Welcome to Culture Connection

Grass Valley-Nevada City Cultural District's newsletter,
featuring the events, stories, and people of our community

Opening Reception

Friday, September 19, 4:30pm
Rood Center
950 Maidu Ave, Nevada City

Join us for the opening reception of Creative Capital | Cultivating Community with ASiF Artists’ Studio in the Foothills. Showcasing artworks from from Resident Artists, Instructors, and Students at ASiF—this multi-media exhibition highlights the importance of creative hubs as catalysts for commerce and social well-being. Creative Capital takes a close look at how creative spaces serve as essential vehicles for developing and sustaining professional artists.

By partnering with ASiF, this exhibition takes a behind-the-scenes look at just one of the many makers’ spaces that make Nevada County a thriving arts ecosystem—by providing access to a network of resources and relationships within the community. 

Celebrating 30 years of Open Studios
in Western Nevada County!

Preview exhibition kick-off party and opening reception.

Thursday, October 2, 5:00 - 7:00pm
The Granucci Gallery
314 W Main Street, Grass Valley

The Center for the Arts is proud to present the 30th Annual Open Studios Tour. More than 90 artists at 71 locations across Nevada County will open their doors October 11–12 and 18–19, from 11:00am – 5:00pm. This free, self-guided tour is your chance to meet artists, see where art is made, watch demos, and purchase directly from local creators.

Download the guide at openstudiostour.org, or pick one up at The Center, SPD, Grass Valley Courtyard Suites, Nevada City Winery, The Holbrooke, The National, and other local spots.

GVNC: What is your medium?

Srouji: I work primarily on the potter's wheel, with mid-range stoneware clay fired in an electric kiln, to create functional ceramics. 

GVNC: At what point in your life did you realize your calling?

Srouji: I fell in love with pottery in high school, and didn't revisit it until after graduating from college. It was during my time in a 6 week wheel throwing course at a community studio in Cincinnati that I realized this artform had a permanent place in my life. 

GVNC: Tell us about your creative process.

Srouji: I throw, trim, and glaze my work with functionality and simplicity in mind. 

GVNC: What inspires you?

Srouji: I am inspired by everyday items that connect us to each other over a shared meal or a cup of coffee. 

GVNC: What are you most proud of?

Srouji: I am most proud of my Palestinian heritage.

GVNC: What do you love best about our creative community?

Srouji: I love the way that this community supports creatives with so many opportunities to showcase our work.

GVNC: Name two Nevada county artists you admire and why.

Srouji: I will forever admire the tenacity and creativity of Marina Caliari and Juniper Lindquist. They are two of the most disciplined artists I know. 

GVNC: What’s coming up for you?

Srouji: I just launched a new service wherein I consult artists on their marketing, or any questions they may have about being in the business of art. You can find more information on this at leilajanestudio.com 

I have a show that begins on Thursday with Jessie McCall (Little green eyes) where I will be debuting a body of large vessels/vases in accompaniment to her underwater photography at The Parsonage Annex.

You can learn more about Leila Srouji’s work on social media @tierra.madera.ceramics and on their website tierramaderaceramics.com 

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Grass Valley-Nevada City Cultural District
PO Box 1833
Nevada City, CA 95959-1833