The Nevada City Public Arts Commission, in partnership with Nevada County Arts and Culture, is celebrating Pride Month with the opening of "Layers of Place," a new exhibition at the City Hall Art Meets the Public (C.H.A.M.P.) Gallery. The exhibition runs from June 1 to September 25, 2026, and features regional artists exploring themes of identity, belonging, memory, and connection to place through painting, photography, and mixed media. A public reception will be held on June 1 at 7:00 p.m., following the city's 6th Annual Pride Flag Raising Ceremony at 6:00 p.m. in front of Nevada City Hall. The exhibition also honors the contributions of David Osborn and Charles Woods to the local arts community.
This event matters because it demonstrates how local government and arts organizations can collaborate to foster civic engagement and inclusivity through public art. The C.H.A.M.P. Gallery, established in 2023 as part of Nevada City's Strategic Plan for Vibrancy, represents a growing trend of municipalities using rotating exhibitions to expand access to art and celebrate community identity. By tying the exhibition to Pride Month and honoring local arts advocates, the city reinforces its commitment to diversity and the role of art in shaping a sense of belonging.