TAHOE CITY, Calif. and#8212; Watercolor artist Eva Nichols will discuss her pilgrimage along El Camino de Santiago and the art she was inspired to create, and#8220;Walking under the Milky Wayand#8221; Friday, Sept. 16, 7-8 p.m., at North Tahoe Arts, 380 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe City in the Corison Loft. Her 500-mile pilgrimage on Camino de Santiago (the Way of St. James) is one of a large network of ancient pilgrim routes stretching across Europe and coming together at the tomb of St. James (Santiago in Spanish) in Santiago de Compostela in north-west Spain.

The network of trails is similar to a river system and#8212;-small brooks join together to make streams and the streams join together to make rivers. During the middle ages, people walked out of their front doors and started off to Santiago, which was how the network grew. Now people from all countries have the opportunity to fly to their starting point, and often do different sections in successive years.

Eva will share slides and some of her experiences from her pilgrimage. People make the pilgrimage today for many reasons, by no means all of them religious or even spiritual and#8212; though most find their journey changes them. The Cathedral at Santiago records the number of pilgrims receiving the Compostela each year. The total Pilgrims in 2009, when Eva made the journey, was 145,877.

Eva painted her way through beautiful landscapes, forlorn villages and spectacular ancient cities meeting people from all walks of life and many countries. Eva will share her photos and experiences and would be happy to entertain questions. Refreshments will be served. Call North Tahoe Arts for more information 530-581-2787.

and#8212; Submitted to aedgett@sierrasun.com