Sierra Arts Foundation and Nevada Department of Agriculture Bring Back “Brush & Brews” Live Art Competition July 17

Sierra Arts Foundation, a nonprofit organization that works to advocate for arts and the artists within a 200 mile radius of Reno/Sparks, and the Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA), the state regulatory agency for agriculture and creator of the Nevada Craft Beverage Passport, are bringing their Brush & Brews event back for a second iteration on Thursday, July 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Depot Brewery & Distillery in Reno. The live art competition pairs fast-paced creativity with Nevada craft beverages for an unforgettable night of community, competition, and culture. Tickets are $25 and include event access, one beverage from The Depot and voting rights. 

Twelve artists will compete in three 20-minute rounds, creating original pieces based on surprise themes. Audience members will vote on their favorites to determine which six finalists advance to the final showdown. Attendees can also collect a Nevada Craft Beverage Passport stamp from The Depot and enjoy an evening supporting local talent. 

"This series celebrates the energy and diversity of Nevada's creative economy, which includes those who craft such enjoyable beverages," said Tracey Oliver, executive director at Sierra Arts Foundation. "It's fun, it's unpredictable, and it's an incredible way to connect with local artists while supporting their work directly."

The Nevada Craft Beverage Passport, a joint effort between NDA and Made In Nevada, encourages Nevadans to visit local distilleries, breweries, wineries and meaderies. Participants earn prizes by collecting stamps at participating businesses, including The Depot. The Nevada Craft Beverage Passport works to introduce more Nevadans and visitors to the wide-ranging talents of the state's artisans. 

"We're proud to partner again on this unique event that highlights both artistic and agricultural talent," said NDA Director J.J. Goicoechea. "Brush & Brews is about celebrating the intersection of art and craft beverages while giving Nevadans a fun, hands-on way to connect with their local makers."

The Depot Brewery & Distillery is located at 325 E. 4th St. in Reno. Tickets for the July 17 event can be purchasedhere.
To learn more about Sierra Arts Foundation, visit www.sierraarts.org. To learn more about the Nevada Department of Agriculture and the Nevada Craft Beverage Passport, visit agri.nv.gov/passport. To learn more about The Depot, visit www.thedepotreno.com. For media inquiries, contact Rachel Gattuso, APR at rachel@gattusocoalition.com or (775) 336-9453.

About Sierra Arts Foundation:

Sierra Arts Foundation is a Reno-based nonprofit that helps find spaces for artists to share their work and performances with their respective communities while also providing educational opportunities for artists of all ages. In addition, they support artistic communities through the development and training of skill as well as the cultivation of financial support and subsequent promotional assistance. The nonprofit also integrates the arts into educational opportunities. For more information or to get involved with the Sierra Arts Foundation visit http://sierraarts.org/.

About Nevada Department of Agriculture:

The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) mission is to preserve, protect and promote Nevada’s agriculture. The department has 225 dedicated employees providing services in its five divisions, Administrative Services, Animal Industry, Measurement Standards, Food and Nutrition, and Plant Health and Compliance. The department’s $288 million budget facilitates regulatory and administrative work in agriculture and food manufacturing industries, protecting public and environmental health and worker safety, and providing food distribution and oversight for the United States Department of Agriculture’s school and community nutrition programs.

About The Depot Brewery & Distillery:

Located in a historic train depot in downtown Reno, The Depot Brewery & Distillery is dedicated to the art of transformation—elevating simple ingredients into exceptional craft beers, spirits, and food. With a focus on quality, creativity, and local sourcing, The Depot blends traditional techniques with imaginative experimentation. Every product reflects a commitment to craft and a belief that care and passion can turn the ordinary into something extraordinary. Learn more at www.thedepotreno.com.