Artists Studio in the Foothills presents programs, invites Champ Gallery partnership

Amanda Pleti, owner and director of Artists Studio in the Foothills, told the Nevada City Public Arts Commission on May 7 that her organization provides studio space, community classrooms and a rotating gallery intended to promote local artists.

"The Artists Studio in the Foothills is a fully equipped studio art center and educational facility," Pleti said, describing ASIF’s ceramics and printmaking studios, ongoing classes and a gallery that hosts rotating exhibits and community events. ASIF said it supports more than 20 working artists and runs an "artists in the schools" program that has operated since 2017.

Commissioners asked where ASIF is located and how it could collaborate with the city’s Champ Gallery. Staff and Pleti clarified ASIF’s location on Idaho–Maryland Road in Grass Valley and discussed possible liaisons to inform local artists about Champ Gallery calls for entry. Commissioners suggested a site visit and noted staff had scheduled a framing workshop for artists ahead of the Champ Gallery opening.

Pleti said the center uses a mix of instructor-led classes, community outreach and an email list of more than 2,500 recipients to promote exhibitions and educational programs. She invited commissioners to visit ASIF during open hours and offered to provide promotional materials for distribution.

The presentation concluded with commissioners thanking Pleti and asking staff to consider a field trip or stronger liaison links between the commission’s Champ Gallery program and ASIF’s artist networks. The Champ Gallery’s next opening, "Youth Visions of Tomorrow," will hold an opening reception May 28 at 5 p.m.

The commission moved on to other agenda items after expressing interest in further collaboration and potential artist referrals from ASIF.