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Mountain Arts Collective to host grand opening Dec. 1 from Truckee train station

Cassandra Walker
cwalker@sierrasun.com
@snow1cass

Anybody who has strolled through historic downtown Truckee in the last month might’ve noticed a new shop at the Truckee Train Station building.

Mountain Arts Collective is the newest art gallery initiative launched by a handful of talented locals, who previously ran the Artisans Market Place gallery that was located farther down Donner Pass road near the roundabout.

“The former space was a co-op with between 14 and 16 members, and it was a great location but was limited in terms of public access, a little off the beaten path. So, we certainly didn’t get the visitors on that end of town, and this space we have now allows us to interact with a whole lot more visitors … it’s something we were able to sort of recreate with a different look and feel,” said Doug Jones, one of the gallery’s co-owners.



On Friday, Dec. 1, Mountain Arts Collective is celebrating a grand opening event, complete with a ribbon cutting to launch the new gallery in the heart of downtown.

As soon as visitors step inside the cozy gallery they are greeted by the beautiful scent of locally made soaps, candles and natural body products.



Each wall displays lifestyle and wearable products, art pieces, paintings, photography, gifts and home goods, each locally made and each a work of art.

“We’re all local and I would describe the gallery as offering quality art that reflects our local environment here in Truckee-Tahoe, it’s accessible and it’s for locals and visitors alike,” Jones said.

Another of the three co-owners, Nancy Beckert, mentioned the opportunity for shoppers to purchase meaningful items that make wonderful gifts this holiday season.

“We have a little bit of everything, I think. It’s all very usable, the art we have here. It’s not something that will just go sitting on a shelf, we have functional pottery, knitwear, the jewelry is affordable and it’s all handmade, they all make for nice gifts,” she said.

Mountain Arts Collective co-owners, Jones, Beckert and Dan Gaube, and two charter members who are featured in the gallery and help work the store.

As local artists, the team of co-owners which also includes Dan Gaube, understands how far support for upcoming artists goes.

“One of the things we really try to emphasize is the dynamic nature of the gallery. We’re always adding new things and featuring new artists. We are actively seeking artists for our monthly highlight and are always looking for quality art and artists, who would be good fits as our guest artists, or even permanently,” Jones said.

The grand opening will kick-off at 4 p.m. with a ribbon cutting with Mayor Morgan Goodwin, followed by a celebration at the gallery including hors d’oeuvres, wine and beer from Alibi Ale Works.

“I hope that people take back a lasting impression of our shop and remember to think of us when they need a gift, but also to celebrate with us in our excitement to have this shop — which all of us have been yearning for, for about two years since closing the last shop,” Beckert said.

She explained that their team has missed being part of the art community in Truckee and feels a sense of upbeat optimism in their new location.

“We try to make sure to change things all the time, so that locals don’t get bored and think they’ve seen the same art the week before. We have a lot of souvenir items that are good for tourists, but we also have items to decorate your mountain home,” Beckert said.

Cassandra Walker is a features and entertainment reporter for the Sierra Sun. She can be reached at cwalker@sierrasun.com, 530-550-2654 or @snow1cass.


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