Reno, Nev. (July 12, 2019) — Ahead of next month’s Northern Nevada International Dragon Boat Festival, Immunize Nevada brings artists and athletes together to showcase the most exciting event of the Reno-Tahoe event season. The Paddles and Palettes exhibit is now showing at the Sparks Museum and Cultural Center. This public art project celebrates local artists as well as the scenic beauty of the Sparks Marina.

The exhibit features upcycled and repurposed Dragon Boat paddles by twenty local artists, and photography by Ty C. O’Neil from This is Reno. These original works represent all ages; reflect diverse themes; made with a variety of materials. “Paddles and palettes not only showcases the creativity and talent of local artists,” said Heidi Parker, Executive Director of Immunize Nevada. “It also highlights the vibrancy and camaraderie of the annual dragon boat festival at the Sparks Marina.”

All paddles are up for bid via online auction at www.32auctions.com/2019paddles, and proceeds help connect thousands of Nevadans each day with reliable information, resources, and access to life-saving vaccines. At a time when the United States is experiencing the greatest number of measles cases in twenty-seven years, Immunize Nevada’s life-saving mission of promoting health and preventing disease is as crucial now as it was when founded in 1995.

This exciting showcase will culminate with an Artist’s Reception on Thursday, July 18th at 5:30 p.m. The public is invited to meet the artists behind these incredible works. Attendees will enjoy light refreshments and will have the opportunity to register as a team or as an individual for next month’s festivals.

This exhibit is part of Artown and made possible by the artists, GWN Dragon Boat, Sparks Museum and Cultural Center, NVEnergy, Saint Mary’s, Hometown Health, 509 Creative, Lightray Studios, and This is Reno.

Immunize Nevada is widely recognized as Nevada’s trusted resource for immunizations and community health for all ages by fostering education and statewide collaboration. Immunize Nevada’s vision is healthy communities across Nevada protected from vaccine-preventable disease. For more information, visit ImmunizeNevada.org.