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NEVADA COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL Welcome to Culture Connection Grass Valley-Nevada City Cultural District's newsletter, featuring the events, stories, and people of our community February is a time to celeb
Welcome to Culture ConnectionGrass Valley-Nevada City Cultural District's newsletter,
featuring the events, stories, and people of our community
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February is a time to celebrate creativity and heritage, and as we honor Black History Month, we acknowledge the immeasurable contributions of Black artists, musicians, writers, and creatives who have shaped and influenced our communities. Please join us for the opening reception of We Are Not Strangers Here, shining a light on the many untold stories of African American pioneers in rural California.
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CULTURE FORWARD
An Arts & Culture Action Plan
for Nevada County
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Nevada County Arts Council, along with the Truckee Cultural District and Grass Valley-Nevada County Cultural District, is developing a county-wide Arts & Culture Action Plan—and we need your input! Your voice is essential in shaping the future of arts, culture, and creativity across both eastern and western Nevada County. Please take a few minutes to complete our anonymous survey and support this important community initiative. Whether you're a visitor, local, artist, or business owner, your perspective matters. Let’s build a vibrant creative future together! Take the survey below.
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February Creatives Meetup +
Art in Public Spaces Opening Reception
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Join us for the February Creatives Meetup where we will celebrate the Opening of We Are Not Strangers Here: African American Histories in Rural California, under Art in Public Spaces We Are Not Strangers Here is a partnership between Exhibit Envoy and Nevada County Arts Council, the County of Nevada, GVNC Cultural District, Nevada County Historical Society and the Nevada County Landmarks Commission. It highlights the unknown and untold stories of Black farmers, ranchers and our rural residents. These stories challenge myths about early California and create new narratives about freedom, self-governance, and civic culture. Gather with us as we acknowledge these untold stories. Our Creative Meetups are a place to connect with our creative community, learn about upcoming opportunities and find inspiration. Whether you're an art lover or an art maker, our meetups are for everyone! Thursday, February 6 at 4:30pm
The Eric Rood Center
950 Maidu Ave, Nevada City
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Poetry Out Loud County ChampionshipsWednesday, February 5 at 5:30pm Board of Supervisors Chambers
Eric Rood Center
950 Maidu Ave, Nevada City Poetry Out Loud encourages high school students to learn about poetry through memorization, performance, and competition. Participants master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary history and contemporary life. Students from our local high schools have been working hard, challenging themselves, and receiving additional support from Nevada County Arts Council’s poetry coaches. Come celebrate Nevada County High School students as they compete in this year's Poetry Out Loud County Championships! |
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Business Spotlight: Petra
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We recently had lunch at the new modern Mediterranean styled restaurant in downtown Nevada City. Petra is bringing fresh, local and nourishing food to our community. We took a moment with owner and head chef Jade Benetatos to discuss her vision for Petra and what she’s excited to offer Nevada City. |
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GVNC: Tell us a little about yourself and your relationship to the food culture of the GVNC. Benetatos: We’re a small, women-led business with a deep passion for the local food scene. Petra's journey began at the Grass Valley Farmers Market, where we found inspiration in the vibrant community and the abundance of fresh, seasonal ingredients grown right here in Nevada County. We love supporting local farmers and artisans, and want everyone to be able to taste the fresh flavors of our area.
GVNC: What does Petra hope to bring to the community? Benetatos: Petra was created with the goal of offering fresh, farm-to-table meals that reflect the culinary traditions of the Mediterranean and the values of our community. We hope to be a place where people can connect over delicious, healthy food. Because we use organic ingredients from local farms, our food nourishes the body while also supporting the local economy.
GVNC: Where are you located and when can people come and enjoy your food? Benetatos: We’re located at 115 S. Pine St. in beautiful downtown Nevada City. Our doors are six days a week, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. (We’re closed on Tuesdays.)
GVNC: What do you love about Grass Valley/Nevada City? Benetatos: Grass Valley and Nevada City have such a rich, welcoming vibe. The sense of community here is incredible, and we love the proximity to nature and all the creative, passionate people. Plus, the incredible local produce makes it easy to create delicious fresh meals that really celebrate the region.
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GVNC: What’s coming up next for you? Benetatos: We’re always looking to evolve and serve the community even better. We’ll be expanding our marketplace soon with more grab-and-go options that support a healthy lifestyle - stay tuned! We’re also working on new seasonal menu items that will highlight the incredible produce we’re getting from local farmers.
GVNC: Where can the community connect with you and learn more Benetatos: You can follow us on Instagram (@petra_nevadacity), where we share updates, new menu items, and more! You can also visit our website (www.petranevadacity.com). And of course, we invite you to stop by our shop in downtown Nevada City to see what we’re all about and taste for yourself!
GVNC: Is there anything else you’d like to add? Benetatos: We’re so grateful for the community’s support, and we’re thrilled to be able to offer fresh, local meals to our neighbors. We truly believe in the power of regenerative farming and the difference it makes in the food we eat. We can’t wait to continue sharing that journey with all of you!
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Second Saturday
Artist DemoSaturday, February 8
11:00am - 3:00pm Art Works Gallery
113 Mill Street, Grass Valley
Join Eileen Blodgett to “Share the Love”, featuring Eileen’s original paintings and a Mixed Media demonstration. Eileen will share some of her mixed media art techniques and will offer visitors to the gallery an opportunity to create a simple “Share the Love” postcard or bookmark.
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Wild at HeartWild & Scenic Film Festival Art Exhibition Art Opening:
Thursday, February 13,
4:30 - 8:00pm
Exhibition Dates:
February 13 - March 1 The Granucci Gallery at
The Center for the Arts
314 West Main Street, Grass Valley A partnership between the South Yuba River Citizens League's Wild & Scenic Film Festival (WSFF) and the Nevada County Arts Council, Wild at Heart celebrates the intersection of art and the environment. This juried exhibition, part of the immersive Wild & Scenic Film Festival experience, invites artists to showcase their passion for nature and share a meaningful message through their unique artistic visions. |
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2025 Resident Artist ShowOn display through
Saturday, March 15 Artists’ Studio in the Foothills
940 Idaho Maryland Road, Grass Valley The exhibit will feature new work by over 20 ASiF resident artists in a range of media including oil, acrylic, watercolor, encaustics, mixed media, printmaking, ceramic sculpture, pottery and more in the center's main gallery as well as individual exhibits in each of the artist's private studios and shared community classroom areas. Gallery hours Thursdays - Saturdays from 11:00am - 4:00pm |
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Paper Feathers:
Art, Tech, and NatureThursday, January 30 through Sunday, February 23 Nevada City Winery Gallery
321 Spring St, Nevada City Christian V. Davila’s intricately created “Paper Feathers: Art, Tech, and Nature” takes us to a feathered paradise. With an obvious passion for birds and a knowledge of different bird species Davila doesn’t just replicate birds, she sculpts, cuts, and shapes every inch of every feather until they mirror nature’s magnificence and fragility. |
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One River Many VisionsSeven Stars Gallery
On display through Sunday,
February 23 Gallery Hours
Thursdays through Sundays
11:00am- 5:00pm Exhibit featuring local artists inspired by the Yuba River and our natural environment. Featured artists include Karel Hendee, Denise Wey, Yvon Dockter, Eileen Blodgett, Sheila Cameron, Randy Griffis, Lilja Gudmundsdottir and many Youth Artists! |
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Paul Emery presents Heart & Soul
Women of JazzFriday, February 7, 7:30pm The Nevada Theatre
401 Broad Street, Nevada City Lorraine Gervais and Michelle Amador are teaming up again for a special evening of jazz inspired by the iconic women pioneers of melody, lyrics and rhythm. Singing some of their favorites from Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Joni Mitchell, Sarah Vaughan, Nina Simone and many more, the two friends always enjoy a sense of fun along with a deep love of singing jazz in their shows. The singers will be surrounded and supported by their usual cast of stellar players and old friends: Bob Villwock on keyboards, Tim Bulkley on drums, Matt Langley on sax, guitarists Ray Sayre and Tony Unger, and bassist Andrew Mell. |
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Rainbow Girlswith Aviva le Fey openingSaturday, February 8
Doors at 7:00pm | Show at 8:00pm The Center for the Arts
314 W. Main Street, Grass Valley In a world where the line between the living and the dead blurs... a Rainbow Girls show like no other. As the lights dim, and the fog rolls in, you'll step into a realm where shadows dance, and whispers echo through the night. Welcome to the “Haunting”— a spine-tingling journey into the unknown. This isn't just a show… it’s a journey into the unknown, where every song beckons you deeper into the shadows. |
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The 23rd annual Wild & Scenic Film FestivalThursday, February 13 - Monday, February 17 Various locations throughout the GVNC! SYRCL’s Wild & Scenic Film Festival inspires environmental activism and a love for nature–through film. Wild & Scenic shares an urgent call to action, encouraging festival-goers to learn more about what they can do to save our threatened planet. Featuring 100+ films, workshops, visiting filmmaker and activist talks, family-friendly programs, art exhibitions, parties and more. |
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Sam Grisman ProjectFriday, February 21, 8:00-10:00pm The Miners Foundry
325 Spring Street, Nevada City “The Sam Grisman Project, a band inaugurated in 2022—with Sam on upright bass—revives the music of Garcia and venerable bluegrass player David Grisman, or “Dawg,” Sam’s father.” – Paste Magazine |
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Chinese Lunar New Year Celebration and Parade!Sunday, February 23
Downtown Nevada City This family friendly event begins at noon with a Parade starting at Robinson Plaza, proceeding up Commercial Street, and ending at the Miners Foundry. The festivities feature Lion and Dragon Dancers of Eastern Ways Martial Arts, Entertainment, and Food. |
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MUSE Party!Thursday, March 13
5:30-7:00pm The Center for the Arts
314 W Main Street, Grass Valley Come celebrate the newest issue of MUSE - A Guide to Local Art & Culture along with the many contributors and artists featured inside! |
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Celebrating the Upstate California Creative Corps
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The grant may be over, yet the impact remains!Nevada County Arts Council is proud to share the Impact Report from their last two years as an Administering Organization for the California Creative Corps. Take a moment to check out their Film Playlist on YouTube, documenting and highlighting the tremendous creativity and community building of just a few of the amazing Upstate Creative Corps grantees.
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Interested in learning more about the goings on in our sister cultural district? Sign up to receive the Truckee Turntable.
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Copyright © 2025 Grass Valley-Nevada City Cultural District, All rights reserved.
You've received this email because you are interested in the arts, culture and people of Grass Valley-Nevada City Cultural District. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Our mailing address is: Grass Valley-Nevada City Cultural District
PO Box 1833
Nevada City, CA 95959-1833
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