Places of Reno: The Holland Project

The Holland Project combines art, music and culture, all into one space in midtown Reno. Located on Vesta St., the company is an all-ages art and music venue, but also hosts weekly workshops to bring the community together. Reynolds School of Journalism reporter Hannah Fogg recently caught up with the company’s art director Alisha Funkhouser to discuss what her job entails.

The main desk of the Holland Project is found between the art gallery and the stage. Funkhouser, a Reno local and former UNR student who earned her bachelor of fine arts from the university, was getting ready to host a poetry workshop. Photo by Hannah Fogg

Listen to the audio story below about the Holland Project and Funkhouser by Hannah Fogg.

“I started out as Holland just as a volunteer coming out and photographing bands when they were performing and photographing some of the art shows,” Funkhouser said.

Funkhouse posing in the art gallery surrounded by artwork she has hung up herself.Photo by Hannah Fogg

Funkhouser hard at work on her computer, where most of her work takes place. She is usually found on this couch located in front of their community library. Photo by Hannah Fogg

Funkhouser’s job usually consists of working on her computer, hanging up art pieces, or setting up chairs and tables for a poetry workshop.

Funkhouser lays out the exhibits herself, but works with a group of people to determine what they will display for the month. Photo by Hannah Fogg

“We have a gallery committee that meets once a month and then usually every 3 to 4 months we do a proposal review process,” Funkhouser said. “A lot of exhibitions we have in the space come to us through proposals from the artists.”

The Scholastic Art Show is currently on display in their gallery, and it features art done by high school and middle school students.

Beautiful sculptures and paintings all done by middle and high school students. Photo by Hannah Fogg

The Scholastic Art Show is displayed on various walls. Photo by Hannah Fogg

The Holland Project isn’t only known for their art gallery. The venue also hosts concerts near the back of the building on a small and intimate stage. It has hosted local and international bands, and even some other events such as poetry slams. The crowd size varies from act to act, but each time Funkhouser has noticed some new faces.

The crowd size found by the stage varies from act to act. The more well known the act, the more crowded this space gets. Photo by Hannah Fogg

The Holland Project emphasizes the importance of local music and art while also establishing a sense of community.

The venue is celebrating its 10 year anniversary next month, as they hope to continue reaching artists and the community of Reno.

Photos, Reporting and Audio Story by Hannah Fogg