ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE
AT THE POPE ESTATE
100 YEARS OF ART
Since the early 1920s, the Artist Cabin at the Pope Estate has welcomed painters, sculptors, photographers and many more creatives. As art enthusiasts, the Pope family often invited accomplished artists to their summer retreat, to draw inspiration from the alpine landscape. A century later, the custom continues.
In 2023, the Great Basin Institute relaunched the artists-in-residence program, after a four-year pause. Today artists use the historic cabin as their personal studio for part of the year, showcasing their talent and providing workshops. In 2023, the program was a recipient of the Forest Service’s Golden Pinecone Award for interpretation.
Art programs are an integral part of the site’s history, and GBI is honored to continue the tradition alive. This program aims to:
- To open a doorway to the artistic process and access to learning, while fostering appreciation and interest for cultural programs, and
- To support individual artists and the preservation of historic programming.
Original art is on display at the cabin, with additional pieces located at the Tallac Museum gift shop. To learn more about our 2025 artists, continue reading below!
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
JULY 5 – SEPT. 2, 2025
STUDIO HOURS: THURS – SUN
11AM – 3PM
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Pam McKnight is a mixed media artist from Boise, ID, joining us for an 8-week residency this July and August. Pam has an M.A. in art and museum education and spent 25 years as an elementary school art teacher. These days, Pam practices art full-time as an independent artist.While at Tallac, she will record her daily experiences through paintings, collage, and assemblage.
While working within the environment, Pam will draw inspiration from the beautiful surroundings, as well as the historical influences of the 1920s: an artistic celebration of 100 years of making art in South Lake Tahoe. Pam has served as artist-in-residence at Tallac since 2023. Learn more at: www.//boiseartist.wixsite.com/pammcknight
SUMMER WORKSHOPS
Join Pam at the Tallac Historic Site this summer for an instructor-led workshop. Class fees range from $10-20, and most materials are provided. Can’t join a class? Stop by the Cabin for free and watch the artist at work!
MEETING POINT: ARTIST CABIN, POPE ESTATE
TIME: 11:00AM – 12:30PM, SATURDAYS

Intro to Mini Journals, July 20
Start your journey in creating mini masterpieces with Pam! All materials, including a new sketchbook, provided.

Intro to Assemblage, July 12
A new class for 2025, students create their own unique assemblage to take home! Materials provided include a 4"x6" shadow box.

Intro to Acrylic Painting on Wood, July 27
This class is great for all ages, and all materials are provided.Learn to paint landscapes on wood, and take home your finish product!

Intro to Collage, Aug. 16
This is an introductory class in the art of collage.Create a one-of-a-kind greeting card or two!
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
May 24 – July 2, 2025
STUDIO HOURS: THURS – SAT
11AM – 4PM
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Kristen Holden is the artist/owner of Pinecone Allée in Reno, Nevada. Her naturalistic, mixed media art primarily incorporates pinecones, dried flowers, and other materials found or repurposed from nature.Working with pinecones has inspired her to experiment and use pinecones in creative ways, resulting in the creation of pinecone mosaics, pinecone flower art, pinecone pendants, jewelry and more.
She currently teaches pinecone flower art workshops, runs her online shop and blog, and is looking forward to her residency and sharing her artistic process with others. The 2025 season will be Kristen’s third year as an artist at the Tallac Historic Site.
Learn More at: www.pineconeallee.com