If you're into art that feels a little unhinged, the Potentialist Workshop in Reno is a must. This is a local space that embraces local artists and has an eccentric vibe which is what makes it so great. The exhibits are full of imagination and every corner has something unexpected waiting for you. Definitely worth checking out if you like a little offbeat art! @YelpReno read more

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No pics this time, as you should go see it in person. WOW! What a great experience to have in Reno. We went to the Upside Down Universe and got to meet Pan and hear his vision for art in Reno. The exhibits are varied, and I saw some works that I had never experienced before. I had to get one of the prints in the gift shop. This is another must-go-to place in Reno. Add it to your list and enjoy the experience! read more

This is a review for the Upside Down Universe Exhibit going on currently. Too bad many other reviewers posted photos of the inside as I think this exhibit is best enjoyed viewed in person without an online preview sort of spoiling the surprise. It's nice to see a new artist exhibit in Reno, especially an immersive one. The artists are passionate about their work and have made something very creative with probably very little budget. Much more interesting than walking through a museum looking at paintings on the wall. Children will find this exhibit especially entertaining. With that said, although it's 20,000 sq ft of exhibit space, this of course is no Meow Wolf, so temper your expectations (this is a borderline 5-star IMHO.) If there is a story to tie the whole thing together, it wasn't made clear. Also some plaques (or a map) that describe the artists and their installation would have been interesting while others may consider part of the fun is leaving it open to the viewers interpretation. I'd say most people will probably blow through this place in not much more than a half hour (maybe families with small children a bit longer.) Definitely worth a visit for those wanting to see some highly creative art and support Reno's art scene. Keep in mind there's quite a bit to look at outside too! read more

The Potentialist Workshop - Performing Arts Near Me - Reno, Nevada

Wonderful collection of art from many makers. Come for the mind stretching tours Make sure to stop and see the fine canvases in the front hall. read more

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The Potentialsist Workshop was such a great experience. Being welcomed by the artists and hearing about their creative processes and the stories that inspired their work made it feel very personal and alive. Even the floors were part of the exhibit--one section played notes on an old piano when you stepped in the right spots. There were wild uses of mirrors, lighting, and outdoor installations, with so much to see and explore. My favorite part was a small doorway that seemed to lead to who knows where. I chose not to open it and instead imagined where it might lead, which felt like part of the art itself. This exhibit is still a work in progress, so I plan to go back and see what new ideas they bring to life. Thank you for such a wonderful glimpse into an eclectic and imaginative space. read more

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Came to see "Upside Down Universe" and well ... ...I've been lucky to see a few immersive exhibits: team labs (Tokyo), Van Gogh (SF), Mesmerize (Austin) and Meow wolf (vegas). While nothing could ever compare to the team labs scenario which stands on its own. the crew at Potentialist delivered big with Upside Down Universe which beats the rest of them.... Really. Vibe: Fritz the Cat meets Alice in wonderland meets wizard of Oz blended with Iron Butterflies In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida, threaded with a bit of Burner-ness Setting: climbing gym inside of a giant angel food cake on Mars, with a Dark Star crashing. Hosts: cool as heck like always Bravo team Bravo. One for the ages and not that matters but... y'all did it better than the rest. Congratulations. But...there was one thing I didn't quite understand...guess I'll have to head back and figure it out. It's worth the TRIP read more

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The Potentialist Workshop is nothing short of magical. From the moment you walk in, you're immersed in a surreal, imaginative landscape that feels like stepping directly into a living dream or honestly, into my own mind. Every corner invites curiosity, wonder, and reflection. Getting to meet the artists and hear them speak about their creative process and sources of inspiration was a truly special experience. Their passion, vulnerability, and vision brought the work to life in a way that no gallery label ever could. You don't just see the art here you feel it, question it, and leave thinking differently about creativity and storytelling. If you love immersive art, meaningful conversations, and spaces that spark both imagination and emotion, this is an absolute must-visit. I left inspired, energized, and already wanting to return. read more

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Wow! The Potentialist should be a must on everybody's list. It is a one of a kind experience. Thank the artists whose creativity, whose hands, and effort have made it possible for us to enjoy and appreciate countless exhibits beyond my realm. Some exhibits are hands on, some are visual exhibits, but the effort and the end results are displayed for us to appreciate and absorb. Let us give recognition to the talents of the artists that are making it possible to display their artwork all under one roof at The Potentialist. I left there uplifted and amazed as my brain continued to process all I had experienced. It is difficult to attempt to categorize all the exhibits in one or two words. The art at The Potentialist is funky, traditional, nontraditional, cultural, reflective, utilitarian and much more. Support the arts, support the Potentialist and the many artists who are displaying their craft for us to enjoy. read more

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Here is a place I didn't know! This was quite an experience I don't think I'd have found in my own, so grateful for the event. Parking was easy to find on the street. We were greeted with enthusiasm and snacks. Never a bad duo. After we'd gotten a little bit about the expo, we set off on a journey. To be honest, I have no idea where we went, but it was definitely somewhere. It was so different than anything I have experienced before, it really left me feeling a little offkilter in the best kind of way. The exhibit was tactile, there was motion, a heck of a lot of color, and you can just see the creativity oozing out from every surface. I feel like there was definitely a lot of sci-fi influence. Definitely out of this world, it was a very fun voyage through the works the artists put together. I want to say the whole thing was very, and kind of leave it at that. I really have no good singular word. The walk-through was fantastical, whimsical, provocative. I would highly recommend going with a friend or a small group, and keep a very open mind, definitely open the refrigerator... and the freezer! I'm going to send my daughter and some of her classmates from UNR. I think this would be a good start to a fun time. read more

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So we went to the Potentialist workshop Thursday night what an amazing night it was. We got a chance to meet a lot of the artist and see their work, First hand such imagination such creativity. I was in awe the whole night. We were pretty much just supposed to be there for an hour. However I could've stayed there all night and not been able to see all of it to capture what the artist wants you to see. Jack Ryan one of the artist walked around pointing out some unique stuff that he didn't want us to miss it was like having our own personal tour guide. I really loved Lydia Blooms's work such imagination. I'm not gonna tell you what's in it, but I recommend going and checking out the refrigerator. She really dresses up the fridge for her food. Pan was very personable and he is actually the founder of the workshop. This upside down universe is worth checking out. It's three floors and there's something around every corner. The cost is normally $11 a person and you can always make more donations to help the artist so they can keep being creative , please check this place out. I give it five stars. Thank you, Mike for the invite. It was good talking to you as well. Usually, you're so busy so it was nice to catch up and hear about your holidays. read more

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Totally unique artistic experience! The artist very friendly. Worth every second and dollar! read more

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What a treat it is to have this amazing installation here in our fair city! Impressive in both breadth and vision, there's something to find in every corner. Like a fever dream come to life, you'll be dazzled, bemused and yes, occasionally disgusted by this madcap collection of psychedelic animatronics and art installations. I can't wait to go back with the kids, as they''ll probably love it even more than I do! read more

The Potentialist Workshop - Don't poop here! - Performing Arts Near Me - Reno, Nevada

Phenomenal exhibit. It is like Meow Wolf meets Reno. Don't look anything up or think about it. Just go and enjoy the experience! Best to go with others. Great spots for a date or fun evening! read more

The gallery is super awesome! Lots of exhibits to keep the entire family busy! Love all the color and how interactive they are! Must do! Lots of color!! read more

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Hats off to Pan, Potentialist artists and the House of Infinite Potential... Upside Down Land is a MUST experience art installation for all ages! Upside Down Land is the incarnation of the never ending, wildly imaginative, and constantly evolving bedtime story artist Pan Pantoja has been creating with his son over many years. The installation takes you from his son's bedroom right into Upside Down Land, where you are invited to explore its many realms, interacting with your surroundings and meeting fantastical beings along the way. The multi-dimensional multi-media installation will take you into the collective mind of Pan and his son where you'll ponder the reasons for everything you're experiencing. You'll be wowed by the impressive use of color, light and texture, climb staircases into the clouds, dive deep into dreams, scale sculptures for new perspective, and leave with a sense of whimsy and wonderment that literally nothing else in our city can provide. We checked it out during the Upside Down Land Carnival, a family friendly event hosted by the artists which included caricatures, balloon animals, face painting, carnival games, live music and more. What a blast it was to watch my kids race through the space alongside the other youthful explorers discovering it for themselves. This is an absolute must and my only pro-tip is to make sure you do it after dark. read more

Creative, fun, interactive art installations with a wide variety of mediums and materials. This was homey, comfortable, whimsical, and beautiful. A truly wonderful and completely unique experience. This was a great Yelp event. read more

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It's an amazing experience! Linda like Meow Wolf meets Reno. We had an awesome time, our minds were bent and the food was good. Highly recommended ! read more

This was my first experience trying improv. It took me three weeks to get here, but I'm glad I finally made it. What a blast! My first advice, throw out your preconceptions about what improv is and what it takes and just enjoy yourself! The organizers, Ben, aurora and Robert were really patient and encouraging. You don't have to be a comedian and frankly, you don't even have to try to be funny. The exercises that you go through will teach you about thinking on your feet quickly adapting to situations and "getting out of your head". Upon entering the venue, I was greeted warmly at the door by Ben, one of the organizers and an improv veteran of about 12 years, with a really great personality. After a brief overview of what to expect, he directed me to the theater area which is behind the main lobby. The theater seats about 50-75 with old-school, super- cushy theater seats and a stage where all of the action happens. Initially, there only 4-5 people in he audience but that expanded to about 12 by the time the workshop started. The icebreaker exercises were pretty fun and helped everyone not only get to know each other but also get you accustomed to speaking in front of your new friends. The sooner you can get over the fear of looking silly in front of other people or making a mistake, the quicker you will get into the exercises and the fun will really begin. I laughed so hard, I cried! A few times!! After the workshop, A few of the local improv troops put on a show. It was simply amazing to watch these veterans work and come up with situations and detailed backgrounds for the situations extemporaneously! All in all, a fabulous time was had and I will definitely be back soon! I hope to see you there! read more

This place is amazing! Here you can find a collection of all types of art from very talented artists. I've visited the art studio 2 times and was greeted in a warm and courteous manner. Someone is always working on a masterpiece when you walk in; it gives the place a creative vibe. If you're looking for something out of the ordinary to decorate your walls, this is definitely the place! read more

This review is for the energy of the place, not the place itself. I really don't know what it's supposed to be. Perhaps a space for budding artists to hone their craft? There were some scattering of art, a workbench, some really interesting furniture pieces at the lobby, and a big cello. It all sort of hit me as odd, not being too artsy myself, but it didn't weird me out. Overall, the place had a good vibe. We came here to watch The Star Wars Parody, which by the way, I recommend to all you geeks out there. Not sure when it will be shown again, but keep an eye out for it. Hilarious, even for a non-Star Wars fan like me. The theater is very small, and should I say..rustic? It could probably hold 20-30 people max. The stage itself is, well...in your face. I think shows there are supposed to be interactive, which I thought was cool, and added more fun to the show. This is not your Pioneer theater, ok. If you do go, then just go with it. Just sit back and enjoy what the performers have to offer, without a lot of your prior theater experience expectations. A huge part of having a great time here is your attitude. The actors, the stage, the atmosphere are all very 'organic', for lack of a better word. But, here's the thing, that's part of the experience. We had a blast. I think I laughed as much as when I watched the Book of Mormon the night before. In a totally different way. But as any art goes (again, disclaimer: I don't know what I'm talking about when it comes to art), it's all about evoking certain emotions. In here, it's with the performance. Whether it's a full-on Broadway show, or a home-grown (?) parody, if it affects you in one way or another, then it has done its job. I'm happy that Reno has this place. I believe we will be back. My hubby, whom I had to drag to watch Les Miz with me, is already planning our next date here. Thanks, PW! read more

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Coming to Reno for work, I hoped for an activity outside of the casinos. The Potentialist workshop provided me with an enormously evocative and entertaining evening...all for $14. Professionally accomplished, stimulating and thought provoking, The Words are written to entertain and challenge ones thoughts. Pure genius in content and script, it has one more week, Go and enjoy. I will be seeing it again with a friend as well. Wish I was here for their next show. read more

The Potentialist Workshop came to be about 4 years ago or so by local artists Pan Pantoja, Kelsey Sweet, Eric Brooks, and Mac Esposito. It was the first theatre in Reno to dedicate itself to entirely new, local works. I saw a few shows over at their old Dickerson Rd location, and while they may not have been some of my favorite shows, I appreciate their devotion to new works...Potentialist is definitely exploratory, and what I've seen thus far has been hit-and-miss but again, I value what they're trying to do. The hubby and I went and saw Merry War Theatre Group's production of Hey Brother there tonight, which is actually the first "real" (by "real", I mean published) play that has been produced there. I hadn't been to a Potentialist show in quite some time, and I love their new location! They have a much bigger space now, with an art studio on the left, kind-of a gallery space on the right, and a nice little theatre in the back. I was a little confused about which way to go and if I was indeed in the right place (their old space was way smaller and singular), but there was so much fun art happening all over the place. Live music and massages in the gallery, painting in the studio, and a live play in the theatre! Awesome sauce! This review is really more of a 3.5 based off of the previous productions I have seen (tonight's show was produced and performed by a different local theatre company, but Potentialist gave them a performance space). I'm bumping it to a 4 just because 3 feels a little too pessimistic for what seems to be percolating here...Empire Improv regularly hosts classes here now, they have a choir, spoken word events, and even some Nada Dada stuff is going on here, too. Very cool, indeed! I look forward to getting to know Potentialist Workshop better and updating my review accordingly! read more