2025 RTA Awards
Presenting the 2025 Best of Show Awards and, new to 2025, the Nevada Arts Council sponsored exhibition space, Spotlight Nevada - Applications open July 10 - 24 or until the space is full. More details below.
Introducing Spotlight Nevada
Thank you to all the Reno Tahoe artists and esteemed judges who have participated in the RTA Regional Awards and attended our annual RTA Awards Gala for the past three years. It’s been a privilege to recognize and celebrate the rich and diverse creative talent in our region.
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This year, in an effort to support a greater number of artists, and expand the reach statewide, the Reno Tahoe International Art Show is partnering with the Nevada Arts Council to present Spotlight Nevada, a fully sponsored exhibition at the 2025 RTIA Show. Spotlight Nevada will allow for 20 total exhibitors, with (8) end cap booths at 4'Wx8'H, (8) 8'Wx8'H booths and (4) space only sculpture/furniture/3D installation work at 40 sq ft each. The cost of exhibiting (booth with lighting) will be covered in full by the NAC Sponsorship. Of the 20 exhibitors selected, 50% (10) will be accepted from the Reno Tahoe region and 50% will be selected from outside the region.
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Applications will be reviewed and accepted upon receipt - Open July 10-24 or until the space is full.
Best of Show Awards
Running in correspondence with the Reno Tahoe International Art Show, the RTA Best of Show voter-based awards celebrate best booth presentation within each presenting category of the RTIA Show. Attendees and exhibitors are asked to vote for one winner per category on-site at the RTIA Show between the VIP Preview Thursday, September 11 and noon on Sunday, September 14. Finalists and Winners will be announced with an informal champagne reception as the show finishes up on Sunday, September 14. The Grand Prize is awarded to the RTIA Show exhibitor with the most overall votes.
Award Categories
Best of Show categories include: Independents, Heart of Reno, Art Cities, Galleries & Features, Sculpture: Small-Scale, Sculpture: Large-Scale, First Nations Indigenous Peoples, and Student Art.
Winners
Winners of each category of the Best of Show awards receive:
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$1500 credit for a 2026 Peaks Art Fairs event [RTIA Show or Salt Lake Art Show]
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Special edition award created by local artist Ted Demolski
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Winners of the Grand Prize Best of Show receives:
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$5,000 credit for a 2026 Peaks Art Fairs event [RTIA Show or Salt Lake Art Show]
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Special edition award created by local artist Ted Demolski
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Full page ad in American Art Collector magazine
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Artwork featured on the 2026 exhibitor badges
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2025 Best of Show Awards Sponsors
Strengthen Our Community (SoC)
Best of Show Grand Prize
Pitch Black Printing
Heart of Reno
Alan and Nancy Maiss
Sculpture: Small-Scale
Reno Tahoe Airport Authority
Sculpture: Large-Scale
Deane Albright
Art Cities
CC Media
First Nations, Indigenous Peoples
Atlantis Casino Resort Spa
Galleries & Features
Dolan Auto Group
Students
Sept 11-14, 2025
Reno-Sparks Convention Center
The Reno Tahoe International Art (RTIA) Show is the destination art fair of the west. Set against the backdrop of the Sierra, the four-day annual event is the fastest growing art fair in the United States. The RTIA Show is uniquely structured with exhibiting national and international galleries, independent artists, short film programming from around the world, and one of the nation's largest presentations of sculpture, including the Post Playa Art feature showcasing art made for Burning Man. The fair is intrinsically tied to its location, anchoring the Reno Creative Movement and featuring the 'Heart of Reno' showcase, musical talent from the region, and ongoing local hospitality.