South Valleys Library presents
"The Allure of Abandonment"
by Taylor Neitzke

The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust Art Gallery at the South Valleys Library presents "The Allure of Abandonment," an exhibition of photographs by Taylor Neitzke.  The show opens on April 21 and continues through June11, with an artists reception on Saturday, April 26, from  3 to 4:30 p.m.

Neitzke is a student at Galena High School and recently received a Silver Key award for her photography portfolio during the Scholastic Art Awards.  She says that she comes from a very artistic family and that, other than one year of instruction in graphic design, she is a self-taught artist.  She does note, however, that the class in graphic design has had a profound effect upon her art.  "It has guided me in the direction in which I want to go, and helped me to look at art in a more technical aspect, rather than relying on creativity."

Neitzke's photographs are not decorative, pretty pictures.  Instead, they evoke a sense of mystery and a glimpse into the unknown.  "What is thought to be disgusting and gross can be beautiful, and that is what I hope to acheive with this series," she says of the exhibition, "The Allure of Abandonment."  "My favorite type of setting is when I find it and do nothing additional to it.  I would rather discover an inspiring location than create one."

Neitzke plans to attend the Pacific Northwest College of Art in the fall, working toward a degree in fine arts, and hopes to make a career of designing graphics for outdoor recreational gear, such as snowboards or skateboards.  "The idea that someone would be riding my art on the waves, cement or snow would be all I could ask for," she says.

The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust Art Gallery is funded by the Friends of Washoe County and the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust and is managed by Sierra Arts.
It is located within the South Valleys Library at 15650A Wedge Parkway in Reno.  The exhibition is open and free to the public during normal library hours.  Call 851-5190 for library hours and location.  For more information about this show, call 329-ARTS/2787.

     —Exhibition:  Through June 11.

—Reception: April 26, 3-4:30 p.m.