SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – As I walked into the Tahoe Art League Gallery a bit tardy last Thursday evening, I was greeted with the beautiful smile of Junior, a beloved member of the South Shore community. It was the Opening Night reception for the group of artists who have been coming twice a month for Teacher Kathy Dewey’s art class, Art for All. Thanks to generous funding from the City of South Lake Tahoe’s Cannabis Revenues Grant Program and El Dorado Community Fund, Tahoe Art League has been able to offer free art classes to the community. And some incredible talent is being discovered right here in South Lake Tahoe!
My first conversation was with a cool artist named Chance Bruner. Chance immediately took me over to the wall of artworks, proudly posing for a photo op with friend Alana. Chance told me how much she loves coming to the Gallery to create art.
And then I met Jesse Fiegel, age 33. Jesse is a very talented artist, as well as an expert in DC Comics and Batman, all incarnations, including Adam West and Michael Keaton. Jesse pointed out his watercolor red-crested orioles, telling me that he had seen them only once, near the Truckee River in Christmas Valley, where he lives. I was excited to tell him of my recent spotting of a Great Blue Heron at Trout Creek, my dogs nearly pulled me into the creek. We both agreed, two very lucky bird sightings!
Tony Triano, in his foppish red beret, brought me over to his collection of art. No words needed to be spoken; it was clear that he was proud.
Kimberly “Kimee” Williams, 37 years young, was another instant new friend. Chatting with her and her delightful mom Kitty, we found so much in common. When I asked Kimee if she would continue with Kathy’s art classes, she exclaimed, “You bet! I will definitely come back for more!” She continued raving, saying, “I like doing arts and crafts, I like doing things that are more creative and interesting!” She noticed my big ring, identifying it as Rose Quartz, telling me she makes jewelry too. Kimee is a gem herself! And baked the best lemon cream frosted cupcakes ever!
As the artists said their goodbyes, one last fella remained. I had met Josh Polito briefly at Shelley Zentner’s pastel demonstration last month. He is a renewing member of the Tahoe Art League. His woodwork pieces are simply stunning. He is a finish carpenter by trade, and truly a gifted artist. He showed me photo after photo on his phone, the most exquisite and unusual wood art pieces, mostly made from birch. As you study closely, faces and animals appear, trompe l’oeil at its best. Very excited that he will be participating in our annual Artist Studio Tour this summer, the weekend of August 1-3, 2025.
Thank you to the Tahoe Women’s Community Fund for their generous grant to the Tahoe Art League for 2025-26, to keep art being created in South Lake Tahoe!
Please visit our Gallery at 3062 Lake Tahoe Blvd., open Thursdays through Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Subscribe to our Monthly Newsletter listing all art-related, cultural, music, theatre events in Lake Tahoe and surrounding areas. www.TALart.org
Artfully yours, Michelle Gomez, Boardmember Tahoe Art League
