The Martis Valley Story through the Eyes of Artists: Oct 1-5

Posted on October 2, 2007
Filed Under North Shore Events |

Its beauty inspires many, especially local artists. It’s one of their favorite places.The Martis Valley.

To help preserve this special place, North Shore and Truckee artists are holding a multi-venue exhibition “The Season of Martis” throughout October.

From October 4 - 29, the North Tahoe Arts, Truckee Gallery, Carole Sesko Gallery, The Carmel Gallery, and Riverside Studios will exhibit regional artworks and natural history exhibits that tell the Martis Valley story. The valley encompasses 45,000 acres on both sides of Highway 267 between Truckee and Kings Beach.

“Art creates a strong emotional response that can lead to a change in attitude or actions,” said Teresa Wik, a founding member of Truckee Gallery. “The exhibit brings together the entire community to admire and save a natural resource.”

Local art capturing Martis Valley will be on display at these galleries:

The Truckee Gallery
10950 Industrial Way in the Mt. Forge Complex (530) 550-7797
www.truckeegallery.com
Carole Sesko/Contemporary Art and Design
10950A Industrial Way, next to The Truckee Gallery (530) 587-7750
www.carolesesko.com
Riverside Art Studios - 10374 Donner Pass Road in Truckee (530) 587-3789
www.riversideartstudios.com
The Carmel Gallery - 10035 Church Street in Truckee (530) 582-0557 www.thecarmelgallery.com
North Tahoe Arts - 380 N. Lake Blvd. next to the fire station in Tahoe City
(530) 581-2787, www.northtahoearts.com

“This is just the latest example of how the arts community is growing in exciting directions here in North Tahoe and Truckee,” said Laura Read, Exhibits Chair at North Tahoe Arts, the non-profit arts organization that is spearheading the exhibition along with Truckee Gallery. “In this first-of-its kind collaboration, non-profit organizations and galleries are working together to draw attention to a beloved land feature that enhances our sense of place.”

The choice of Martis Valley as a theme fits nicely with efforts by the Truckee Donner Land Trust and the Trust for Public Lands to preserve the northeast section of Martis Valley.

The exhibits coincide with the end of a yearlong effort by the two groups to raise $23.5 million to purchase the privately held Waddle Ranch. Encompassing 1,462 acres just north of Highway 267, the Waddle Ranch was used for cattle ranching until the 1960s. Today, it is a haven for bird lovers, cross-country skiers, dog-walkers, and others. In the springtime, the valley encompasses picturesque wetlands and a meadow where the willow-fringed Martis Creek drains to a natural lake. In fall, it is a study in reds, yellows and faded greens among sagebrush, low-lying perennials, pine forests, and various grasses and shrubs.

Once in a Blue Moon Painting by Carole Sesko
Pottery by Alanna Hughes, Riverside Studio