As part of Artown, Immunize Nevada is hosting Paddles and Palettes: A Public Art Project to celebrate the annual Northern Nevada International Dragon Boat Festival held at the scenic Sparks Marina. This exhibit features upcycled and repurposed Dragon Boat paddles by local artists, and photography by Ty C. O’Neil from This is Reno. These original works represent all ages; reflect diverse themes; made with a variety of materials

VIDEO: Learn more about this fundraiser and see footage of the exhibit!

Exhibit Information

View Paddles and Palettes July 1- July 31, 2020 at the Sparks Museum & Cultural Center located at 814 Victorian Ave, and admission is free during museum hours: Tues-Fri 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and Sat 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Face coverings will be required to enter the museum along with distancing between visitors, per Governor Sisolak's directive.

Online Auction

All paddles are available for bidding online until August 1, and proceeds help connect thousands of Nevadans each day with reliable information, resources, and access to life-saving vaccines. During this worldwide pandemic, Immunize Nevada’s life-saving mission of promoting health and preventing disease is as crucial now as it was when founded in 1995. The current spread of COVID-19 is a stark reminder of what happens when we do not have a vaccine to protect us from a highly contagious and deadly disease. To support our community during this crisis, each paddle's proceeds will be split 50/50 with the artist.

Note about bidding: Anyone can view the online auction; but in order to place a bid, an 32 Auctions account must be created and access requested.

Celebrate "Heartown"

New this year! Artown is asking everyone to 'show us your heart through your art'. As part of "Heartown", you can create your own Paddles and Palettes Project. Download a coloring sheet below, bring your finished sheet to the Museum to add to the exhibit, and tag #Heartown #PaddlesandPalettes when you share on social media.

Paddles and Palettes Coloring Sheet - Version 1

Paddles and Palettes Coloring Sheet - Version 2

Thank you to the Following Artists

Cathy Ashworth, Kelly D Burr, Eryn Cryer, Kiley Cryer, George Emery, David N Evans, Charlene Hadwin, Susan Herron, Rachael Lambin, Tina Mokuau, Susan Moore, Daylene Moss, Reilly Moss, Heidi Parker, Robin Ruybalid, Sumerae Sisemore, Suzanne Troup, Tracy Vinzant. Photography by Ty C. O’Neil.

“Paddles and Palettes showcases the dedication local artists have to this community. It highlights the camaraderie and determination local artists have to help our community work through the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Heidi Parker, Executive Director of Immunize Nevada. “Artists poured their support and talent into Paddles and Palettes to assist a local nonprofit while promoting the spirit of art through community.”

This exhibit is in partnership with

And made possible by generous support from