Hearts on Fire Event Was a Great Success!

More than 200 people attended the Wildfire-Ready Coalition of Nevada County’s Hearts on Fire event at the Miner’s Foundry, bringing together artists, residents, and volunteers to explore wildfire resilience through art, culture, and community.

“We wanted to engage people in the community not typically involved in wildfire preparedness events—the artists and art lovers. They came, everyone had fun and gained an appreciation for our different perspectives on living with fire,” said Jo Ann Fites-Kaufman of the Wildfire-Ready Coalition.

The event featured an exhibit of over 50 artworks inspired by living with fire, live music, inspirational talks, cultural exhibits, and a fundraising auction supporting wildfire preparedness programs.

Artist LeeAnn Brook remarked, “It was such a great event, and I was so happy to contribute.”

Attendees praised the experience. “The art was amazing, the lasagna was the best I've ever had,” said one guest, while another described the puppet procession that opened the auction as “dramatic, inspiring, and a lot of fun.”

Hearts on Fire served as both a fundraiser and a community-building event, strengthening partnerships and advancing the Coalition’s mission to help residents and communities become wildfire ready.

More than 35 volunteers from 12 Firewise Communities helped organize and put on the event. Auction items included art and wildfire preparedness services such as home hardening, tree services and professional prescribed burning. Nevada City Office of Emergency Services co-sponsored the event.

Artists in alphabetical order by first name include Ameera Godwin, artjoy.org, Celia Tate, Chloe Young, Hillary Hulteen, Inge Ivens, Jaspen Amodeo, Jaccqui Bellon, Jane Welles, Jennifer Rain Crosby, Jill-e Poole, Karle deProsse, Katie Wolff, Lauren Fogiel, Lorena (Rose) Davis, Marna Duncan, Martin Ciciliani, Melissa English, Mira Clark, Penny Rodrick, Radha Devi, Richard Codding, Robyn Martin, Ronnie Hart, Sam Gitchel, Steve Danner, Toni "Tone" Mikulka Chang, and Valerie Birkhoff.