ReTRAC Mural Comes To Life The Week Of June 7 In Downtown Reno

Press release from the City of Reno:

June 7, 2021

Starting the morning of Monday, June 7, 2021, artist Brad Carney’s mural, Locomotion, will come to life on the ReTRAC Plaza in downtown Reno. Carney, a nationally recognized artist, was selected by the Reno Arts and Culture Commission (RACC) and their Public Art Committee (PAC) to design and lead the painting of the mural.

The RACC and PAC put out a call to artists for the ReTRAC project, which will cover a space of approximately 18,000 square feet. Carney, who has worked with Mural Arts Philadelphia in varying capacities for 17 years, has created several large-scale ground murals and coordinated volunteer teams.

The design of the mural is inspired by features in the Reno region, including the Truckee River, local flora, mountain ridges, elements of the Reno flag, and a reference to the train track that runs below the space. The vibrant colors are inspired by Nevada’s amazing sunrises and sunsets.

The mural will be painted directly on the ground and should last for three years with minimal maintenance. Painting of the mural will occur from June 7-11, 2021. Carney will be leading teams of about 300 volunteers to help paint the mural. The design can be replicated so staff and volunteers can repaint portions of it as necessary to extend the life of the piece.

On July 22, 2020, Reno City Council accepted a $25,000 grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies for the Asphalt Art Initiative. The grant went toward the creation of Carney’s mural on the ReTRAC Plaza.

The DRP is working with the City of Reno on a beautification project for the ReTRAC area. Initial plans are to plant drought resistant plants, large canopy trees, add artistic fencing on the vents, and create a unifying look for the area. The mural is an integral part of this plan.

The Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development’s (GOED) Nevada Main Street Program recently announced up to $30,000 in grant funds to DRP for illumination of the ReTRAC mural.

This press release was produced by the City of Reno. The views expressed are the author's own.