Nevada City School of the Arts presents “A Matter of Taste” on March 16

THE BREADTH OF ARTS AND culture in the Nevada City-Grass Valley Cultural District extends to education, not just entertainment.

One of the first public charter schools in California, Nevada City School of the Arts serves a diverse population of over 400 kindergarten-to-eighth grade students in western Nevada County. Its vision is to provide a rigorous academic environment using art as “a lens to shape curriculum.”

The school relies on fundraisers to support its highly enriched curriculum. On Friday, March 16, the school presents A Matter of Taste at the Miners Foundry Cultural Center in historic Nevada City, where “the wine is robust, the food is delicious and the party unparalleled.”

For 20 years people have gathered to celebrate and support the school’s comprehensive arts and environmental programs while at the same time enjoying a whimsical and elegant evening with friends.

Since the school is celebrating 20 years of supporting arts in education, this year’s theme for A Matter of Taste is “Roaring 20s.”

“We’ll have the Osborne Woods and Stone Halls filled with hundreds of fine items in a silent auction,” according to event organizers. “We’re offering a complimentary glass of wine, two no-host bars, and a variety of delicious appetizers. Come dressed in your best 20s’ fashion or come as you are.”

Following the silent auction — including original artwork, services, vacations and more — the Earls of Newtown will perform. All money raised will support the arts and field studies programs at the Nevada City School of The Arts.

For tickets or more information, visit NCSOTA.org.

Nevada City School of the Arts

In 1992, California approved the Charter Schools Act. It was the second state in the nation to pass a charter school law after Minnesota.

California has the most charter public schools (1,275) and charter public school students (630,000) in the United States. Nevada County has 15 charter schools, among the highest number per capita in the state.

Nevada City School of the Arts recently purchased the original Grass Valley Group campus on Bitney Springs Road in western Nevada County. The school imagines a creative hub for the arts, education and nonprofits. The campus also includes a local makerspace, The Curious Forge, which occupies 20,000 sq.-ft.

(Photo: Kial James)