‘Alebrijes’ arrive in Reno to celebrate Artown’s 30th anniversary

Eight towering “alebrijes” sculptures have taken over downtown Reno as part of Artown’s 30th anniversary celebration.

Standing at 22 feet tall, the colorful spirit animal sculptures line South Virginia Street, blending mythical and real creatures in the traditional Mexican wood-carving style first imagined by Pedro Linares in the 1930’s. Each statue will include a QR code that visitors can scan to learn more about its cultural significance and artistic roots. 

“The idea of this whole project was to pay credit to the wonderful work of the popular art and the artist,” said exhibit producer Romain Greco, who collaborated with artisans in Mexico under the guidance of the Oaxaca State Museum of Folk Art. “We are now in a complicated time, politically and economically,  and I think that the importance of bringing art is very meaningful to society.”

The original two-foot models are on display inside the Historic Post Office, open Tuesday through Sunday. Artown is also offering free family-friendly workshops throughout July, where participants can paint masks or miniature Spirit Animals. 

“What Artown does is we really inspire people to think through the arts… and we feel like these animals, not only being a part of Mexican culture and being able to tell a story, are also a great way to represent the joy of the arts and culture,” said Artown Executive Director Beth Macmillan. “This is the perfect way to bring people together for our 30th anniversary.”

Editor’s Note: This story package was a jointly produced between Mayra González Hernández and Juliet Ojeda