Kendall Warson

Building Cohart ✨

While many exhibitors at this year's [Reno Tahoe International Art Show](https://www.rtiashow.com/) represent individual artistic visions, one participant brings something uniquely different to the table: the collective voice of an entire arts community. St. Mary's Art Center, a 61-year-old nonprofit organization, will be showcasing the work of multiple artists under one roof, embodying their mission to celebrate and elevate the region's creative talent.

#### [A Historic Foundation for Contemporary Art](https://www.cohart.com/stmarysartcenter/profile)

Housed in a 1876 historic 4-story former hospital building, St. Mary's Art Center operates as both a gallery space and creative sanctuary. The transformation of this medical facility into an arts hub speaks to the organization's ability to breathe new life into spaces and communities alike.



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#### What makes St. Mary's Art Center unique as an arts institution?
"St. Mary's Art Center focuses on celebrating and elevating the many amazing artists and makers in the region," explains their team. "With six fine art galleries, three of which feature seasonal exhibitions, we share a wide variety of mediums, practices, and styles with art lovers and visitors."

The scope of their operation often surprises first-time visitors. Beyond the galleries, the center houses maker spaces, guest rooms, a theatre, library, and hosts diverse programming that attracts artists, writers, and creative souls from across the country and internationally. For six decades, they've facilitated artistic creation, collaboration, and community building in ways that extend far beyond traditional gallery models.

"What surprises most new visitors is the sheer scale and magnitude of the art center and the many art galleries, maker spaces, guest rooms, theatre, library, and diverse programming," they note. "Our artistic voice is made up of the many artists whose work are in our spaces and who participate in classes, art retreats, and events. It's a wonderful feeling of community that continues to expand."



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### RTIA 2025: A Showcase of Regional Diversity
At this year's RTIA show, St. Mary's will present work from multiple artists, each bringing distinct mediums, styles, and creative passions. The lineup includes Ed Shepard, Tom Gilbertson, Martin A. David, Pete Paulos, Holly Gardner, Pura Vida Sierras Art, DAM Pottery, Pam Brekas, and Catherine Sobredo.

#### Featured Artwork: "Patty Cake" by Ed Shepard
Among the pieces being showcased, St. Mary's is particularly excited to present "Patty Cake" by Ed Shepard, a mixed media sculpture that exemplifies the center's commitment to diverse artistic voices and cultural celebration.

Ed Shepard is an artist whose practice focuses on Black subjects across multiple mediums. In "Patty Cake," he has created a mixed media sculpture that celebrates the playfulness of folk art while incorporating African heritage elements in his pottery design. The piece is described as "warm, vibrant, and nostalgic."

Shepard's current explorations include reduction firing techniques and photo-silk screening on pottery, pushing the boundaries of traditional ceramic practices. His goal is to display his works on larger scales in different cities across the country, viewing art creation as "a major love" that he's excited to see where it will take him.

"Our hope is that viewers will enjoy the whimsy of the piece, creativity of the materials used, and evoke memories of youth and the joy of playing with friends and family," the St. Mary's team shares about "Patty Cake."


#### Looking Forward: Expanding Reach Through Digital Innovation
As a nonprofit organization that has been supporting artists for over six decades, St. Mary's Art Center is embracing the digital future while staying true to their community-centered mission.

**How does digital technology align with their vision?**

"As a nonprofit organization with limited resources in staffing and funding, we are thrilled to see support structures and technology develop to make everyone's experience more accessible and efficient," they explain. "This type of online service and gallery space will expand the availability and awareness of the amazing artists and programming we support which elevates the arts and culture experience for everyone."
Their future plans include expanding their exhibition platforms with an online gallery presence and broadening the type of work featured in their seasonal galleries. They aim to showcase multiple solo and group shows while continuing to expand their exhibitions' diversity by sharing work from many cultures and specialties alongside contemporary pieces.






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**The Power of Institutional Support**
St. Mary's participation in RTIA 2025 represents something crucial in today's art world: the vital role that arts institutions play in nurturing and presenting emerging and established artists. While digital platforms are revolutionizing how individual artists connect with collectors, organizations like St. Mary's provide the physical and community infrastructure that allows artistic careers to flourish.

Their approach—combining historic architecture with contemporary programming, physical gallery spaces with digital expansion, individual artistic vision with collective community support—offers a model for how arts institutions can evolve while maintaining their core mission.

As the art world continues to navigate the balance between digital innovation and physical presence, St. Mary's Art Center stands as a testament to the enduring power of place-based artistic community. Their 61-year history of supporting artists, combined with their embrace of new technologies, positions them as both keepers of tradition and pioneers of the future.

For visitors to RTIA 2025, the St. Mary's Art Center booth offers more than just artwork; it provides a glimpse into how sustained institutional support can amplify individual artistic voices and create lasting cultural impact in communities across the region and beyond.


Inside St. Mary’s Art Center: 61 Years of Artistic Connection

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