Welcome back for another arts roundup! This week, we’re bringing you up into the Sierra Nevada mountains, where 37 TRILLION gallons of water ripple between the states of Nevada and California.
Beginning in 1848, prospectors rushed around Lake Tahoe in search of gold. Beginning in 1859, many people set up shop to serve silver miners of the Comstock Lode. We’re more interested in The Jewel of the Sierra, which brought the Washoe thousands of years ago and still draws adventurers today.
That fabled treasure is the lake, of course! Enhancing its appeal, it is surrounded by wonderful artists and cultural destinations.
Here are some people and places that have made Tahoe so amazing!
Lake Tahoe Historical Society Museum (est. 1968)
The museum illustrates the history of migration to Lake Tahoe using artifacts from its collection – baskets made by the Washoe, tools used by miners and loggers, and sports equipment enjoyed by tourists. But there’s more to do after admiring exhibits about historical figures like Snowshoe Thompson, who rode skis to deliver the mail, or Emma Lawrence, who wrested an 18-pound trout from the lake.
If you check the events calendar, you might find a timely lecture by an environmentalist – or bear whisperer. And before leaving South Lake Tahoe, where the museum is located, you should definitely complete the official scavenger hunt of historic spots in town.
Genoa Bar and Saloon (est. 1853)
Settlers of the rugged frontier needed a place to unwind, so “Nevada’s Oldest Thirst Parlor” opened just east of Lake Tahoe in 1853. (Nevada became a state in 1864.) Pioneers may have had more justification to drink, but later inhabitants of Carson Valley kept up the demand for libations. Even during Prohibition (1920-1933), the Genoa Bar and Saloon did lucrative business – undercover as a soda shop.
If the local sheriff had not remained oblivious or looked the other way, the watering hole might not have survived to welcome Hollywood stars like John Wayne and Raquel Welch. Whether or not you crave the devil’s drink, this establishment is worth visiting for the antique furnishings and memorabilia on display.
Tallac Historic Site (est. 1987), Architectural Attraction
Magnificent old mansions and a former luxury resort stand along Lake Tahoe’s southern shore at Tallac Point. Much of the property once belonged to Elias J. “Lucky” Baldwin, (1828-1909), a wealthy landowner and notorious womanizer. He was famous for the phrase, “By Gad, I’m not licked yet.” But did he use it after a jilted mistress shot him in 1883? History does not say.
Between 1965-1971, the U.S. Forest Service bought the Tallac Resort and three neighboring estates so that members of the public could enjoy the area around the lake. The property was registered as a historic site in 1987. Visitors can now explore all 5,000 square feet of the refurbished Pope House, as well as a functioning smithy and Artist Cabin. But be considerate – the cabin might be inhabited by a resident creative!
Todd Borg, Writer (b. 1953)
Todd Borg is the author of a popular Tahoe-based mystery series, featuring detective Owen McKenna and his Harlequin Great Dane, Spot. As Borg has explained in interviews (here and here), he had a knack for writing but did not become a successful novelist until his late 40s. Until 2006, the Minnesota native and his wife ran their own picture-framing business. They relocated to Tahoe in 1990.
After selling some short stories, Borg published his first Owen McKenna novel, Tahoe Deathfall, in 2001. The success of the series eventually enabled Borg and his wife to sell their picture-framing shop. If you’re looking for one of Borg’s novels, his website recommends Word After Word and other local bookstores. You should also check out the beautiful art by Borg’s wife, painter Kit Night!
Jon Paul (b. 1960s?), Photographer
In an age of ubiquitous digital cameras, Jon Paul still loves large format photography. With a camera resembling a small CRT television, Paul captures images of nature on 4”x5” or even 8”x10” film. The developed photographs show far more details than the pictures that many of us snap on our pocket-sized phones.
Stunning examples appear in the Marcus Ashley Gallery in South Lake Tahoe. You can find others in Paul’s book, Visions of Lake Tahoe, which has a foreword by sci fi author Ben Bova. But Paul’s artistry and love for nature are apparent even when he does use a (high-quality) digital camera – for instance, to make a portrait of local raccoons. Aren’t they adorable?!
Kelly Smith Cassidy (b. 1980?), Welder
Welder Kelly Smith Cassidy specializes in decorative sculptures of trees, such as Sand Harbor Pines. But she has also won multiple grants to make installations for Burning Man, the immersive arts experience that takes place every year in Black Rock Desert.
In 2018, Cassidy’s six-foot-tall wooden sculpture “Creu Hudol” (“Magical Being”) was one of 12 burnbots featured on the central pavilion. The following year, she made an even larger contribution with “E Pluribus Unum,” a set of three LED-illuminated amphitheaters. Most recently, she created “Infinite Stare,” a giant head that burners could climb inside. To keep up with Cassidy’s endeavors, follow her on Instagram!
Michelle Aguilar-Ficara (b. 1986 or 1987), Filmmaker
Michelle Aguilar-Ficara, a graduate of South Tahoe High School and the owner of Small Pumpkin Productions, has discussed her artistic journey with Tahoe Daily Tribune and South Tahoe Now. While serving in the Peace Corps, Aguilar-Ficara made films about experiences in countries including Panama and India. Then, she earned an MFA in documentary filmmaking from UC-Santa Cruz and moved to Washington, D.C.
Her path eventually led back to Tahoe, where she collaborated with Lane Power to make Momentum. It follows a local MMA fighter who broke his back in a car crash but returned to competition thanks to coaching from another native of South Lake Tahoe, Paralympian Ryan Craig Wallace. Now, Aguilar-Ficara has founded the Lake Tahoe Documentary Film Festival. Its inaugural edition takes place on October 4-6, 2024, so you might be able to attend!
Bread and Butter (est. by 2015), Band
Every year, Tahoe Daily Tribune asks readers to vote for their favorite artists, service workers, or establishments in a “Best of Tahoe” competition. Bread and Butter has won “Best Local Band/Musician” since 2022. You don’t have to be from Tahoe to understand why.
Just listen to this cover of “Long as I Can See the Light.” Lead singer Lindsay Cheek has a voice! According to the band’s website, “New original music is on its way to your ear holes.” We hope that means we’re about to get a debut album. Meanwhile, the band continues to perform at bars, grills, pubs, ski resorts, and mini-golf courses around Lake Tahoe.
That’s our roundup! We hope we gave you a glimpse of wonders more precious than silver or gold.
We’ll be back soon with another roundup, unless we decide to spend the rest of our days swimming in Lake Tahoe, chasing local art festivals, and ordering 1920s “sodas” at the Genoa Bar and Saloon.
Until next time, find some creativity wherever you can. Stay safe, and be well. #StandCreative
