Arts Advocacy Day

April 21, 2026 | Sacramento, CA

Join artists and advocates from across California at the State Capitol for a rally, musical march, and legislative meetings in support of the creative workforce. Hosted by California for the Arts as part of Arts, Culture & Creativity Month (ACCM). We’ll be there!

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TCD: What is your medium, and where would you put yourself on the stage of artistic exploration?

Sylvia: I work in both acrylics and graphite. I started painting in 2023, and I began thinking if I could draw better I could paint better. I just began drawing every day, and I fell in love with it.  There was something about sitting down with just pencils and a sketchpad that felt so freeing and creative for me. Drawing definitely improved my painting skills, and has had an influence on my painting style. In both drawing and painting, my style focuses on the interplay of light and shadows in nature. Being a longtime Truckee resident, my work is inspired by the beauty of the High Sierra. As for my stage of artistic exploration, I would say I am at the stage where I am confident in my unique style, but always open and enthusiastic to explore new ideas and techniques. I am a permanent artist at North Tahoe Arts, and my artwork is available at the North Tahoe Arts, Kings Beach, California gallery. 

TCD: What inspires you creatively in Truckee?

Sylvia: I moved to Truckee right after college. Like many people, I was drawn to the incredible beauty of the area, and outdoor sports. I am deeply inspired by the beauty of the High Sierra. Spending time in the forest is where I find my heart and soul. I am known for my paintings of trees. My hope is that when people look at my artwork, it brings memories of perfect days in the mountains with family and friends. Fresh air, blue skies, the scent of pine, and deep blue lakes are my inspiration and my joy.

TCD: You recently attended the Artist Accelerator Series. Tell us what that was like and how it was beneficial in your artistic journey.

Sylvia: The Artist Accelerator program was a phenomenal experience. In 2025, my art career transitioned from hobby to professional artist. I had so many wonderful opportunities to sell my work in art shows, and live paint events like the Truckee Art Walk, but I was unsure how to navigate the transition to treating my art as a business. The Artist Accelerator program allowed me to develop a clear vision of my path forward. The Facilitator and guest speakers were so interesting, and knowledgeable. I felt the coursework was challenging, and very useful. Each session built on the week before. We had very productive breakout sessions where we were able to have discussions on the topics with fellow artists. It was to get different viewpoints. By the last session, I had a clear vision of where I want my career to go. I have my business plan going forward. It was also an amazing experience to create friendships with a diverse and amazing group of artists. We have become friends and supporters of each other. I am so grateful to Nevada County Arts & Culture for offering the Artist Accelerator program. It was exactly what I needed to advance my art career.

Check here each month to find updates on literary happenings in Truckee and throughout Nevada County!

Welcome to National Poetry Month and Arts & Culture month for our county! This month the Tangled Roots Open Mic at Alibi Ale Works (10069 Bridge St. in Truckee) coordinates with the Truckee Literary Crawl on April 11. Venues throughout downtown Truckee will host nearly 70 regional writers sharing their work in intimate settings. That evening the Open Mic (6-8 pm) is an opportunity for anyone who wants to share poetry & prose on the stage at Alibi in Truckee. Last year the place was standing room only.

I lead free Creative Writing Workshops at the Truckee Library, 10031 Levon Ave, on April 3 and May 1, Friday mornings from 10:30-noon. These workshops are open to all ages and all levels of experience. Join me!

On April 4, I’m joined by Ingrid Keriotis and Rooja Mohassessy to present a reading and workshop, Poetry in Preserves, in collaboration with the Bear Yuba Land Trust. Join us under the shade of Oaks on the Wildflower Ridge Preserve 10 am – Noon. All ages and abilities.

Tickets are available now for the Sierra Poetry Festival all day April 18 at the Center for the Arts, Grass Valley. At our tenth anniversary of this festival, meet our keynotes Brenda Hillman and Robert Hass and many other poets, participate in breakout workshops throughout the day by internationally known poets and performers, and hear youth/community voices on stage.

On Friday, April 24, Writers in the Woods presents our California Poet Laureate Lee Herrick reading in Incline Village at the Prim Library at 6 pm. This is a special opportunity to hear him share his work. I highly recommend Lee’s performance even for people who don’t “get” poetry.

Reading poetry outdoors highlights the healing power of nature, and on April 25 the Poetry in Parks don’t miss a unique reading by local students and poets at Empire Mine State Park in Nevada City, 1-3 pm.

Karen Terrey is a writing coach, editor, poet, owner of Tangled Roots Writing and the Nevada County Poet Laureate.

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