Young Artists Need Opportunities to Show and Grow
By Bird Cameron
The Aspen Collective Hibernation Fest. Submitted photo.
As a young artist and son of artists in Nevada City, this community's creativity is not lost on me. From live music to painters displaying their artwork in galleries and cafes, art is all around us. I aim to start a conversation on young artists who are not granted the same privileges as older artists when it comes to receiving recognition and support from our community. Talented young artists deserve equity. When creativity is supported, the result is a generation of successful creative professionals.
To illustrate the broader picture, I went in search of several local youth artists to learn from them their perspectives on this.
Leo Murrel is a 17-year-old lyricist, singer, and visual artist from Truckee High School. He pulls inspiration from the post-hardcore movement and street art. The regional punk scene has a reputation among outsiders and adults in the community for attracting ‘burnout teenagers.’ This stigma is due to a loud minority that has ruined the scene for youths and adults alike. Leo changes this narrative, creating positive spaces, even with limited resources.
“There is an extreme lack of accessible creative venue space in Truckee,” Leo said. “As a founder of The Aspen Collective (TAC), a teen-led 501(c)(3) non-profit that works to provide a safe space to unify teens through the mutual love of art and music, I have had immense trouble finding affordable venues to host sober concerts.”
These environments are necessary for the development of people emerging into adulthood. Although the logistics of Leo’s work are challenging—putting these events together takes a lot of hard work—he regards his experiences with the Truckee Cultural District community as uplifting.
“My personal art is supported by my community…work from my high school art class is displayed in our local frozen yogurt shop.” Leo’s work is truly admirable, with all of his achievements I hope to uplift TAC to expand past his direct community.
Beadwork by Paytyn Rae Fogarty Growing Thunder. Submitted photo.
Paytyn Rae Fogarty Growing Thunder is an 18 year old from the opposite side of the county. Originally born in Montana on the Fort Peck reservation, she began her traditional Native American beadwork at five years old. Her experience as an artist with Assiniboin and Sioux heritage is unique.
“From what I have experienced, authentic Native American artwork from tribes outside of California are not very common around here,” Paytyn said. “I have never shared my beadwork with the community but I think if I did it would help bring some more diversity into the art world of Nevada County.”
Despite support from her friends and family, Paytyn has found a lack of opportunities to display her work publically. Her commitment to her intricate craft that has been passed down through generations deserves recognition.
The lack of opportunities for youth artists is tangible. Recently, Nevada City Oddfellows, which owns and operates Seven Stars Gallery, started a Youth Arts Program. Still, there are barriers to acceptance. Kathan Griffis, Committee Chair for the Youth Arts Program, put it best. “I sometimes feel a lack of support for youth art, as there is a fear that it will not bring revenue into the gallery.” Despite this, she describes the feedback on Youth Art Shows as positive, and advocates for more galleries to create spaces for young artists.
Many youth artists reside in Nevada County. Nineteen year old Maya DeHoyos, an acrylic painter, speaks to this: “My peers typically lead me to other artists my age and we find ways to appreciate and encourage one another's art.”
When asked what could be done to encourage young artists, Maya responded, “I really haven’t gotten involved in that many local community events. Making these events more easily accessible to students would encourage and inspire younger artists. Maybe communal murals, painting days, art observations, etc. could be useful.”
It is clear that the availability of resources for young creatives is negligible, but I and the Nevada County Arts Council are dedicated to changing this. With input from our incredible young artists, I am proud to give them a platform for their voices to be heard. The future looks bright, with our efforts becoming more focused on our youth artists.
Bird Cameron works with Nevada County Arts Council as an intern through Bitney Prep Charter High School.