On February 20, 2008, artist Anne Mirch and artist-in-search-of-a-medium Trelaine performed "Squeak..." in Reno, Nevada. The event was documented by sculptor, ceramicist and impressionist photographer Craig Smyres. As outlined in a prior blog ("Life is Short..."), the concept of this Random Act of Nada was to celebrate the Year of the Rat with mirth and merriment.

Starting at the Riverside Artists' Lofts, the perfomance commenced with a visit to Sierra Arts, where Reno icon Ezzy Dame listened patiently to pompous rhetoric from a pair of rats.

Anne and Trelaine then proceeded to the Virginia Street bridge, where they skipped back and forth 7 times, as 7 is a lucky number in many Asian countries. Notably, throughout the perfomance the artists took great care not to step on any cracks, in recognition of western culture's belief in a connection between crack-stepping and a decline in maternal health. Since the 15th day of the lunar New Year (which 2/20/08 fell on) is celebrated in many countries as the Lantern Festival, the artists also carried flashlights, combining traditional Asian festivities with western technology.

Following the act on the bridge, the pair continued north, squeaking at the mostly disinterested (and occasionally alarmed) passersby. Here, an impromptu audience member attempts to discard a pamphlet explaining the event and escape as quickly as possible.

But some people liked us!

At Second Street, the merry pranksters traveled east, while displaying a variety of facial expressions to convey westerners' ambivalence toward the growing economic dependence on eastern countries.

The next stop was the Pho 777 Vietnamese Noodle Restaurant for lunch. Pho 777 is located at 201 E. 2nd Street, Reno, NV 89501. They offer a wide variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes at reasonable prices.

The artists were greeted warmly by the hospitable (if somewhat perplexed) Mr. Nguyen and his staff.

Photographer Craig Smyres and Trelaine prepare to devour beef, chicken and pork chow mien. We also had egg rolls and barbequed pork over rice. Yummy! Being a rat really works up an appetite.

The performance concluded with Anne and Trelaine retracing their steps back to the Riverside Artists' Lofts. A fun time was had by all!

Be on the lookout for future Random Acts of Nada! Resistance is futile!