Art in Public Spaces
Art in Public Spaces is a program of Nevada County Arts & Culture in partnership with the County of Nevada. Together, we present displays at the Rood Center, 950 Maidu Avenue, Nevada City.
Public art must always strive to be physically and freely accessible. It can be for simple enjoyment or carry many meanings. It can be set in stone, span a wall, be ephemeral or permanent. It can be fantastic or representational; tell a story, lend civic pride, and remind us that though we may be unique in our identities, we are one.
Our program is about providing a thoughtful space of belonging for all residents of Nevada County, expressing community values, heightening our awareness, and helping us question our assumptions. Art in Public Spaces acknowledges both our California Cultural Districts, and communities that populate our diverse landscapes. It is for everyone, a form of collective community expression, reflecting our society and opening our civic spaces.
If you’ve visited our exhibitions recently, please take our short anonymous survey.
Current Exhibition
On Display: May 26 - August 28, 2026
Where: Government Center — 950 Maidu Ave, Nevada City
Lavender Glow is a 2-part exhibition presenting Nevada County’s queer history alongside 2D and 3D artworks in a variety of mediums from local LGBTQ+ artists. Guided by Queer Community Advisory and Artwork Selection Committees, the latest Art in Public Spaces exhibition is a collaboration between Nevada County Arts & Culture and Nevada County Pride.
Beginning with Nisenan history into the present day, Lavender Glow reflects upon and celebrates the lived experiences and legacies of queer individuals and groups whose collective influence demonstrate a profound investment in place, arts, and culture. Alongside highlights of local history, Lavender Glow features 44 artworks selected from 127 submissions.
Queer Community Advisory Committee: Stuart Baker, Erik Caruso, Hilary Hodge, David Mack, Seanan Maher, Nelson Minar, Rick Partridge, Uli Paulin
Artwork Selection Committee: Renzo Cheney, Kathleen Hill, Hannah Mosby, Megan Wells
Featured artists: CJ Cavet, Indigo Zo, James Chester, Karle deProsse, Schuyler Ellers, D. Fritz, Eric Gorman, Dante Groom, Hannah Heron, Kathleen Hill, Jonathon Hinojosa, Ray Isaak-Bleau, Jori Jori, Peter A. Mason, Amee Medeiros (Prickly Pear), Baylee Reed Smith, Eva Salyer, Aubrey Sayre, John Sciarrilli, Slutzville, Adeline Wood, Chad Wood, Leslie Wood
2026 Highlights
Mobilize | Art Inspiring Activism with Wild & Scenic
Film Festival
Jan 16 — May 1, 2026
2025 Highlights
Creative Capital | Cultivating Community with ASiF
Sep 2025 — Feb 2026
Culture in Focus | Celebrating our Cultural Districts
with Nevada County Camera Club
May — Aug 2025
In March 2025, we assembled a panel of experts to discuss the historical renaming of Johnson Canyon—in case you missed it, check out this video produced by Bitesize Media.
