Artown to Host Second Annual small art | BIG PARTY Event

Published October 2, 2026

Artown to Host Second Annual small art | BIG PARTY Event

by Beth Macmillan

During November of last year, Artown premiered its first annual small art I BIG PARTY event and it was a huge success! We’re happy to let everyone know that we’re bringing the event back for a second year. Mark your calendars: this year’s small art I BIG PARTY will be held on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at Brasserie Saint James which is located at 901 South Center Street in Reno’s popular Midtown District.

Hosted by the Artown Board of Directors and the Artown Directors’ Circle, this event introduces an exciting and fun way to feature some of our community’s finest artists and raise funds for Artown, all while enjoying select beverages and outstanding hors d'oeuvres.

Just like last year’s small art I BIG PARTY, this event promises to be a dynamic and engaging experience featuring more than 100 pieces of original artwork, done in several mediums, by dozens of local artists. We’re pairing this occasion with wonderful food provided by Brasserie Saint James. American Wealth Management and Black Beach Wheeler Family Foundation are our generous sponsors this year. With a very limited number of tickets available, each costing $50, tickets include: access to the venue and artwork displays, live music, a signature cocktail, and heavy hors d'oeuvres. All funds raised will benefit Artown and the artists, who can select to have an honorarium sent to them once their artwork has been sold.

2025 small art | BIG PARTY Event

small art | BIG PARTY offers an exciting, interactive opportunity to view artwork up-close, and have the chance to purchase what you like, at an affordable price, and in an enjoyable setting.

small art I BIG PARTY means small art. Most pieces will be on an 8”x8” canvas and a select few will be in a 9”x12” format. Last year we featured a few unexpected pieces and we’re sure there will be some surprises this year as well. All artwork that is displayed will be available for purchase. Each individual piece will have six numbered lines where attendees can add their names. Once the lines are filled, a roll of the dice decides who wins the piece. Art is displayed in sections, with bidding closing on a new section every 15 minutes. This gives you time to see everything and try for the pieces you would like to have the most. You can add your name to one sheet or to all of them, increasing your chances. If the luck of the dice rolls is on your side, you may purchase your favorite piece. Everyone has an equal chance, just roll the dice and have a good time. Artwork is displayed anonymously, with the artist’s identity revealed only after the auction. Some contributors are new and gaining notoriety, while others already sell their artwork for significant amounts.

This is a unique opportunity to acquire incredible art at an unseen price point. We hope you’ve already purchased your tickets so you can join us to look over and take a chance on acquiring some artwork while enjoying great food, cocktails, music, and the company of fellow art enthusiasts. Artown’s second annual small art | BIG PARTY is being held on Wednesday, November 4th, at 5:30 pm at Brasserie Saint James 901 South Center Street in Midtown.

We hope to see you there!

Beth Macmillan is the Executive Director of Artown, one of the largest arts and culture festivals in the western United States, offering over 600 events with a wide range of artistic disciplines, including music, dance, theater, visual arts, literature, and more.

Artown to Host Second Annual small art | BIG PARTY Event

Published October 2, 2026