arts for all nevada
Arts for All Nevada is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Reno, seeking to integrate the exploration of arts and culture into the lives of all, starting with our own community. We offer a variety of quality fine art classes to the public, implement art programs in the school systems, and steward the historic Lake Mansion responsibly as a community center for exploration of arts and culture. While our emphasis is on those who have a disability, are disadvantaged, at-risk, or underserved by the arts, we recognize that every individual in our community has a role to play in the arts. People of all ages, skill levels, backgrounds, and experience can find their place at Arts for All Nevada, as our classes and programs focus on a variety of different art movements and media including visual art, creative movement, drama, and literary expression. We envision a world unified by the arts, where communities engage, create, and grow together.
OUR VALUES
ACCESSIBILITY
The freedom to make and appreciate art, regardless of age, ability, or circumstance, should be given to all. Arts for All Nevada prioritizes making art accessible to anyone, no matter what obstacles they might face.
EXPRESSION
Artists should have the freedom to express themselves authentically through imagination, creation, and exhibition. Art has the power to give everyone a voice, a means of self-expression, and the power to grow themselves and the world around them.
Empowerment
The arts can give individuals the opportunity to grow their skills, self-esteem, and creativity – a chance to focus on ability rather than disability. Not only do we value acceptance here at Arts for All Nevada, but we take it a step further and intentionally encourage those involved in our programs.
DIVERSITY
We understand that a complete appreciation of the arts requires a complete appreciation of diversity in histories, cultures, and experiences. Arts for All Nevada seeks diversity in our staff, board, art educators and students alike, recognizing that our art forms, expressions, and artistic interpretations are stronger when we acknowledge many perspectives.




OUR VALUES
ACCESSIBILITY
The freedom to make and appreciate art, regardless of age, ability, or circumstance, should be given to all. Arts for All Nevada prioritizes making art accessible to anyone, no matter what obstacles they might face.

EXPRESSION
Artists should have the freedom to express themselves authentically through imagination, creation, and exhibition. Art has the power to give everyone a voice, a means of self-expression, and the power to grow themselves and the world around them.

Empowerment
The arts can give individuals the opportunity to grow their skills, self-esteem, and creativity – a chance to focus on ability rather than disability. Not only do we value acceptance here at Arts for All Nevada, but we take it a step further and intentionally encourage those involved in our programs.

DIVERSITY
We understand that a complete appreciation of the arts requires a complete appreciation of diversity in histories, cultures, and experiences. Arts for All Nevada seeks diversity in our staff, board, art educators and students alike, recognizing that our art forms, expressions, and artistic interpretations are stronger when we acknowledge many perspectives.

OUR VALUES
ACCESSIBILITY
The freedom to make and appreciate art, regardless of age, ability, or circumstance, should be given to all. Arts for All Nevada prioritizes making art accessible to anyone, no matter what obstacles they might face.

EXPRESSION
Artists should have the freedom to express themselves authentically through imagination, creation, and exhibition. Art has the power to give everyone a voice, a means of self-expression, and the power to grow themselves and the world around them.

Empowerment
The arts can give individuals the opportunity to grow their skills, self-esteem, and creativity – a chance to focus on ability rather than disability. Not only do we value acceptance here at Arts for All Nevada, but we take it a step further and intentionally encourage those involved in our programs.

DIVERSITY
We understand that a complete appreciation of the arts requires a complete appreciation of diversity in histories, cultures, and experiences. Arts for All Nevada seeks diversity in our staff, board, art educators and students alike, recognizing that our art forms, expressions, and artistic interpretations are stronger when we acknowledge many perspectives.

HISTORY
Arts for All Nevada was founded in 1986 under the name of Very Special Arts Nevada. Our goal was to coordinate with the community’s art organizations to produce art festivals that involved day-long artistic activities, hands-on art experiences, and live performances. Over the years, our involvement with the community grew, and our mission expanded into preserving the historic Lake Mansion as a community center for the exploration of arts and culture. In 2015 we renamed ourselves Arts for All Nevada to better represent our core mission, and we now facilitate the integration of art and culture into the lives of all people in Nevada by offering a variety of quality fine art classes to the public, and implementing art programs into the school systems.

vision
We envision a world unified by the arts, where communities engage, create, and grow together.
We envision a world unified by the arts. Participation and appreciation of the arts would be encouraged in every community, and art would be prioritized in every individual’s daily experience and education.
Quality art learning experiences that are specifically designed for students with disabilities would be just as accessible as art learning experiences designed for those without disabilities.
Every art educator would be prepared and equipped to not only include students who have disabilities in their instruction, but to serve them well through specialized curriculum.
Accessibility gaps in the arts would be completely bridged. Thoughtful and effective art curriculums and programs would be available, funded, and initiated in every school district in every community, reaching those of all ability levels and income levels.
OUR PROGRAMS
People of all ages, skill levels, backgrounds, and experience can find their place at Arts for All Nevada, as our classes and programs focus on a variety of different art movements and media including visual art, creative movement, drama, and literary expression.
See our list of programs offered below. Many of our programs are free of charge for the participant. For questions regarding programs, call 826-6100 ext. 3#, info@artsforallnevada.org
American Sign Language in the Arts
Artist in Residency
Art Adventures After-School Program
Art Classes for Youth and Adults
Family Arts and Cultural Festival Series
Renown Pediatrics Program
Artown’s Summer Arts Festival, Discover the Arts Series
Creativity Camps for Kids
Early Childhood Education
Holiday Party for Youth in Transition
Kononia Family Services
Lake Mansion Preservation
Lake Mansion Tours
Little Library
Lovelock Arts Festival
Arts Education in General Education Classrooms
Monday Art Makers
Renown Behavioral Services
Renown Rehabilitation Hospital
Scholarships
Sierra Nevada Journeys
Team Up/21st Century
Weekly Wonders/Leisure without Limits
TEACHERS
Arts for All Nevada‘s Teaching Artists are professionals with expertise in one or more art disciplines. They are skilled in working with children, youth, adults and classroom teachers in both educational and recreational settings. They are familiar and comfortable working with various abilities and ages, and are experienced in adapting their instruction and techniques to reach all learners.
GET TO KNOW OUR TEACHERS

Desi Barrett

heather boni

lorna denton

karen hayes

cheryl johnson

alejandro marin-sarria

galina milton

vivian olds

sophie ralston

ROBIN ROBINSON

Skye Snyder

alison tomei

MARK TYLER

jason williams

STAFF
GET TO KNOW OUR STAFF AND BOARD

JACKIE CLAY
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

KATIE DEBRABANDER
PROGRAMS MANAGER

eva lerud
During the school year K-12
“arts in education” coordinator

Kris Lamothe
Administrative Assistant
VOLUNTEER BOARD OF DIRECTORs
Jean Nichols, President
Joyce Thompson, Vice President
Glennis Bishop, Secretary
Daniel Maffett, Treasurer
Mara Langer
Kendall Nolan
Leah Whittler
If you are interested in joining the Arts for All Nevada Board of Directors please send a letter of inquiry to jclay@artsforallnevada.org
PARTNERS
marshall r. matley foundation
robert z. hawkins foundation
bretzlaff foundation
SUPPORT US
As a community-based organization, Arts for All Nevada depends on support from individuals, corporations, foundations, and organizations across Nevada. Our partners make it possible to provide arts opportunities to all and to preserve and maintain the historic Lake Mansion.
