ONE OF A KIND ART EXPERIENCE IN NATURE ONCE AGAIN A TREMENDOUS SUCCESS
Award winning artists from all over the country performed during Trails & Vistas 10th anniversary art hikes which feature live music, original dance performances, poetry, storytelling, sculpture and painting on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) near Truckee and Lake Tahoe Sept. 7 and 8, 2013.
Adults and children had the opportunity to experience art in nature like never before in the Tahoe National Forest during the Trails & Vistas “Reflections” themed art hikes. More than 30 participating artists including celebrated musicians, extraordinary dancers, published poets, singers and visual artists performed aside stunning alpine lakes and next to a cathedral of pines with breathtaking vistas as a backdrop during the three hour long guided hikes. This year’s artists came from as far away as Boston and the San Francisco Bay area and from neighboring Reno, NV, Grass Valley, Truckee and Lake Tahoe.
THE ART HIKE EXPERIENCE
Every year Trails & Vista’s invites you to slow down, breathe deeply and experience the pure bliss of nearly three hours immersed along an incredible section of the Sierra Nevada. A trained guide will lead the way, stopping at a dozen points along the trail where Trails & Vistas’ featured artists perform original work. These artists range from modern dance to ancient songs, from percussion to strings. Along the way unique art pieces will delight the senses, each step offers an opportunity to become more relaxed and inspired.
“We are very excited to bring a depth of talent in dance, art and music from around the world to this magical trail with alpine lakes and glacier boulders,” says Nancy Tieken Lopez, executive and co artistic director of Trails and Vistas. “We have asked a number of artists to return to help us honor the past and celebrate our 10th year anniversary.”
Lopez began creating art hikes while earning her Masters of Fine Arts degree from San Jose State University over fifteen years ago. ”My art is about connection – to a place, to the earth, to people’s lives,” shares Lopez who works closely with choreographer Elizabeth Archer to create the memorable interactive art hikes in the Lake Tahoe and Truckee region.
Art hikes take place every year after Labor Day weekend with sales starting on Earth Day, April 22. Specialty hikes include family hikes, meditative hikes for adults seeking an especially quiet and spiritual connection and leisurely hikes for people seeking a much slower pace. Over the past ten years, the annual event has consistently sold out, so advance ticket purchase is highly recommended!
10th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT
Saturday, Sept. 7, the public was invited to Trails & Vistas evening concert, a celebration of world music and original performance art at the Truckee Amphitheatre at 6 p.m. The opening act by Ann Licater, an award-winning flutist, enticed the crowd with a variety of flutes and tunes that enchanted the crowd. Acclaimed dancers from Inner Rhythms Dance Theatre and renown muralist Susie Alexander were also featured during the energy packed concert. Performances by 18-string acoustic double-neck guitarist Ian Ethan Case from Massachusetts, Taiko Tsurunokai, a Japanese drum group based in Reno, NV and the forty-piece San Jose State University Symphony Orchestra stole the show.
ABOUT TRAILS & VISTAS
Trails & Vistas is a nonprofit organization that seeks to create art experiences in nature that inspire environmental awareness.Trails & Vistas’ annual art hikes are a collaborative effort led by Founder/Artistic Director Nancy Tieken Lopez and Co-Director Elizabeth Archer. Vital support comes from volunteers and regional organizations including the Truckee Donner Land Trust, InnerRhythms Dance Theatre and the KidZone Children’s Museum. The first art hike was created as Tieken-Lopez’ thesis project in 1994. After moving to Truckee, she expanded the art hikes to form Trails & Vistas with Elizabeth Archer and InnerRhythms. Trails & Vistas hikers have experienced art in nature in Gregory Creek Canyon, Azalea Lake, Donner Ski Ranch, Tahoe Donne, Squaw Valley, Shirley Canyon, Spooner Lake and Summit Lake.
Edited by: Maura
