Taste of local arts

You’ll have no reason to complain about having nothing to do this weekend. There are the Great Reno Balloon Races, the Virginia City International Camel Races and a bevy of national and regional musical acts playing in the area. But if you’re not inclined to wake up early for Dawn Patrol, and you’d rather stay clear of spitting camels, perhaps an arts festival is more to your liking. The second annual Sample the Arts Festival features the works of 40 artists, including Frances L. Clark (whose painting is pictured). They will offer their art for show and for sale in mediums ranging from watercolors to jewelry. If you don’t have much cash to spend on art, you can still enjoy the free entertainment. Las Vegas humorist and All Things Considered commentator Dayvid Figler will make an appearance during the festival, and there will be other entertainment segments including children’s theater, a tango demonstration, poetry reading and live music by the Kevin Thomas Jazz Quartet and The Brass Factor. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 6 at Victorian Square in downtown Sparks. Call 353-7816 or visit www.sparksrec.com for more information.