Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) continues to expand its commitment to arts education by providing students and alumni with opportunities beyond the classroom. One of the main avenues for this is participation in the Reno Tahoe International Art Show (RTIA), an annual event in Northern Nevada that connects artists, students, collectors, and community members.
The RTIA was established in 2022 by Kevin O'Keefe and Briana Dolan, following their earlier work with the Reno Arts Collective in 2021. The goal was to strengthen connections between artists and the local community, especially after the challenges of the pandemic. Over time, this initiative developed into a large-scale art show with an international reach but remained focused on celebrating the character and culture of the Reno-Tahoe region.
Briana Dolan, one of RTIA's organizers, said: "There is a whole segment of the general population that feels without a doubt that if they don't 'get' art or if they feel priced out of the commercial element, entering a fine art event for enjoyment is out of the question. That attitude is not one people stumble into. Art can feel untouchable from a very young age—and that needs to change." She explained that RTIA includes various forms of art such as 2D works, sculpture, wearable art, furniture, film, dance, and music to make it accessible to everyone.
Dolan also noted: "Institutions like TMCC have been well represented since the start, and the show's fourth edition features a special student exhibition program. This initiative gives 10 elementary through high schools complimentary exhibition space to showcase young talent. Included in the Best of Show voting, one exceptional student wins $1,500 in booth credit for the following year's show, along with a unique physical award designed and fabricated by local artist Ted Demolski.”
She emphasized education’s role at RTIA: "Art education has been imperative to the story of the RTIA Show.” Dolan added: "Allowing young people or young professionals the space to be recognized for what they've created—and the schools that support them—is huge."
TMCC offers visual and fine arts programs including certificates and associate degrees covering fine arts, photography, graphic design and more. The curriculum combines technical training with critical thinking and professional development.
Candace Garlock, TMCC Professor, said: "Kevin O'Keefe and Briana Dolan have gifted us all something extraordinary. Right here in Reno, we can participate in a large-scale art fair. Our students get to experience this. They can aspire to something bigger than they might have first imagined."
Alumni from TMCC who take part in RTIA gain exposure to commercial aspects of exhibiting artwork while refining their ability to present themselves professionally.
Garlock stated: "The art faculty at TMCC is incredibly supportive of our art students, and we continually create opportunities for them in the community."
One example is Tenessa Ripple—a TMCC alumna—who began volunteering at RTIA during its early years before eventually exhibiting her own work after being invited by Dolan when another artist dropped out last minute. Ripple later became Artown Reno Festival Manager.
Reflecting on her experience at RTIA after graduating from TMCC in 2020 Ripple said: "For the first time since graduating from TMCC in 2020, I had a consistent body of work and felt a deep connection to my artistic style... Seeing the faces of my former instructors filled with pride and encouragement brought me back to my time in their classrooms. It reminded me how far I've come—not just as an artist, but as a person."
Ripple credits faculty support for her growth: "I'm incredibly proud to be a TMCC alum... Their dedication, patience, and the time they invested in every student speak volumes. I wouldn't be where I am today without their support and belief in me."
Ripple’s involvement led her toward solo exhibitions supported by RTIA’s resources as well as career advancement within local arts administration.
Faculty such as Brandon Lacow help coordinate student exhibitions at RTIA; notably TMCC’s booth won Best in Show for Galleries section in 2024 which provided additional exhibition credits for future events.
Students gain practical skills through courses like Art 299 where they manage booths at events like RTIA—preparing them for independent participation later on.
Garlock commented on inclusivity within both organizations: "Northern Nevada is a region that celebrates creative individuality—whether 'rogue,' traditional,’ or somewhere in between. TMCC's programs reflect that diversity, encouraging students to find and cultivate their unique artistic voice."
TMCC encourages those interested in pursuing arts education or participating further within Northern Nevada’s growing arts scene to connect with its Visual and Performing Arts Department.