Pirates, Knights and Witches of Reno, Helping the Homeless

The so-called "Pirates of Reno", members of a caring culture who dress and act the part, have a long tradition of feeding the homeless on a weekly basis on Record Street, as part of the We Care Volunteers program. The pirates were front and center at the recent Reno-Sparks Pagan Pride day.

Photos and Reporting by Ashley Andrews

Flogging, water torture, accepting bribes to issue warrants, drenched survivors told to "go forth and sin some more," and auctions for We Care Volunteers were part of the festivities as pirates and witches invaded Idlewild Park.

George (right), a father of four and grandfather of one, now living on the streets, recognized the Pirates of Reno from their weekly feeding.

A Knight of the Favor Jar gave George some cheer and bottled water.

The Knights, like the Pirates, perform volunteer work. Knights volunteer their time to help others do just about anything. Knights will shovel snow, move furniture or sit and talk. When the Reno-Sparks Pagan Pride Day 2016 came to a close, Knights h… — The Knights, like the Pirates, perform volunteer work. Knights volunteer their time to help others do just about anything. Knights will shovel snow, move furniture or sit and talk. When the Reno-Sparks Pagan Pride Day 2016 came to a close, Knights helped clean up. Gathering flowers used in the Mabon pagan ritual ceremony of thanks for a bountiful harvest, this Knight struck a pose.

Photos and Reporting by Ashley Andrews for Our Town Reno

Thriving Despite the Odds: the South Town Tattoo Collective

Amid rising rents in downtown and Midtown Reno and lots of competition among tattoo parlors and tattoo artists, the South Town Tattoo Collective is living up to its name: collegial, giving, socially conscious and accessible in a shared space without prohibitive costs. Artists from the collective also work on community gardens and hold weekly potlucks for people living without a roof over the heads.

Photos, Interviews and Captions by Candice Vialpando

“The main purpose for starting a ‘collective’ tattoo shop was the idea of breaking down hierarchy,” says founder and tattoo artist Jay Dee Skinner.

Jay Dee Skinner has been tattooing since 2010. He is best known for his portraits, photo realism, black and grey colors, and custom lettering tattoos.

“Reno is an art town. It is overwhelmed with tattoo shops. We have so much to benefit from being a collective,” says Nichole Moore, one of the tattoo artists at the South Town Tattoo Collective.

Moore is booked out with about three, four customers a day. This back Mandala piece (many times defined as a geometric figure representing the universe through symbolism) has so far taken her 24 hours, and will be completed after another 8 hours of … — Moore is booked out with about three, four customers a day. This back Mandala piece (many times defined as a geometric figure representing the universe through symbolism) has so far taken her 24 hours, and will be completed after another 8 hours of work.

"Custom, one of a kind tattoos with deep meaning, in a safe space is the demand we provide for the people," Skinner says.“Sharing a bond with the person walking through the door and becoming old friends, and quick, is my favorite part of the art (..… — "Custom, one of a kind tattoos with deep meaning, in a safe space is the demand we provide for the people," Skinner says.“Sharing a bond with the person walking through the door and becoming old friends, and quick, is my favorite part of the art (...) Our people offer up a lot of trust that we take very seriously. Our goal is to always honor that and give our very best back to the people."

Photos, Interviews and Captions by Candice Vialpando

Jack Ryan, An Artist Who "Pops Color Wheelies"

It’s almost showtime for Jack, one of the chosen for the “Artisans in the Secret Garden” show tomorrow Saturday, an all-day Artown event showcasing the work of local artists, clothiers and jewelry makers.

“I might not be a genius, but I have the hair of a genius” Jack says, in front of some his art at the Potentialist Workshop in Reno on July 8, 2016.

At his corner space at the 2nd street Potentialist Workshop, Jack, who says he likes to “pop color wheelies”, and who was encouraged to become a painter after being a local theater revelation, is figuring out logistics and which of the eight to 12 pieces he says he will be displaying.

Jack traces some of the inspiration behind his recent work to growing up in Hawaii and spending time at Pyramid Lake and Black Rock City.

Known by friends for his unique, self-taught paintings, full of dazzling color combinations and Swiss cheese cut out canvasses as well as his way with words, Jack shared some of his philosophies of life and lessons learned from painting for the past “four and half years” with Our Town Reno.

Any pre-show nerves?

“Oh no, I’m fully open to it. I’m really going to show the world what I am capable of. It’s really nice. They deserve this… I’ll be bringing some cosmological etchings and actually entire ages frozen in time. What else? And some minimal pieces. I hear people sometimes like minimal things. I used to be a minimal criminal, until that name got taken off the Internet.”

How would you describe your style as artist?

“This has been an exploration of technique revealing itself while I’m able to be patient. This is the first time I’ve had a relationship in the physical world where there’s been tangible results, I think. Although the jury is still out on that. I play music but this seems to be easier on people. Imagine what this sounds like, it might be too much."

“I like the motion. I like how it fits into my vision of showing transformal objects. You may see a symbol in there that you may not recognize, but that your DNA definitely recognizes."

Some of your pieces have cutouts on the edges. What’s the idea there?

“I’m trying to emulate time-coded tablets. I’m actually trying to throw lines of totems and tikis. I grew up in Hawaii and spend a lot of time in Pyramid Lake, and I’ve been exposed to human spirit aspects. I’m trying to let my DNA breathe those experiences. I’ve also gone to Burning Man quite a number of years and that city taught me how to throw a line. I have to throw a line where I do my art that would fit in the pantheon of that city of how much beauty I’ve been shared with. I have to fire back or else I am not doing what an artist should. And also, you could strap (my paintings) to anything in Burning Man and get shade. That’s also why the design is cut out. You can rope them. You can tape them. You can clip them. They’re made for function. They can be cheese trays. You know people eat cheese."

Jack's piece is the one in the middle on the top of one the Potentialist walls: “It’s really a crazy pornographic piece, but apparently nobody else can see it because somebody told me to put it on the wall. I’m greatly honored because it really capt… — Jack's piece is the one in the middle on the top of one the Potentialist walls: “It’s really a crazy pornographic piece, but apparently nobody else can see it because somebody told me to put it on the wall. I’m greatly honored because it really captures the transformal look I’m trying to go for, with the depths, the perspectives and the twists, and, of course, the outright beauty.”

How does painting help you?

"The frozenness, to have that one moment of frozen is kind of important in this day and age as we see image upon image upon image. We’re just inundated with images. Me having a relationship with a frozen moment is something that my soul hasn’t been able to find in another place and it’s kind of nice to be helped in this way. I never imagined it. I’ve lost weight though since becoming an artist. I even lost 30 pounds at one point, but I've regained some."

From the floor of his corner space: “That is the symbol of our age, the container for water. It’s not the water itself, it’s the bearer of the water.  As a human earthling, I was actually recently declared, I have to have a relationship with wa… — From the floor of his corner space: “That is the symbol of our age, the container for water. It’s not the water itself, it’s the bearer of the water. As a human earthling, I was actually recently declared, I have to have a relationship with water. It’s rough in our age. “

Is it really difficult to be an artist?

As an artist, they’re not kidding. They’re the lowest rung on the ladder of society for a reason. They just couldn’t make it as humans. That’s really the only reason I became an artist. I couldn’t make it as whatever is going on around here. But these four and a half years, I’ve learned what an artist is not. Maybe after a couple more months, maybe I’ll learn what an artist is. I’ve been stretched to my limits. I’ve lost everything, but it’s ok. There’s no other way out.

The free to access Saturday July 9th Artown event Artisans in The Secret Garden will be from 9 am to 4pm at 751 Marsh Ave. Reno, NV 89509.

Note: Questions and answers were trimmed. Interviews and photos for Our Town Reno on July 8, 2016.

I.B. Funny, the Balloon Maker

Story and Photo by Taylor Burnett for Our Town Reno, June 2016

Local balloon artist, I.B. Funny, poses for a picture while making balloon creations for kids at Idlewild Park. “This is a classic pose that I like,” he says as he gets into position with a smile on his face. I.B. Funny frequents local events to sha… — Local balloon artist, I.B. Funny, poses for a picture while making balloon creations for kids at Idlewild Park. “This is a classic pose that I like,” he says as he gets into position with a smile on his face. I.B. Funny frequents local events to share his craft of balloon making.

Gabriel, the Record Shop Owner

Gabriel Torres, owner of Spectre Records on Wells Avenue, prides himself in his smaller, select music collection. Spectre Records moved in December 2015 from Center Street to its current location. CREDIT: Natalie Van Hoozer for Noticiero Móvil. &nbs… — Gabriel Torres, owner of Spectre Records on Wells Avenue, prides himself in his smaller, select music collection. Spectre Records moved in December 2015 from Center Street to its current location. CREDIT: Natalie Van Hoozer for Noticiero Móvil.

Michelle, the Community Gardener

Michelle Hawkins is a volunteer coordinator at Teglia’s Paradise Park Community Garden.

Hawkins says garlic, onions, chives, collard greens and turnip greens are already looking good as this Spring 2016 slowly rolls around.

“The garden is my therapy. It does provide a need for people who do need food, and love to garden, but there’s also that very special part of us as humans who love to dig in the dirt and I think it’s very therapeutic, very spiritual to do that. This is especially great for people who live in apartments or don’t have their own garden space. We have a compost area out here for people to come out and compost. We’re a great resource for people in those positions.”

The community garden is open to individuals and non-profits.  Potlucks are held in the summer. — The community garden is open to individuals and non-profits. Potlucks are held in the summer.

Emily, the Taxidermist

photo and story by Caroline Ackerman

Emily Felch is the young owner of Natural Selection, a thriving oddities shop in Midtown Reno. Natural Selection sells taxidermied animals who died of natural causes, among an assorted selection of succulents and air plants.

Felch explains that after graduating high school she began attending UNR, but found that she neither fit in nor enjoyed school. Natural Selection has now been open for a year and a half and is located on St. Lawrence Ave. off of Virginia Street.

Kiera, the Yoga Teacher

photo and story by Camille Loustalet

Kiera Gallup has been practicing Bikram yoga off and on since September 2012, and now instructs Bikram yoga at the Juice Box Studio in northwest Reno.

Bikram Yoga is referred to as a Yang style yoga, because throughout 90 minutes one stays in the room, participants remain active- actively engaging each and every muscle to benefit their mind and body. In 105 degree heat, the practice is intense, detoxifying-yet entirely relaxing.

A Childlike Energy

While the Juice Box Studio employs several, unique teachers, Kiera is loved by her students because of her enthusiasm and childlike energy.

Childlike, because of her smiling, joking manner she talks students through each posture- making silly jokes here and there. It reminds students in the midst of the intense, very hot, challenging practice to smile, to enjoy the time they have in the room not only to heal and improve their bodies, but their minds as well.

Mind and Body

Kiera teaches her students every class that the effort they put in will only benefit them overall. Sometimes she shares stories or ideas with her classes to expand the students minds as they extend themselves to the furthest limits their bodies can handle.

A delicately beautiful practice, yoga teaches that intensity, power, ferocity can exist in the most serene exterior. Yoga does indeed transcend through one's body into their mind and spirit- bringing with it understanding of not only one's body, but of oneself.

Kenny, the Snowboard Waxer

photo and story by Carly Moran

"We have people coming in from other countries but I also get to meet a lot of locals who all have different boards and personalities and I get to work with it all," Gumns said.

Kenny Gumns has worked at the Mt. Rose Ski Resort Repair Shop for over ten years and says he loves his job because he gets to work with a variety of people. Gumns also mentioned perks such as a free season pass and free rentals which contribute to making it a fun job.

Spike, the Food Truck Guy

photo and story by Caroline Ackerman

"Working in the small space really proves how much I like my boss. Sometimes it's both of us in here together," Spike said with a laugh.

Spike works in the Taste of Chicago truck outside of Bibo Coffee on Record St. Normally a touring Americana and folk musician, Spike says working in the truck is the perfect job during the winter when he is home.

Lara, the Cooking Instructor

photo and text by Brooklyn Reich

Lara Ritchie, Culinary Director at Nothing to It! Culinary Center in Sparks, runs the cooking school, kitchen store, and catering business with her husband. — Lara Ritchie, Culinary Director at *Nothing to It! Culinary Center* in Sparks, runs the cooking school, kitchen store, and catering business with her husband.

Ritchie has been teaching cooking classes and demonstrations at Nothing to It since 2002, and has been cooking since she was very young.

She currently teaches 5 classes a week, and 400-500 students in a month. Ritchie is a big advocate for cooking with organic ingredients, especially when cooking with meats. On Thursday, March 10th she taught a class called "Killer Chicken Recipes", where she demonstrated proper technique on roasting and carving a chicken.

Ritchie says that for her the most rewarding part of teaching is "when I hear about their success stories at home". A "healthy mix" of her students are new and returning, so she makes sure to take time to chat with her students before class.

Anthony, the Tattoo Artist

photo and story by Pierce Baker

Destany Swan was having Stewart tattoo a flower on her right arm on March 13, 2016. "Anthony is super talented," Swan said. "I like his line work, we have a lot of similar interests in tattoos. So many of my friends' dads have been tattooed here. It… — Destany Swan was having Stewart tattoo a flower on her right arm on March 13, 2016. "Anthony is super talented," Swan said. "I like his line work, we have a lot of similar interests in tattoos. So many of my friends' dads have been tattooed here. It's just an amazing place."

Anthony Stewart, a tattoo artist at the Body Graphics Tattooing in downtown Reno, works at the vintage shop established in 1976.

The owners, the Martynuik family, have lined the walls with colorful knick-knacks, pictures of tattoo examples, and a ceiling filled with dollar bills on which customers are encouraged to write profanity-filled messages.

Stewart was quick to praise the family-owned parlor, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

"Everybody in here is our family. We're very old school and try to keep things traditional. This shop is still trying to keep the real heart and soul of what it used to be back in the day," Stewart said.