wanted to attend the Made in Tahoe festival and meet the artists. The event takes place twice a year on Memorial Day weekend in May, as well as on Columbus Day Weekend in October. It features the local artists and artisans of Tahoe. We are all about the arts here at ETG, so it was the perfect time to visit. 

Made In Tahoe Review
All images courtesy of ETG

Made In Tahoe Artists

We arrived at the Olympic Village Inn, in Olympic Valley, a few days before Memorial Day weekend. The festival was held at the Village at Palisades Tahoe, right at the base of a world class ski resort. In addition to live music and food trucks, Made in Tahoe included over 40 booths featuring paintings, photography, stained glass, ceramics, jewelry as well as all types of functional art. While I was enjoying the festival, my husband Richard was out snowboarding and photographing the mountain.

Made In Tahoe Review
Andy Blanchard

I had a great time browsing, shopping and enjoying the art. One artist named Andy Blanchard creates elegant and breathtaking ceramic bowls and cups. For additional info about the ceramicist’s work visit https://www.tahoebluepottery.com

Next, I bought a lovely pair of earrings from Chiara Pompanin. A Truckee artist, Chiara told me a bit about Millefiori, the ancient technique she uses to create her jewelry. Millefiori dates back to ancient Egypt. She layers and wraps rolls of clay (like a sushi roll). Then she slices each roll, and a delicate design is revealed. Visit her website at https://chiaramade.com

Made in Tahoe Review
Chiara Pompanin

Adrienne Belair was destined to become a ceramicist. She ended up in ceramics class at the community college by accident. Previously, the art form did not even peak her interest, but she soon fell in love with it. Her company, Spoon and Sprig Studio, had a popular booth at the Made in Tahoe Festival. Belair has created some beautiful works. Find out more on her website – https://spoonandsprigstudio.com

Fine Art Illustrations

Made in Tahoe Review
Sara Mohagen

This was Sara Mohagen’s third year participating in both the Spring and Fall Festivals. Her company name is Dark Fox Creative and you can find it on Etsy. “I started doing markets three years ago, as it is a wonderful way to connect with collectors and have conversations with customers.” The self-taught artist first started drawing after she was diagnosed with cancer. It was then that she realized she had both a natural talent and a passion for drawing. It also aided in her healing process. Visit her company Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/darkfoxcreative 

Made in Tahoe Review
Dan Gaube

Mountain Arts Collective

As soon as I walked into one large booth, I recognized the functional artwork of Dan Gaube. He creates art out of sustainable, salvaged, recycled as well as up-cycled materials from nature. I had admired his organic flowing lamps at an art collective that I visited in Truckee called Mountain Arts Collective. His work is unique and stunning. Find out more about his company, Naturally Speaking, on his website – https://dangaube.com

Then I met another artist from the collective named Kristy Braun who creates intricate beaded jewelry. Her daughter also had work exhibited and for sale. Emily Braun is a needle felting artist whose intricate works are beautiful. For more info about the Braun artists visit the collective website – https://mountainartscollective.com/

Made in Tahoe Review
J Luca Stevens

I was particularly impressed by an artist run company called Mountain Water Canvas. Founded by Jessica Luca Stevens, the business recycles sails into canvas bags and works of art. It was a lovely expression of her creativity as well as her desire to help our environment. https://mountainwatercanvas.com

Gallery 5830

One more ceramicist whose work I loved was Brad Henry. I recognized his style immediately from a different Truckee collective called Gallery 5830. Brad’s style is easily recognizable. His pottery features his original art applied to the surface. My favorite was a ramen bowl with his signature octopus graphics. You can pop by his studio/showroom any time. https://www.bradhenrypottery.com

Made in Tahoe Review
Brad Henry 

Later in the day, I recognized some gorgeous photography that I had seen at the North Tahoe Arts & Gift Shop in Tahoe City. Sky and Leah Emerson, a married couple, are both photographers. The duo’s photography features local landscapes and wildlife. They have their own gallery in Kings Beach. You’ll find info on https://www.laketahoephotogallery.com

Yasuyo Corbet, Jess Gibbs, Wendy Hudnall and Dirk Yuricich were a few more of my personal favorite creatives from the Lake Tahoe area. Be sure to catch the next Made in Tahoe festival and find that perfect work of art to purchase and fall in love with. Remember it happens twice a year – Memorial Day Weekend and Columbus Day Weekend; https://www.instagram.com/madeintahoefestival/?hl=en

CLICK HERE to find out more about the Lake Tahoe area. ETG recommends visiting the official Lake Tahoe website at https://visitlaketahoe.com

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