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Trails and Vistas artistic director Nancy Lopez.
Name: Nancy Lopez
Organization: Trails and Vistas
Residence: Truckee
Describe Trails and Vistas in a nutshell.
A unique fusion of art in the environment, Trails and Vistas is a two-mile guided art hike over granite rock faces, with breath-taking views of crystal lakes of the Sierra Nevada will encourage participants to become part of eight artistic performances focusing on this year's theme, “Songs of the Earth.”
Tell me about “open spaces” and the Truckee Donner Land Trust.
Each year Trails and Vistas art hike showcases some of the latest land acquisitions made by the Truckee Donner Land Trust for the preservation of open spaces in the greater Truckee region, a critical need for our beautiful area. With the purpose of strengthening the union of art and the awareness of our fragile environment, Trails and Vistas art hike weaves world-class music, local dancers from InnerRhythms Dance Theatre, installation art and performance poetry by Artists-in-Residence with Arts For the Schools.
Name the areas where Trails and Vistas have taken place, and this year’s locations.
Trails and Vistas was first presented at Upper Gregory Creek in 2004, with a surprising first snow fall of the season. Donner Ski Ranch, a sponsor again this year and host of “Songs of the Earth” this weekend, Sept. 6 and 7.
Tell me about audience reactions during past events.
Here is one from a previous performance participant: “Thank you to all who participated in this year's Art Walk, Origins and Elements. Its impact on us was profound. For one thing, the effort seemed to have been made entirely outside of ego, in an obvious spirit of service. The combination of such elevated expression with the impact of a powerful natural landscape simply put has changed us. I feel that after our hearts have soared like this, they will never really come back down,” participant, Gwendalyn Gilliam.
What groups are involved in performing?
From Walking Mountain Yoga working with the Washo of Lake Tahoe to African Drumming from Senegal, West Africa, Trails and Vistas will take you around the world through music, dance, art and poetry.
Who does the set-up previous to shows?
I am the Artistic Director of Trails and Vistas, but I am also a pack mule along with my loving husband, Cesar Lopez, for we both help carry whatever instruments or artwork the performers require. This year I’m going easy on Cesar and not making him hand-carry 500 pounds of red clay up the mountain to the last site on the trail. No promises for next year, honey.
How does it feel to volunteer?
It feels great to help foster a love of the arts and protection of the environment. I volunteer for the Arts and Culture Council of Truckee Tahoe to help build a thriving art community here. I have witnessed the excitement and the hard work that artists and community members are putting forth to help bring the creative arts to people of all ages. To be a part of this creative grass roots movement is very rewarding.
How does the process start?
Once a site is chosen, I walk the trail many times with InnerRhythms Artistic Director, Elizabeth Archer, and with local artists and poets to find a place that speaks to them. The entire art hike is choreographed to showcase all of the arts in striking natural settings.
Do you have a favorite performance or place for this year’s program?
My most enjoyable collaboration this year was working with Alanna Hughes and Mary Buchan creating the community totems at Riverside Studios. Many hands from the Tahoe/Truckee community came together to explore metal and texture, form and sculpture. Seeing families creating together was a moving experience.
May anyone attend — are there age appropriate portions?
Anyone may attend. Everyone who can put on his or her hiking boots and hike 2 1⁄2 miles over uneven terrain will be able to participate and experience wonderful art along the way.
How may readers get information?
The marketing team, Sheila Greeno and Christina Stoever and talented graphic designer, Cesar Lopez of Atypical Design, put in many hours and did a wonderful job of getting the word out and encouraging participation, both in print and on the web. For ticket information, visit trailsandvistas.org or call 587-2757. Come walk with us!
Organization: Trails and Vistas
Residence: Truckee
Describe Trails and Vistas in a nutshell.
A unique fusion of art in the environment, Trails and Vistas is a two-mile guided art hike over granite rock faces, with breath-taking views of crystal lakes of the Sierra Nevada will encourage participants to become part of eight artistic performances focusing on this year's theme, “Songs of the Earth.”
Tell me about “open spaces” and the Truckee Donner Land Trust.
Each year Trails and Vistas art hike showcases some of the latest land acquisitions made by the Truckee Donner Land Trust for the preservation of open spaces in the greater Truckee region, a critical need for our beautiful area. With the purpose of strengthening the union of art and the awareness of our fragile environment, Trails and Vistas art hike weaves world-class music, local dancers from InnerRhythms Dance Theatre, installation art and performance poetry by Artists-in-Residence with Arts For the Schools.
Name the areas where Trails and Vistas have taken place, and this year’s locations.
Trails and Vistas was first presented at Upper Gregory Creek in 2004, with a surprising first snow fall of the season. Donner Ski Ranch, a sponsor again this year and host of “Songs of the Earth” this weekend, Sept. 6 and 7.
Tell me about audience reactions during past events.
Here is one from a previous performance participant: “Thank you to all who participated in this year's Art Walk, Origins and Elements. Its impact on us was profound. For one thing, the effort seemed to have been made entirely outside of ego, in an obvious spirit of service. The combination of such elevated expression with the impact of a powerful natural landscape simply put has changed us. I feel that after our hearts have soared like this, they will never really come back down,” participant, Gwendalyn Gilliam.
What groups are involved in performing?
From Walking Mountain Yoga working with the Washo of Lake Tahoe to African Drumming from Senegal, West Africa, Trails and Vistas will take you around the world through music, dance, art and poetry.
Who does the set-up previous to shows?
I am the Artistic Director of Trails and Vistas, but I am also a pack mule along with my loving husband, Cesar Lopez, for we both help carry whatever instruments or artwork the performers require. This year I’m going easy on Cesar and not making him hand-carry 500 pounds of red clay up the mountain to the last site on the trail. No promises for next year, honey.
How does it feel to volunteer?
It feels great to help foster a love of the arts and protection of the environment. I volunteer for the Arts and Culture Council of Truckee Tahoe to help build a thriving art community here. I have witnessed the excitement and the hard work that artists and community members are putting forth to help bring the creative arts to people of all ages. To be a part of this creative grass roots movement is very rewarding.
How does the process start?
Once a site is chosen, I walk the trail many times with InnerRhythms Artistic Director, Elizabeth Archer, and with local artists and poets to find a place that speaks to them. The entire art hike is choreographed to showcase all of the arts in striking natural settings.
Do you have a favorite performance or place for this year’s program?
My most enjoyable collaboration this year was working with Alanna Hughes and Mary Buchan creating the community totems at Riverside Studios. Many hands from the Tahoe/Truckee community came together to explore metal and texture, form and sculpture. Seeing families creating together was a moving experience.
May anyone attend — are there age appropriate portions?
Anyone may attend. Everyone who can put on his or her hiking boots and hike 2 1⁄2 miles over uneven terrain will be able to participate and experience wonderful art along the way.
How may readers get information?
The marketing team, Sheila Greeno and Christina Stoever and talented graphic designer, Cesar Lopez of Atypical Design, put in many hours and did a wonderful job of getting the word out and encouraging participation, both in print and on the web. For ticket information, visit trailsandvistas.org or call 587-2757. Come walk with us!
—The Sierra Sun’s Amy Edgett interviewed Nancy Lopez for this week’s “Volunteer Corner.”
Please send your suggestions to aedgett@sierrasun.com, subject Volunteer Corner. For volunteer opportunities in the North Tahoe Truckee area, visit
Please send your suggestions to aedgett@sierrasun.com, subject Volunteer Corner. For volunteer opportunities in the North Tahoe Truckee area, visit
