When I saw that Nevada Fine Arts was looking for artists to submit to their 4×4 gallery show, I made the immediate decision that the “Biggest Little City in the World” needed to be exposed to my handmade Monstrosities. And since Johnny Cash once said that “Reno has always been a place where anything can happen,” I was not about to let that chance slip through my claws.
The size requirement for the show aligned closely with my Mini Monsterpieces, so I conjured up a cycloptic little beast made exclusively for it. Knowing that hundreds of talented artists would also be submitting their work, I chose a bright, playful color palette so it would really stand out when its displayed.
When finishing up the piece I decided to name it Solaris which means “of the sun” or “pertaining to the sun,” symbolizing light, energy, warmth, power, and vitality.
Like my other Mini Monsterpieces, Solaris is made from a pre-wrapped (on wood) canvas that I’ve transformed into a three-dimensional, cycloptic creature with a glossy hypnotic eye, wild faux hair, drool covered natural shell fangs, glittery horns and rubbery flesh.
Description Used For My Submission:
Solaris is a 4×4 canvas transformed into one of my three-dimensional cycloptic creatures, emerging from my whimsical macabre imagination where playful energy meets darker surreal forms. This Mini Monsterpiece was handcrafted using layered sculptural elements and mixed materials that extend beyond the surface of the canvas.
As a Midwestern, out-of-state artist offering this limited-edition piece exclusively through this Reno exhibit, I wanted to conjure a monstrosity that feels as if it has burst through the desert sky while colliding with neon lights, alive with anticipation for new horizons and the possibilities that come with stepping beyond familiar ground.
This special exhibition piece continues my exploration of transforming traditional surfaces into animated beastly personalities. Solaris exists as a three-dimensional handmade creation for eccentric collectors who, like the artist, are drawn to pushing beyond the boundaries of traditional canvas-based art.
1301 S. Virginia St in Reno, Nevada.
This exclusive art piece will be on display at Nevada Fine Arts Gallery 1301 starting with their 4th Installation Opening on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Like all of the amazing artwork in the exhibit, Solaris will be available for purchase in person for $44 and will remain on display through the final installation in July. That is unless some lucky collector gets their claws on it first. Could it be you?
The May 2nd Opening which is also be live streamed on the Nevada Fine Arts Instagram page for those who want to see all the incredible work that is a part of the show.
While you are there, please be sure to give them a follow and support this incredible business. They not only advocate for the arts community and provide resources through their store and classes, but they have been working around the clock for months to make this international exhibit an opportunity for human artists to gain exposure and share their work with a wider audience. Something us human artists value deeply.
If you are new here, be sure to check out the Creature Features page of my portfolio website. There you can find this exhibit listed amongst some of the other unique places my art has been featured over the years.
Want to showcase my work in your next gallery exhibition? Let’s connect and chat!
Stay Strange & Magical ✨
LDG Nicole