The Artists Co-op is featuring the Emerging Artists in our gallery during the month of January 2024.
The artists Featured are Deanna Cordova, Rachel Grey, Ashley Farrar, Kelsey Mast, and Marena Middleton.
The reception will be on Sunday, Jan 7, from 12-4 pm.
We at the Artists’ Co-op aim to discover and open our doors to new and emerging artists in our community.
There is a vital and thriving community surrounding The Artists’ Co-operative of Reno. The members of the Artists’ Co-op know the importance of art and creativity to all members of this community. We also know that there are many artists in the community who do not have the opportunity to display and sell their work. This project will give those undiscovered artists a way to be seen as well as a mentorship to provide them with the tools to take their artistic careers to the next level.
Deanna M Cordova
“Deanna M Cordova, a passionate artist hailing from San Mateo, California, finds inspiration in the enchanting landscapes of northern Nevada. Her artistic journey began in 2004 at the Academy of Art University, leading her to pursue graphic design at Truckee Meadows Community College. In 2019, Deanna fulfilled her dream, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design from Bellevue University.
As a freelancer, her artistic vision shines through logos, t-shirt designs, and commissioned watercolor portraits, showcasing mastery across diverse mediums. In 2023, she transitioned to fine arts, earning acclaim with “Sunset in Joshua Tree” at the Latimer Art Club’s 16th Annual Miniature Show.
In 2024, Deanna continues her journey with a group exhibition at the Artists Co-Op Gallery in Reno, highlighting her growth. Specializing in animal portraits, particularly endangered species, she employs art to reveal their innate beauty and raise awareness. A member of esteemed organizations like the Sierra Watercolor Society, Deanna is dedicated to preserving the natural world’s beauty, serving as a beacon in the artistic realm, illuminating nature’s splendor and the plight of endangered creatures.”
Ashley Farrar
Ashley Farrar is a self-taught Reno-based photographer and mother of two. A late bloomer in the world of photography, she embarked on her creative journey at the age of 30, starting in the realm of landscapes. She has honed her craft into bold, edgy statement pieces. Her love for photography stems from her desire to freeze moments in time and emphasize the profound impact of those instants that have slipped through our fingers. Her current body of work is characterized by a deep appreciation for high contrast and bold visuals. She has been published in online magazines, including Shutter Up and Bold And Beautiful Magazine. She aims to expand her horizons by exploring more avant-garde and fine art photography. She embraces every opportunity to explore the world, often with her camera in tow. Whether it’s traversing rugged landscapes or embarking on urban escapades, she is always ready to seize the moment.
Instagram: @photos_by_afarrar
Rachel Grey
My art is a personal journey of self-discovery and healing, shaped by my unique perspective as a person with autism and ADHD. Each piece I create is a profound intertwining of my identity, reinforcing my sense of purpose.Through abstract works, I communicate the diverse experiences of being queer, neurodivergent, and disabled, using colors and forms to convey a range of emotions, from turmoil to joy. My art serves as a bridge, connecting diverse human experiences through visual storytelling. My art is an act of rebellion, a celebration of diversity, and a revelation of the profound interconnectedness of humanity.
Instagram: @rachel.grey.paints
Kelsey Mast
Born in South Bend, Indiana, Kelsey’s journey with the arts began in the embrace of melodies and rhythms. She adored climbing trees when she was seven and sketched for hours at a time, listening to music on her tape player. Her sonic inspirations, spanning the rock anthems of Led Zeppelin,
Eric Clapton, The Beatles, and Jimi Hendrix, to the soulful sounds of Motown and the masterful cello of Yo-Yo Ma, shaped her multifaceted artistic pursuits. With music as her guiding muse, Kelsey dove into various musical disciplines, from the keys of a piano and strings of a cello to
the graceful movements of dance. Her studio resonates with melodies, a testament to her belief that art and music are inseparable companions.
Kelsey honed her craft at the esteemed Herron School of Art & Design in Indianapolis, Indiana.
With a BA in Fine/Studio Arts earned in 2012, she delved deeper into the world of art, embarking on her MA in Art Therapy the following year. Kelsey’s academic pursuits mirror her personal convictions about the transformative and therapeutic power of creative expression.
Equipped with skills in a diverse range of mediums — from painting, drawing, and ceramics to performance art and new media — Kelsey is an artistic chameleon. Her passion lies not just in personal creation but in fostering creativity in others.
Now residing in the vibrant city of Reno, Nevada, Kelsey continues to marry her artistry with her professional endeavors. She has experience in collaborating with esteemed designers, galleries, and diverse clientele, crafting unique works that bear her distinctive touch. While weekends are reserved for teaching art lessons to people of all ages and skill sets, she looks forward to calling herself a full-time artist in December 2023.
Marena Middleton
Born and raised in Reno, Nevada, my artistic journey began at the age of 7, delving into charcoal drawing and, later, pen and ink. Little did I know then that this simple act would grow into a powerful means of expression, helping me navigate the complexities of life.
At 18, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a turning point that profoundly impacted my art. As the disease began to develop in my late teens, my artwork evolved to incorporate my emotions. Embracing the whirlwind of emotions, I found solace in the strokes of my pens and pencils.
I use human figures in my work because my work surrounds the human experience, and I can best communicate my thoughts and feelings through the use of figures. Their forms embody the essence of the human experience – raw, vulnerable, and deeply profound. Through these figures, I articulate the intricate language of my thoughts and feelings.
I deliberately choose a palette of black and white, a reflection of the often somber themes I explore in my work. My work serves as a canvas for my emotions, allowing me to confront the darkness within and transform it into something tangible and beautiful. My hope is that those who view my work find solace in the shared human experience, recognizing that amidst the darkness, there is beauty, strength, and the unwavering spirit to endure.
Instagram: @eclectic_art_by_mar Tik tok: @eclectic_art_by_mar
