Nov 14 • Artist Reception | Joanna Drakos

Artist Reception: Saturday, November 14th | 1:30-3:30

Depot Gallery & Bookstore

JOANNA DRAKOS

The Bitter and the Sweet | November 13 – 21, 2026

As part of an ancient Greek cultural tradition, Koufeta (white Jordan almonds) are wrapped in tulle and given to guests at major events in a person’s life; such as baptisms and weddings. The fresh almond has a bittersweet taste that is symbolic of life itself. The sugar coating is added with hopes that the life of the new child or the new couple will have more sweetness than bitterness.

When asked what my abstract paintings are about, I’m often grappling with words to describe them, when they are in fact about the human condition. While they may appear “sweet” in appearance, they are emotionally charged with imperfections, mistakes, corrections, and uncertainty. There is often an edge of
bitterness or incongruity that may take further exploration to discern. The sweetness of the color is tempered by the bitterness of the imperfect, human hand. My paintings are “emotional landscapes” where I strive to capture the depth of the empathetic human experience. The work is painted in times of serenity, joy, fear,
sadness, or grief. You may interpret the work as you wish. There is no right or wrong answer. I challenge you to find stillness and allow yourself to experience the work with an open heart.

Joanna Drakos was born in Athens, Greece, raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, and has called
Reno, Nevada home since 2003. She graduated in 1991 from the University of North Carolina, Charlotte
with a bachelor’s degree in fine art. In 2000, she earned an associate’s degree in advertising and graphic
design and pursued a decade long career in magazine design for the publishing houses, Conde Nast and
Gannett. She now paints full-time and runs a professional art practice based in Reno.

In January 2026, Joanna was selected by the Reno Arts and Culture Commission to a one-year tenure as
Reno City Artist. She is a three-time Nevada Arts Council and National Endowment for the Arts grant
recipient; having been awarded project grants in 2022, 2023 and 2025. Joanna is a founding member of
Downtown Modernists, a private Northern Nevada artists collective that seeks opportunities to exhibit
group shows highlighting abstract, non-representational painting. Joanna’s work is held in many private
collections and in the collection of the City of Reno. She exhibits widely in the Northern Nevada region,
has been in numerous group and solo shows and has participated in the annual Reno Tahoe International
Art Show since its inception in 2022.

Gallery Hours:  Thursday – Saturday 11:00am to 4:00pm