Meet Jordyn Owens, Reno’s 2025 City Artist

Reno’s vibrant arts scene welcomes a new leader as local talent Jordyn Owens steps into the prestigious role of City Artist for 2025. This appointment marks an exciting new chapter in the city’s ongoing commitment to cultural enrichment and artistic expression.

New City Artist appointment for Reno

The Reno Arts & Culture Commission has officially selected Jordyn Owens to serve as the Reno City Artist for the upcoming year. The appointment spans the full calendar year, running from January through December 2025.

“We are excited to have Jordyn as this year’s City Artist to help continue Reno’s vibrant art scene,” said Mayor Hillary Schieve. “Local artwork truly makes our area a special place to live, and we are looking forward to the creativity she will bring to this role.”

Artist background and vision

Born and raised in Reno, Owens brings a deep connection to the community along with fresh artistic perspectives. A recent graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno, she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 2023. Her artistic practice focuses on photographic mediums, using them to explore identity and self-reflection through past, present, and future lenses.

“I’m honored to be appointed the Reno City Artist for 2025,” said Owens. “Through my artwork, I hope to inspire others to believe in themselves and their dreams. I’m thankful for the support I’ve received to get here, and I’m excited to share my art with the Biggest Little City.”

Upcoming initiatives

A highlight of Owens’ tenure will be curating an exhibition at the Metro Gallery, scheduled for late summer 2025. The exhibition will be created in collaboration with Of the Sol and will showcase work from Reno-based Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) artists of all ages. This initiative aims to foster autonomy, representation, inclusivity, equity, and accessibility for BIPOC artists in an intersectional space of reclamation and revival.

As City Artist, Owens will represent Reno’s artistic community throughout 2025, contributing to the city’s cultural development and creative initiatives. This position offers an opportunity to influence and enhance the city’s artistic direction while engaging with community members and fellow artists.