"Creativity looks different for everyone, and each person has their own unique way of expressing themselves," said Reilly Moss, ’22, ’23 MBA, local artist and marketing and communications specialist for the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine.

Embodying that belief, Moss’s artwork invites others to be part of the creative process. Moss is the artist behind this year’s Artown festival poster. Her original illustration, “A Sky Written by Dreamers,” celebrates the United States’ 250th anniversary and Northern Nevada’s rich aviation history. The piece, also featured on the cover of Artown’s Little Book, was taken to new heights as a community mural.

More than 200 community artists of all ages and experience levels helped bring the collaborative mural to life across a mosaic of 234 individual canvases. No artistic background was required, and contributors were encouraged to interpret their assigned canvas in their own unique way, with many incorporating mixed-media elements into their pieces.

"My hope is that everyone who sees this mural recognizes a piece of themselves within it and is reminded that art is at its strongest when shared," said Moss. "It’s so powerful seeing hundreds of artists working together to tell a collective story."

Funding for the original piece came from the George W. Gillemot Foundation. The Discovery Museum in downtown Reno hosted the unveiling of the finished mural on July 2. It will remain on display through January 2027.

“I’m incredibly grateful to Artown, the Gillemot Foundation, the Discovery and all of the partners who helped bring this vision to life,” said Moss. “Their belief in this project gave me the opportunity to turn something I love into something that can inspire others.”

Making Reno more vibrant

Drawn to bright colors, bold lines and imaginative landscapes, Moss enjoys creating artwork that feels dreamlike, whimsical and hopeful while experimenting with acrylics, chalk pastels and digital illustration – a style she’s shared across other public art pieces in the region.

One of her most recent mural projects, “The History of Aviation” at the Academy of Arts, Careers and Technology (AACT), traces the story of flight from early dreamers and pioneers to the limitless possibilities of the future. The piece weaves together regional landmarks and historical elements, including an historic airmail arrow and Reno-Stead Airport's evolution from a military training base into a hub for technology testing.

“For me, this mural is about imagination, courage and the belief that creativity can open doors to new possibilities,” said Moss. “I hope every student who walks these halls is reminded that their own dreams can take flight.”

She also recently completed a painted traffic signal box at the intersection of Keystone Avenue and North McCarran Boulevard for the City of Reno, improving the daily commute for thousands of locals.

"The signal box was a fun project because I heard from people who drove by that I took something once overlooked and made it a focal point," said Moss. "I hope it encourages people to look at the mountains around us with a new perspective, even if it is just while waiting at a stoplight."

Since 2019, Moss has also participated in chalk art festivals throughout the region, creating vibrant, nature-inspired scenes while inviting visitors to watch each piece take shape.

"Chalk art festivals are special because people get to watch a piece evolve and interact with the artist throughout the process," she said. "I love hearing people's reactions, answering their questions and giving them a glimpse into how I create my work."

A life of creativity and inspiration

Behind every finished piece is a thoughtful, creative process. Moss begins each project with research, gathering inspiration before visualizing the final composition. Once the concept takes shape, she develops a color palette, often embracing the full spectrum of the rainbow to create energetic, vibrant scenes, before sketching the design and refining it as ideas evolve through collaboration and conversation.

Her passion for art began early.

“As a child, I was always doodling,” said Moss.

Growing up in a creative household, she was also inspired by her mom, Daylene Moss, an abstract mixed-media artist whose work and artistic perspective encouraged her to explore her own creativity from a young age.

That lifelong love of creating eventually led Moss to pursue both her creative and professional interests at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she earned a bachelor's degree in marketing with a minor in studio art before completing her MBA.

Although she describes herself as an emerging artist, Moss also sees herself as a storyteller. In her role at UNR Med, she applies the same creativity she brings to her artwork by developing written and visual content that highlights faculty, staff and students at the school.

"Storytelling is an art form that can take many shapes," said Moss. "I love being able to share the stories of UNR Med and collaborate with people who have ideas I can help bring to life. It's where I feel I shine: turning concepts into meaningful stories that foster connection."

Whether through a mural, illustration or story, Moss continues to use creativity to connect people, celebrate experiences and inspire others to see the world a little differently. Find more of her artwork online at Reilly Moss Art & Design.