July 2026

Read along monthly as we celebrate creativity, local events, shared stories, opportunities and artist spotlights.

Summer has officially settled into Truckee, and our little mountain town is buzzing with visitors, trails are calling, music fills the streets, and it seems there's something worth celebrating every single day. David Mack, Truckee Pride Founder and Lead Organizer reports on the success and expansion of Truckee Pride Week with growing year round events. According to Mack, “Culture is a powerful way to bring people together and develop strong community bonds.This helps people build the resources they need to thrive, particularly in rural communities.” Congratulations to David Mack and the entire Pride Week organizing team for creating a week that was joyful, welcoming, and deeply rooted in community.

Also in June, we enjoyed the Sierra Sun article by Petra Molina Queer in a Rural Town and the opening of the Nevada City Rood Center Art in Public Spaces exhibition Lavender Glow, Queer Art & Our Shared History. 

As always, there's plenty more happening throughout the district. Read on for this month's highlights.

Submissions Now Open!

Capture the region's dark skies; over $2,000 in prizes available across five categories.

The night skies over Nevada County are worth celebrating, and the third annual Keep It Dark Nevada County Photo Contest is officially open for submissions through August 12. Whether you're a seasoned astrophotographer or simply happen to capture an incredible star-filled moment, photographers of all skill levels are invited to share images taken anywhere in Nevada County.

“The Keep it Dark Photo Contest has been fully embraced by our night sky photographers capturing the beautifully rare and unique place we call home. This contest also brings awareness countywide to an important climate initiative around the benefits of reducing our lighting impacts to protect our environmental ecosystem and shared views.”

said Kellie Cutler, Program Manager for the Truckee Cultural District. 

Beyond showcasing the beauty of our region after dark, the contest helps raise awareness about protecting our night skies and reducing light pollution. Winning photographs will be featured at a community exhibition and awards celebration this October. We can't wait to see this year's stunning submissions!

Keep It Dark is a community initiative of the Town of Truckee in partnership with the Truckee Cultural District, Visit Truckee-Tahoe, Nevada County Arts & Culture, and the City of Nevada City.

July Events

Stay connected with local event calendars and community boards for the latest updates on gallery shows, performances, and gatherings. Our favorite resources include: Truckee.com, Visit Truckee-Tahoe, 101.5 KTKE and the Nevada County Arts Council

From intricate beadwork to bold, modern designs, Kristy Braun creates jewelry that is both beautifully crafted and made to be worn every day. Using high-quality materials and thoughtful construction, her pieces strike a balance between simplicity and statement. What began as a creative outlet has since grown into something much bigger, eventually leading her to become co-owner of Mountain Arts Collective in downtown Truckee. We caught up with Kristy to learn more about her creative process, what inspires her work, and the journey that brought her here.

TCD: What brought you to the Truckee Tahoe Area?

Braun: After spending years in Chicago and Singapore, my family and I were looking for a place with incredible natural beauty and a strong sense of community. We wanted to raise our three children somewhere they could enjoy the outdoors and grow up surrounded by creativity and adventure. Truckee felt like home right away. I also hoped to meet other creative, like-minded people, and I never imagined I would have the opportunity to co-own Mountain Arts Collective and work alongside such an amazing group of artists.

TCD: How has living in Truckee inspired you as an artist?

Braun: The beauty of Truckee and Lake Tahoe inspires me every day. The changing seasons, mountain landscapes, and wildlife often influence my color choices and designs. As co-owner of Mountain Arts Collective, I’ve had the privilege of working with an incredible group of local artists. Their creativity, passion, and support inspire me daily and encourage me to keep learning, experimenting, and growing as both an artist and a business owner.

TCD: Where do you find your inspiration for your art?

Braun: I’ve always found inspiration in travel, nature, and different cultures. Many of the beads and materials I use were discovered during my travels, and I love blending those influences with the colors and textures I see here in Tahoe. I enjoy creating wearable art that tells a story and gives people something beautiful they can enjoy for years to come.

TCD: What are some of the struggles you’ve experienced being an artist in our community?

Braun: Being an artist also means being an entrepreneur, and balancing the creative side with running a business can be challenging, especially in a seasonal mountain town. Another challenge is competing with inexpensive, mass-produced jewelry that is often manufactured overseas. Handmade art takes time, craftsmanship, and attention to detail, so it can be difficult for people to compare the true value of something that’s been thoughtfully created by an artist. Thankfully, our local community really appreciates handmade work and supports local artists, and that’s one of the reasons I love being part of Mountain Arts Collective.

TCD: What message do you have for our young students who want to pursue art as a career path?

Braun: Stay curious, keep creating, and don’t be afraid to try something new. I started my career in graphic design before discovering my passion for jewelry design, and every experience along the way has shaped the artist I am today. Be open to learning, don’t compare yourself to others, and remember that your unique perspective is what makes your art special.

TCD: Anything else we should tell the public about you?

Braun: I’m a wife, a mom of three, an artist, and the co-owner of Mountain Arts Collective. One of the greatest gifts of living in Truckee has been finding such an inspiring community of artists. When I moved here, I hoped to meet creative, like-minded people, but I never imagined I’d get to work alongside so many talented individuals every day. They’ve become more than fellow artists, they’ve become friends who inspire me every day, and I’m grateful to be part of such a creative community.

Save the date for August 13 for the next Tangled Roots Open Mic &; Reading series at Alibi Ale Works in downtown Truckee. Our featured reader is Samantha Wallen, poet and performer, reading from her latest book release, Weight of Water. These poems bear witness with a poet’s tenderness and a mystic’s insight. Following Samantha’s reading, the open mic invites poetry and prose writers as well as singer songwriters up to the stage. This event runs 6-7:30 pm at 10069 Bridge St, Truckee. All are welcome!

September 10 at our Open Mic & Reading series, Chris Olander will treat us to his dynamic poetry performance. “I am a sound poet exploring various meanings of words, phrasings and ideas arranged in sound and rhythm patterns.”

Looking ahead, if you love fresh farm food and writing under ancient oak trees, join us September 12 at Mountain Bounty Farm for a poetry reading and workshop 10 am – Noon. Three poets, Ingrid Keriotis, Rooja Mohassassey, and myself, will guide you with writing prompts within bright rows of summer harvest.