Truckee CA Art Galleries Collectives

I love Truckee, CA. I so enjoyed wandering around this small mountain town near Lake Tahoe. It is known as the central gateway to the North Shore. My husband usually drops me off when I explore all of the retail stores, and heads to a hiking trail. However, he had heard that Truckee was known for its art galleries and artist collectives. So here we were…both art lovers. FYI – I will also be writing a retail therapy article – stay tuned!

Truckee CA Art Galleries & Collectives

Donner Pass Road is the main street in town. Built in 1864 many of the buildings have the original exposed brick, making for unique shops. There are all sorts of galleries, and retail stores…(stay tuned for that article), and tons of restaurants too. I love that Truckee artists have all banded together and created their own gallery collectives. This is so important in any business…Create your own opportunity. There are several on this street.

Mountain Arts Collective

Found in 2017 by three local artists, Mountain Arts Collective is probably the most noticeable gallery and collective in Truckee, as it is situated directly next to Truckee’s train depot on Donner Pass Road.

Dan Gaube named his art business Naturally Speaking, since he he utilizes elements of nature into beautiful functional art, and also jewelry. I happen to recognize his work at Made in Tahoe, a festival that takes place twice a year at the Village at Palisades Tahoe. CLICK HERE to read my article about that fun arts event.

A fiber artist, Nancy Beckert does traditional weaving. She uses ancient techniques to create her art, such as Navajo weaving, Andean Pebble Weaving and Kumihimo, the art of Japanese braiding.

One more of the founding artists is Doug Jones, he photographs the beauty of nature. And what better place to do that then then in Truckee, and the Tahoe Lake area.

Also there is one Charter Member named Ian Scott who is a 19th century-inspired landscape painter. Additional artists include Sue Bower, Kelly Smith Cassidy, Karen Colbert, Patty Lassaline, Jane Lufkin, Elaine Randall, and Greg Zirbell. I had the pleasure of meeting Andy Blanchard a talented ceramicist at the Made for Tahoe festival (see above for article link). Mountain Arts Collective, 10065 Donner Pass Rd #2, Truckee, CA 96161; https://mountainartscollective.com/

Gallery 5830

Another charming gallery is Gallery 5830, run by Sara Dube and Curtis Blassingame. A married couple, Sara is an artist, and earned her degree in painting and art education, while her husband Curtis is a huge supporter. In addition to Sara’s art, they also showcase a wonderful selection of works by other artists.

My husband loved the artwork at this gallery, as did I, however he was especially fond of the pottery of Brad Henry. Brad Henry creates beautiful ceramics with his original art on it. Brad also exhibited work at the Made for Tahoe Art festival. CLICK HERE to read my article about the art fair, and to see a photo of his work.

The gallery has become a staple of the charming artsy neighborhood. Be sure to visit the website and find out more about the husband and wife team. Gallery 5830, 10060 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, CA, 96161; https://gallery5830.com/

Riverside Studios

Finally, Riverside Studios is another wonderful collective and shop that sells only hand made items. It started as a working art studio in 2002, and is now a successful gallery and gift shop. It is owned by four female artists. Alanna Hughes works in clay creating beautiful pottery while Mary Guerra transforms silver and stone into stunning jewelry. Leather is Kahlil Johnson’s medium. She makes gorgeous bags. Last but not least Sondrea Larsen constructs lovely jewelry designs utilizing silver, gold and also precious stones.

In addition the gallery features a variety of media, including additional jewelry, metal and sculpture, art, ceramics as well as gifts. Riverside Studios, 10076 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, CA 96161; https://www.riversidestudiostruckee.com/

Most of the stops on Donner Pass Road sell some form of art, but I will feature those in my Retail Therapy article…coming soon. I just had to spotlight these fantastic collectives. Wherever your travels take you, be sure to support the local artists.

CLiCK HERE for other art articles featuring artists from all over the world, or HERE to read artist interviews. CLICK HERE to find out more about the Lake Tahoe area. ETG recommends visiting the official Lake Tahoe website at https://visitlaketahoe.com