About the Program

Art in Public Spaces is a program of Nevada County Arts Council in partnership with the County of Nevada. Together, we present displays at the Rood Center, 950 Maidu Avenue, Nevada City.

Why Art in Public Spaces?

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.

Have you visited the Rood Center recently? Click here to take our audience survey!

CURRENTLY ON DISPLAY

Through February 17, 2026

PRESS RELEASE

Creative Capital | Cultivating Community with ASiF - Artists’ Studio in the Foothills highlights the importance of Nevada County’s creative hubs as catalysts for commerce and social well-being, exemplified the resident artists, teachers and students of Artists’ Studio in the Foothills.

Through May 1, 2026

PRESS RELEASE

Mobilize | Art Inspiring Activism with Wild & Scenic Film Festival brings a curated selection of 24 artworks, archival film festival posters and programs, plus background and history of the celebrated Wild & Scenic Film Festival into the Rood Center as part of their annual art exhibition.

About Mobilize

On Display: January 16 - May 1, 2026

Medium: photography, painting, drawing, mixed media, and more

The Visual Language of Activism!

For 15 years, Nevada County Arts Council has proudly partnered with South Yuba River Citizens League’s (SYRCL) Wild & Scenic Film Festival to co-present its annual art exhibition. For the first time, a portion of selected artworks are on display at the Rood Center alongside a collection of archival festival posters and programs—with the remainder of the exhibition displayed at The Granucci Gallery inside The Center for the Arts, February 19 - March 15.

MOBILIZE—the theme for this year’s festival and exhibition—serves as a call to action and a celebration of progress toward tangible change. Selected artworks use visual language to elevate voices, organize efforts, and address environmental challenges with urgency and persistence.

In 2026, over 200 artworks were submitted for consideration during the open call. 59 artists were selected to participate and 24 of them are featured at both venues.

Click here to purchase tickets for 2026 Wild & Scenic Film Festival.

To purchase artwork:

View Price List

About Creative Capital

On Display: September 12, 2025 - February 17, 2026
Medium: all media

Creativity is our currency!

We partnered with ASiF to take a behind-the-scenes look at just one of the many makers’ spaces that make Nevada County a thriving arts ecosystem. For 16 years this 4,000-square-foot studio arts center—comprising studio spaces, classrooms, and a gallery—has served as a container for creativity and commerce.

By allowing artists to hone their skills, build businesses, and connect with the community, creative spaces like ASiF foster a vibrant cultural scene. Their business and the artists they support contribute directly to the social and economic vibrancy of Grass Valley-Nevada City Cultural District and surrounding communities. Creativity is not just a cultural amenity, it is a powerful economic driver.

Come explore this dynamic exhibition—where you’ll find ceramics, paper sculpture, papier-mâché, printmaking, painting, drawing and more!