Tuesday, December 29, 2009

The Work Ethic in American Art

Nevada Museum of Art
160 West Liberty Street
Reno

The Work Ethic in American Art

This small exhibition highlights paintings from the museum’s collection that depict laborers, work environments, and workers at rest.

Artists include Lovell Birge Harrison, Elsie Palmer Payne, Jacob Getlar Smith, and Moses Soyer.

Through March 28, 2010.

[Text and graphic from NMA website. Caption: "Elsie Palmer Payne, 'Sheep Dipping Time,' circa 1930s. Oil on canvas, 25 x 30 inches. Collection of Nevada Museum of Art, Purchased with Funds Provided by E.L. Wiegand Foundation."]

Monday, December 28, 2009

Cinema celebrates its 114th birthday!


The first public film screening was held on December 28, 1895, at the Salon Indien du Grand Café on the Boulevard des Capucines in Paris by The Lumière brothers, Auguste Marie Louis Nicolas and Louis Jean . This history-making presentation featured ten short films. Each film is 17 meters long, which, when hand cranked through a projector, runs approximately 50 seconds.

[Text from Wikipedia. Still from "L'arroseur arrosé," one of the films included in the program. Many happy returns to SC in Newcastle, and heartfelt appreciations to DLP.]

Sunday, December 27, 2009

My parents were awesome


My Parents Were Awesome

[A bit of end of year cheer. Photo from My Parents Were Awesome website. Thanks to ASP in Berkeley for the tip. Caption: "'Flo and Brunov.' Submitted by Adrienne."]

Larry Sultan


San Francisco Bay Area photographer Larry Sultan died earlier this month at the age of 63. Below is a link to a 1989 interview on NPR's [National Public Radio] Fresh Air. The interview with host Terry Gross explores "Pictures from Home," his decade-long project chronicling his father's job loss and the effects
it had on the family.

Listen

[Information and graphic from Fresh Air website. Caption: "Dad Looking into Pool," from "Pictures from Home"']

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Night Sky Open House


Dec. 26 | 6-9 pm
Jack C. Davis Observatory
Open House + Star Party


Western Nevada College
2699 Van Patten Drive
Carson City, NV 89703

Featuring a "stellar" presentation about the night sky followed by viewing from a number of telescopes. At 8:00 p.m. there will be a raffle drawing for an autographed commemorative coin by Buzz Aldrin and the late Jack C. Davis.

Hot chocolate sponsored by Red's Old 395 and cookies by the WNC Foundation.

more info: 775-445-3240


[Information and graphic from WNC press release. Graphic from Google image search for 'night sky.']

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Seasons Greetings and Happy New Year 2010!

The staff and boards of CCAI, "your northern Nevada arts organization," wish all of our readers, friends, members, participating artists, curators and scholars, fans and supporters Season's Greetings, and like our friends in Sydney Australia*, early wishes for a very happy new year. We look forward to another fantastic year filled with hope and creative possibilities and thank you for helping make CCAI's programs possible!

[For the fourth year running we mark the new year with an image of Sydney, Australia where revelers ring in the new year among the earliest. The graphic is from a Google image search for 'Sydney New Year'.]

Monday, December 21, 2009

OLLI Spring Courses


Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
Spring 2010 Courses for Community Seniors


The University of Nevada, Reno's learning-in-retirement organization, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), brings diverse learning opportunities to active older adult learners dedicated to the growth and leadership of an organization directed by and for its members

Courses are free with the OLLI annual membership fee of $45; applications to join are available at any time. Financial assistance is available.

Unless otherwise noted, classes are held in downtown Reno at the University's off-campus OLLI facility in the Warren Nelson Building, 401 W. Second Street in Reno.

For more information, a membership application or a course schedule, call the OLLI office at (775) 784-8053, or Extended Studies at the University, (775) 784-4046, or visit www.olli.unr.edu.

[Text from OLLI website. Image from Google image search for 'lifelong learning.']

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Library Knitting & Crochet Workshop

Carson City Library
900 N. Roop Street
Carson City
ph. 775-887-2244

Monday | December 21
3 - 5 pm
Knitting & Crochet Workshop


Led by Ranee Ceglia

Free. Also on Monday December 28.

[Graphic from Google image search for 'Knitting.']

Friday, December 18, 2009

Biggest Little City in the World


Nevada Historical Society
1650 N. Virginia Street
Reno

Reno: Biggest Little City in the World


"... exhibit featuring artifacts, photos, manuscripts, gaming memorabilia and art specific to the history and development of Reno. Incorporated in the exhibit will be four custom “Pickles” drawings created specifically for the exhibit by Sparks cartoonist Brian Crane.

The modern Pickles family will appear as oversize figures at the beginning of the exhibit to introduce visitors to the display. The other images feature the characters at the end of the 19th century, the 1920s and the 1960s."

The exhibit is open Wednesday through Saturday | 10am-5pm

[text from Reno News & Review calendar listing. Graphic from Google image search for "Biggest Little City in the World."]

Thursday, December 17, 2009

High School Musical 2

December 18 | 7 pm
December 19 | 4 pm
Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada

813 N. Carson Street
Carson City

Wild Horse Children's Theater presents:
High School Musical 2


" ... the newest and most entertaining Disney musical to hit the stage in Carson City! The chart topping musical score incorporates songs from the movie soundtrack including “What Time Is It”, and “You Are the Music in Me” and more."

Tickets: $10 for adults | $8 for seniors & students | $5 for ages 12 & under.
Tickets may be purchased at the Museum daily from 10-4:30, by calling 775.887-0438 or online at www.showtix4u.com

Additional Information: 775.887-0438

[information from Carson City Visitors & Convention Center website. Graphic from Google image search for "High School Musical 2."]

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Governor's Arts Awards

Seven individuals and organizations will receive a 30th Annual Governor’s Arts Award at a public reception and ceremony in Las Vegas this April.

The Nevada Arts Council and the Governor's Office present these honors for outstanding and enduring contributions to Nevada through artistic achievement and service to the arts.

The 30th Annual Governor's Arts Awards ceremony
is scheduled for April 1, 2010 at the World Market Center's ‘Worldview on Sixteen’ ballroom.

The 2010 recipients of the Governor’s Arts Awards are:

* Ellen Hopkins, Carson City - Excellence in the Arts
* Thai Cultural Arts Association, Las Vegas - Excellence in Folk and Traditional Art
* Nevada School of the Arts, Las Vegas- Leadership in the Arts: Education
* Patricia Harris, Las Vegas - Leadership in the Arts: Individuals
* Contemporary Arts Center, Las Vegas- Leadership in the Arts: Organization
* NV Energy, Statewide- Patronage in the Arts
* Marcia Robinson, West Las Vegas Arts Center - Distinguished Service

Invitations will be mailed after the first of the year and posted on the Arts Council’s website at Arts Council website.

Tickets to the 30th anniversary celebration will be $30.

[text from NAC press release. Graphic from Google image search for 'arts award'. CCAI extends best wishes and congratulations to the Arts Council and to all the award recipients!.]

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Red, Blue and Other Colors

Western Nevada College
Main Gallery

Bristlecone Building
Carson City Campus

Through January 7, 2010

Galen Brown
"Red, Blue and Other Colors"


more

We extend best wishes to CCAI Alum Galen Brown who was featured in "Waves: Line and Rhythm", a spring 2008 one-person exhibition at the CCAI Courthouse Gallery.


[Graphic from CCAI exhibition. Caption: "Galen Brown. Detail from "Wave" series of 100 drawings. China marker, Colored Pencil, and Spray fix on board mounted on aluminum. 8 1/4" x 11 1/4."
2004.]

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Art + Infrastructure

Nevada Museum of Art
160 West Liberty Street
Reno

Center for Art + Environment
Art and Infrastructure: Patricia Johanson and the Petaluma Wetlands Park


"Art, ecology, landscaping and functional infrastructure meet in Patricia Johanson’s collaborative project – Petaluma Wetlands Park. Using constructed and natural wetlands Johanson created a multi-purpose public landscape providing three miles of recreational use, educational programs and nature study alongside a facility that simultaneously processes human sewage, while also generating crops and creating wildlife habitats."

through January 10, 2010

[text and graphic from NMA website. Caption: Ellis Creek Water Recycling Facility, Petaluma, CA, April 2008. Image courtesy the City of Petaluma, California."]

Monday, December 07, 2009

Guitar Trio of Concerts


December 11-13
Sierra Nevada Guitar Society
Classical Guitar Holiday Concerts 2009


"This always popular show features a variety of classical guitar music, Holiday themes, plus visiting and regional performers. Guest artists are Triada, three brothers from Bulgaria who form one of the most eminent, virtuosic and enjoyable guitar trios in the world. Performances will include arrangements of the J.S. Bach Brandenburg Concerto No.3, the Vivialdi Trio for Lute, Violin and Basso Continuo, Greensleeves, three selections from the Nutcracker Suite, plus more surprises!"

Friday, December 11 | 7 pm
Copeland Arts Center

1572 Highway 395
Minden

Tickets at door: $15 Adults | $10 Seniors 62+ | $5 Students under 30

Saturday December 11 | 7:30 pm
Trinity Episcopal Church

200 Island Avenue
Reno

Tickets at door: $15 Adults | $10 Seniors 62+ | $5 Students under 30

Sunday December 13 | 4 pm
Thunderbird Lodge

Lake Tahoe

Holiday wine and cheers available for purchase in holiday delight during an enchanting afternoon at the spectacular Thunderbird Lodge on the shores of Lake Tahoe.

Tours begin at 3:00 pm
Concert begins at 4 pm

$50 per person
[$25 of the $50 is tax deductible]
No children under 6 years of age
Attendance by Thunderbird-arranged bus service only

tickets | information
or 775-832-8752

[text from Guitar Society website. Graphic from Triada website.]

Saturday, December 05, 2009

Recycled Seconds Curator's Notes


An essay on Recyled Seconds, CCAI's fall program focusing on community-based practice, DIY fashion design, sustainability and civic engagement is now online.

Recycled Seconds – the exhibition – continues through January 8, 2010 at the CCAI Courthouse Gallery.

READ | SEE

[Photograph from the CCAI Album. Caption: "Backstage at the CCAI Recycled Seconds Benefit Cocktail Party & Fashion Show. Classy Seconds, Carson City, Nevada. October 16, 2009."]

Thursday, December 03, 2009

Digital Class

Western Nevada College Gallery
Bristlecone Building

November 30, 2009 – January 7, 2010
Digital Photography Class Exhibit


Artists reception: December 9 | 4:30-6 pm

Gallery Hours:
M–Th 7:30 am - 9 pm
Friday 7 am - 5 pm

[information from WNC website. Graphic from Google image search for 'digital photography ccd diagram' Click to enlarge.]

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

World AIDS Day


"The World AIDS Campaign has been established to strengthen and connect the advocacy and campaigning activities of civil society that target governments and other stakeholders to deliver on their promises and commitments on HIV and AIDS. Whether that is with politicians, policy makers, the donor community or those countries most affected by HIV or indeed a multilateral agency or civil society, the aim is to create a unified voice on the need to take the action necessary to scale up the response to HIV.

Our Objectives are:

1. To catalyse and strengthen national, inclusive campaigns for accountability on universal access;
2. To increase involvement in campaigning for accountability on universal access within and across international constituency-based networks; and
3. To increase access to resources and information to support more effective, campaigning for accountability on universal access.

The World AIDS Campaign is a global coalition of national, regional and international civil society groups united by the call for governments to honour their AIDS commitments under the slogan “Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise.” The campaign is governed by a steering committee of global constituency-based networks and supported by a team of support staff based primarily in Cape Town, South Africa and partially in Amsterdam, The Netherlands."

[Text and graphic from Campaign website and Facebook page.]

Friday, November 27, 2009

Decorate and Protect

[As part of "Recycled Seconds," CCAI's Fall 2009 project focusing on community-based practice, DIY fashion design, sustainability and civic engagement, the CCAI Blog! is featuring a range of textiles|fashion projects through the end of the year.]


Southern Alberta Art Gallery
601 Third Avenue South
Lethbridge, Alberta
T1J 0H4

November 28 – January 17, 2010
Decorate and Protect
Mary-Anne McTrowe


Opening Reception: Saturday, November 28 | 8 pm

Prevalent throughout the domestic decorative arts, the tea-cozy remains an oft-visited tradition for novices and seasoned practitioners alike. Knit, crocheted or quilted, the purpose of the object is two-fold – it functions as an insulator keeping the tea warm, and is also a decorative and creative expression of its maker. Extending its utility, artist Mary-Anne McTrowe embraces the ‘cozy’ as a device to approach ideas of domestic production, protection, and decoration.

more

[text and graphic from gallery website. Caption: "Cozies for Destroyed Lethbridge Landmarks: Capitol Theatre."]

Thursday, November 26, 2009

The 411 on Tryptophan


"One belief is that heavy consumption of turkey meat (as for example in a Thanksgiving or Christmas feast) results in drowsiness, which has been attributed to high levels of tryptophan contained in turkey."


more

CCAI wishes everyone happy holidays!

Monday, November 23, 2009

Recycled Seconds at the Courthouse Gallery

CCAI Courthouse Gallery
885 East Musser Street [map]
Carson City

Gallery Hours: M-F | 9 am – 5 pm
Closing Reception: January 8, 2010 | 5–7 pm

Recycled Seconds

Diamond Barker
Juliana Bledsoe
Rita Borsellis
Bryan Christiansen
Terra Coyan
Veronica Garcia
Kodi Fujii
Andrew Jones
Dominique Palladina
Genny Reuter
Gil Valdez


Part of CCAI's fall program focusing on on community-based practice,DIY fashion design, sustainability and civic engagement.


[Photograph from the CCAI Album. Caption: "From the runway of the CCAI Recycled Seconds Benefit Cocktail Party & Fashion Show. Classy Seconds, Carson City, Nevada. October 16, 2009."]

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Wendy Tremayne Thursday, November 19!


Reminder: Artist|Activist Wendy Tremayne will give a public presentation at 7 pm on Thursday at the Carson City Library in conjunction with Recycled Seconds, CCAI's Fall 2009 project focusing on community-based practice,'do it yourself' fashion design, sustainability and civic engagement.

Details

[screengrab from CCAI Recycled Seconds Flickr Album. Click here to see the complete slide show.]

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Art Educators - The 2010 Scholastic Art Awards!

Nevada Museum of Art
160 West Liberty Street
Reno

The 2010 Scholastic Art Awards

Nevada Museum of Art is pleased to once again host the Scholastic Art Awards competition for Northern Nevada students in grades seven through twelve.

In 2009 there were a record number of entries from northern Nevada students, especially in the senior art portfolio category. Scholarships were awarded to six high school seniors and several national-level awards were granted which we hope to see happen again in 2010.

Select award winning works will be displayed in a month-long exhibition at the Museum from March 6 to April 3, 2010.

submission guidelines


NB! Submission deadlines:
Friday, January 15, 2010 from 2 – 6 pm
Saturday, January 16, 2010 from 10 am – 2 pm

additionnal information
: Claire Muñoz, NMA School Services and Outreach Manager claire.munoz@nevadaart.org

[Info from museum website. Graphic from Google image search for 'art award.']

Friday, November 13, 2009

Wine - Art - Song - A benefit

Vintage
6135 Lakeside Drive
Reno 89511

Sunday, November 15 | 4pm - 7pm
Wine - Art - Song: a Bone on Bone benefit for L. Martina Young


Wine Tasting - $25/person

"an evening of delicious wine, the beautiful voice of CeCe Gable and an art auction of works by local artists.

Each ticket will include a glass of wine and appetizers from A Perfect Pear.

Many of you know Martina, an artist, dancer, scholar, mentor, healer, teacher, colleague and friend. Martina's grace of movement has touched many of you and yet dance has also effected her body.

Martina needs bi-lateral hip-replacement surgery but has no health insurance. Martina will not be able to grace us with her dancing nor can she currently walk without debilitating pain without this surgery.

Works in the auction, donated works by artists that include: Laura Lea Evans, Laura Fillmore, Bonnie Golde, Doug Goodall, Cindy Gunn, Erik Holland, Martin Holmes, Karen Kreyeski, Luverne Lightfoot, Edouard Mann, Patty Melton, Galina Milton, Candace Nicol, Rante Nuemann, Ricardo Olivera, Nick Ramirez, Jann Selleck, Chad Sorg, Catherine Sweet, Rossitza Todorova, Linda Walker, Pat Wallis, Joe Winter, Patti Woodard and Lynda Yuroff.

All proceeds from the event will go to the ">Bone on Bone Project."

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Save the date! Thursday, November 19


Thursday, November 19 | 7 p.m.
Carson City Library
[map]
900 N. Roop Street
Carson City
ph. 775-887-2244

CCAI Nevada Neighbors Lecture Series
Illustrated talk by Artist|DIY Activist Wendy Tremayne
"The Maker as Revolutionary in Times of Commodified Culture"


In her talk, Wendy Tremayne, founder of "Swap-o-rama-rama," will explore evolving grassroots trends in contemporary life, from design to social activism. She writes: "Revivifying the human experience is a mission of purpose, something commodified life has taken from us. What we have to gain is intimacy, creativity, the revival of community, a healthy planet and ultimately happiness. We can each embrace a do-it-yourself spirit and use it to break down the barrier between consumer and creator and by doing so begin to reclaim the creativity that has been lost."

Informal reception: 6:15 p.m.
Free. The public is coridially invited!


The talk is presentation is part of CCAI Fall 2009 project" Recycled Seconds" focusing on community-based practice,'do it yourself' fashion design, sustainability and civic engagement.

more

[graphic from Google image search for 'swap-o-rama-rama.']

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Amateur Boxing Card in Virginia City


Piper's Opera House
Drawer J
1 North B Street
Virginia City, NV 89440
775-847-0433
866-422-1956

November 14 | 3 pm on:
Amateur Boxing Card
Welter, Middle and Heavy Weight Contests
Special Appearance by Joe Gilbert
Hosted by Bruno's Boxing Club


Acccording to the Reno Gazette Journal, quoting Brandi Lee, there will be 12-15 bouts with boxers from Nevada and California. This will be the first boxing card at Piper's in 116 years. The last one was May 4, 1893.

Tickets $15-25
$10 for seniors and students.

To order tickets, call Piper's at 775.847-0433 or 866.422-1956.

[Basic information from Piper's website. Graphic from Google image search for '19th Century Boxing.']

Monday, November 09, 2009

Food for Fines!


Carson City Library
900 N. Roop Street
Carson City
ph. 775-887-2244

November 9-28
Food for Fines!

Donate
non-perishable food items to waive overdue fines.

[graphic adapted from result of Google image search for 'food for fines.']

Friday, November 06, 2009

Rhymers Rodeer


Carson Valley Inn
1627 Hwy 395 N
Minden
ph.775.782.9711 | 800.321.6983

November 6 & 7
22nd Annual Rhymers Rodeer


Host: McAvoy Lanyne [as Mark Twain]
Walt "Bimbo" Cheney
Rod McQueary
Janice Gilbertson
Rush Creek

[partial list]

Friday Feature Show $25.

6:30 p.m. — No-Host Cocktails
7:30 p.m. — Rodeer Feature Show

Saturday Dinner Show $50
5:30 p.m. — No-Host Cocktails
6:15 p.m. — Dinner
7:45 p.m. — Rodeer Feature Show

Saturday Open "Mic" Session
10 a.m. - Noon

[information and graphic from CVI website.]

Thursday, November 05, 2009

Trifecta | Transitions


Trifecta Gallery
[in the Arts Factory]
103 E. Charleston #108
Las Vegas, NV 89104

November 5 | 5-9 pm
Preview Opening
"T R A N S I T I O N S"
Eric Joyner and Joseph Daniel Fielder


[information and graphic from Nevada Arts Council mailing. Special thanks to Fran Morrow for her statewide cultural animation efforts!]

Wednesday, November 04, 2009

No_NV NAC Workshops


The Nevada Arts Council [NAC] is hosting free workshops for individuals to learn about "CultureGrants Online™," NAC's new application system for the Fiscal Year 2011 grant cycle.

Monday, November 16
Carson City

9 am to noon or 1-4 pm

Nevada Legislative Building
401 S. Carson Street
Carson City

==

Tuesday, November 17
Reno

9 am to noon or 1-4 pm

Lake Mansion
250 Court Street
Reno

[information from Nevada Department of Cultural Affairs mailing. Graphic from Google image search for 'money.']

Tuesday, November 03, 2009

Prospectives.09


Prospectives.09 International Digital Arts Festival
Joseph DeLappe, Festival Director


"Exhibit > Present > Perform > Project > NetArt
Prospectives.09 is the international festival showcasing the work of graduate and Phd candidates working across a diverse spectrum of digital arts practice. The festival showcases the work of 37 artists and performers from throughout the United States and internationally (including artists from Australia, United Kingdom, India, South Africa, Chile, Sweden and Portugal)."

schedule | details | venures


[text and graphic from festival press release. Note that Festival Director, UNR professor Joseph DeLappe will be part of the spring edition of Nevada Neighbors, CCAI's series featuring artists, curators and scholars.]

Monday, November 02, 2009

November FWAC!


First Wednesday Arts Coffee
Wednesday, November 4 | 4:30-6 pm

The Bliss Mansion
608 Elizabeth Street*
Carson City

On the first Wednesday of every month, area artists and arts supporters gather at CCAI's monthly artist's coffee at the famous Bliss Mansion*.

And while it's unlikely you'll find President Obama or New York City Mayor Mike Bloomburg joining the festivities, it is true you never know who you might see at this spirited, caffeinated gathering.

All invited to convene for coffee and conversation at this CCAI trademark event!

Specials thanks, as always, to our hosts Cindy and Steve Brenneman.

* located at the corner of Robinson and Elizabeth Streets in Carson City's Historic District across the street from the Governor's Mansion.

[graphic from Google image search for 'coffee klatch.']

Sunday, November 01, 2009

The King & I in Carson City


Western Nevada Musical Theatre Company
Carson City Community Center

851 E William St
Carson City, NV 89701
(775) 887-2290

Weekends, November 7-22:
The King and I


Winner of multiple Tony and Academy awards, the play tells the story of a British schoolteacher coming to Siam to educate the children of the King, a ruler entrenched in Eastern customs but intrigued with the West. Their unexpected and unlikely affection for each other overrides the vast cultural differences that separate them. The story is embellished by some of Broadway’s most beloved numbers, including Shall We Dance, Getting To Know You and I Have Dreamed.

Sarah Pennebaker (Nellie in 2008’s South Pacific) is the essence of elegance as Anna Leonowens and Leoney Berg (Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls) captures the stage as the brash and vulnerable king. Robin Kato stars as Tuptim, while Lun Tha is played by Emzy Burroughs and Ryan Ashley.

Some 40 singers and dancers complete the cast, accompanied by a live, professional orchestra. Stephanie Arrigotti produces and directs, Gina Kaskie-Davis is the choreographer.

Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m.
November 21 Saturday matinee on Nov. 21 at 2 p.m.

Admission is $20 general
$18 for students and seniors
$16 for youth 17 and under.
Tickets & information: 775-445-4249

[Text from WNC press release. Graphic from Google image search for 'Siam'.]

Friday, October 30, 2009

Bill Cowee

[Below is a moving tribute to Bill Cowee by fellow Nevada writer Shaun Griffin.]

Bill Cowee—Friend to Poets, Libraries, and Readers
by Shaun T. Griffin

Northern Nevada lost a literary champion on Friday, October 16. Born in Wisconsin and raised in Montana, Bill Cowee came to this region to attend undergraduate school at UNR, and later finished his accounting degree at USC. He worked as a comptroller for the Arden-Mayfair grocery chain in Southern California before once again, relocating to northern Nevada. For the next two decades he worked as an accountant with his brother, John, in Dayton.

It was during this time that Bill resurrected his love of poetry. Quite unobtrusively, he started Ash Canyon Poets with John Garmon in 1987. They have continued to meet every Friday of the year since that time—except Christmas Eve. And he began to study the art form in earnest, acquiring books from all periods of poetic history. Equally important, he began to work as a teacher and colleague with so many of his peers, people who came to him for advice, for suggestions on revision. In the middle of all this effort, he wrote his poems, some of which leave me breathless. After several years he gathered them in his first volume, Bones Set Against the Drift, published by Black Rock Press in 1997.

Publishing a poem has been described as pushing a leaf over the Grand Canyon wall and waiting to hear its echo. But Bill’s volume did leave a mark—the poems rang true to this landscape and the people who make the Great Basin home. He articulated a clear vision of the West—something like Gary Snyder’s vision of this place, and he did it with careful attention to detail, to sound, to imagery. No poet comes upon his or her craft with ease. Bill worked tirelessly at revision and at making each word count. What he wanted from a poem was nothing less than awe. He wanted the reader to set it down like fire at the feet.

His reading taught him so much and he relied on the vast history of poets and poetry for instruction, for ways to enrich each separate effort. Although I have written of his work before, I am besieged with regret that this must come after his valiant effort “to stay alive,” as the poet Denise Levertov wrote. Late in life Bill moved into the Evergreen Mountain View Convalescent home. He told me that he would never write again, that he “was all through” because to write in that place would be usury and he could not bring himself to do so. I listened to him but did not believe him. I told him he had everything to write about, that life “was now/ and never was/ before or after,” like our friend the poet Toby Lurie wrote. It was a difficult adjustment for Bill, living in a place without wheels and where sickness and the loss of life were part of his existence.

Soon Bill did several things that struck me as nothing short of amazing. Upon moving into the facility—whose many loving staff kept Bill thriving—and with the tireless help of his guardian angel, Terry Ford, he donated his 1,200-plus volumes of poetry to Western Nevada College. Six months ago, after just getting out of the hospital, he attended the dedication ceremony at the college. The volumes are in a sunlit corner of the library, all with a small sticker on them: The Bill Cowee Poetry Collection. Similarly, upon urging from Terry Breeden, he submitted his poems—yes, he did start writing again—to the Nevada Arts Council. In May, 2009, he learned he was the recipient of this year’s artist fellowship in literature. This was his second fellowship award from the Nevada Arts Council. These poems were the very poems he told me he could never write. They are among the most humane of all that he has left us.

I wish I could recount the number of days Bill and I talked about poetry on the steps of his brother’s accounting office, or mornings spent at the Piñon Poetry Festival teaching young students about the art form, or the evenings in classes or workshops or libraries bringing new readers and writers to poetry. Bill never tired of giving his gift away and he never expected the gift of recognition to come in return. He regretted not being in the Nevada Writer’s Hall of Fame—a regret that may yet change—but he was thrilled to receive the Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts in 2001. He served as the poetry editor for Bristlecone and co-director of the Western Mountain Writer’s conference. Perhaps most unknown about Bill, he labored to support the poets in the prison poetry workshop I have taught at Northern Nevada Correctional Center for many years. In fact, one year they elected to put a painting of him on the cover of their journal, Razor Wire.

Bill had three sons, all grown, a former spouse, a mother, sister, and two brothers who live on. Gratefully, they were able to be with him in his last week of life. Words mean very little to someone in a time of grief and I imagine if Bill were here, he would have written a poem to say good-bye. It was only through the grace of Denise and so many more of the staff at Evergreen that he could share his words at all. But when we gathered to read his poems on that Friday evening, everyone knew that they had been shaken by a man whose love of poetry was unbridled, had no boundaries, and would never accept a world without art.

Bill would have wanted you to know this most of all and so I will end with his words.


Do Not Resuscitate


Much like Tutankhamen,
we must record the wishes
of our passing
the Advanced Directive,
not the killing of slaves
with their baskets of wheat and dates,
but the absence of feeding tubes
or hands pumping our breasts.
Only the sipping of drugs
to ease the journey.
Let me go
into the great lake,
into my own time, my soul
wrapped in its swaddling
with the spices of my life.
My body like a reed
of its own papyrus
ink still wet with the blessing
of having written.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Trailer Park Troubadours

Brewery Arts Center
449 W. King Street
Carson City, NV 89703
775.883.1976

October 30 + 31 | 7:30 pm:
Antsy McClain & The Trailer Park Troubadours


"Celebrate Nevada Day Eve with the return of the Polyester Dressed Flamingo Heads themselves."

$23 Reserved Seating
$20 Students, Seniors & BAC Members

[text and graphic from the BAC website.]

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

CCAI in the Nevada Appeal!


[Click on the image above to enlarge a scan of pages from the October 25 Nevada Appeal. CCAI extends heartfelt thanks to the Appeal for featuring our October 16 Benefit Cocktail Party and Runway Fashion Show in its Sunday edition – and for all its coverage of northern Nevada arts & culture! ]

Additional pictures from the event on CCAI's Facebook Fan Page.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

The Kepa Junkera Ensemble

Churchill Arts Council
Oats Park Art Center

151 E. Park Street
Fallon, Nevada
775.423.1440

Saturday, November 7 | 8pm:
The Kepa Junkera Ensemble

Bar open at 7 pm.
Tickets—$17 CAC members
$20 non-members
$10 students

Kepa Junkera, along with Joseba Zulaika, Director of Basque Studies at UNR, will also conduct a free and open-to-the-public preview and conversation on Basque music and traditions at 3:00 PM on the day of the performance.

Kepa Junkera is a master of the trikitixa, Basque accordion, and one of the most innovative musicians in Europe who has performed with world-renowned musicians from the Chieftains to Andreas Vollenweider

[text and graphic from CAC press mailing.]

Monday, October 26, 2009

Bernd and Hilla Becher

Nevada Museum of Art
160 West Liberty Street
Reno

The Grid: Bernd and Hilla Becher

German husband-and-wife team Bernd and Hilla Becher are best known for their photographs of large-scale industrial buildings that are typically arranged in grids. Using a large-format camera, the Bechers have photographed hundreds of industrial structures—including water towers, grain silos, houses, and warehouses—with the aim of maintaining a straightforward and objective point of view. At once conceptual art and typological study, the Bechers’ photography has influenced a generation of artists, from Candida Höfer and Andreas Gursky to Ed Ruscha and Henry Wessel.

This exhibition is presented as part of the Art + Environment series, an initiative of the Nevada Museum of Art that brings together community, artists and scholars to explore the interaction between people and their environments.

Through February 07, 2010

[text and graphic from museum website. Caption: "Bernd and Hilla Becher, Gas Tanks (GB Erdgas), 1963 – 93. Black and white photographs, 68 x 56 in. (overall). Courtesy of Private Collection, San Francisco.)"]

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Talent Show Auditions!


Western Nevada College
Carson City Campus

Latino Student Club


"Don’t Hide Your Talent! Bring it to the Saturday, November 7 WNC Talent Show!"

WNC's Latino Student Club is looking for those who can sing, dance, play an instrument or tell jokes for the second annual “Show Your Talent Contest” on . Auditions are open to WNC students and the community at large.

Audition dates:
Friday, Oct. 23, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Cedar Building Rm. 109
WNC Carson City Campus

Monday, Nov. 2 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Marlette Hall
WNC Carson City Campus

There is a $20 per couple entry fee for dance contestants; other talent entries are free. Dance entrants are asked to bring their own music to the audition. There will be prizes for the talent winners and cash prizes for the dance contest.

Proceeds from the event will provide scholarships to Latino students.

[text from WNC press release. Graphic from Google image search for 'theater stage.']

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Grants to Nevada Artists & Educators

Nevada Arts Council
Grant Application
November Deadlines


Jackpot Grants
Postmark Deadline: Nov. 16
[for projects Jan 1-March 31, 2010]

Quarterly grants of up to $1,000 for artists to support new and/or exemplary arts projects. Jackpots are also designed to support activities that help artists further their careers. Artist must have attained a certain level of proficiency as represented in the quality of works samples submitted with application.

Eligible applicants must currently:
· be a practicing professional artist
· be a Nevada resident for 12 months prior to application date
· have U.S. citizenship or legal resident status
· be at least 21 years old, and not be currently enrolled as a degree-seeking student

NAC Contact: Mary Vargas, Grants Coordinator
775.687.7102
mvargas@nevadaculture.org

more

==

Better Education Through The Arts Grants [BETA]
Postmark Deadlines: November 16 – for projects Jan 1-March 31, 2010

Quarterly grants up to $750 to teaching artists and educators. BETA grants support small arts education projects designed and presented by organizations and individuals. May include, but are not limited to: art exhibitions, performances, reading and concerts; sponsoring of arts education workshops and conferences.

Eligible applicants: Teaching artists is a professional or traditional artist with training and experience in an art form and with knowledge of educational practice.


NAC Contact: Maryjane Dorofachuk, Arts Education Coordinator
702.486.3738
mdorofachuk@nevadaculture.org

more


[text from NAC public information notice. Graphic from Google image search for 'jackalope.']

Monday, October 19, 2009

CCAI Recycled Seconds Benefit Cocktail Party & Fashion Show

"CCAI Recycled Seconds Benefit Cocktail Party & Fashion Show"

A dozen young northern Nevada 'DIY' designers and a dozen models teamed with the Capital City Arts Initiative to present a lively runway fashion show on Friday evening at Classy Seconds, Carson City's premier thrift store.

Proceeds from the event help support CCAI's Arts In Education programs and Advocates to End Domestic Violence [AEDV]. Sales from Classy Seconds help fund AEDV.

more pictures on CCAI's Facebook Fan Page


[click on image to enlarge.]

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Bill Cowee, Nevada Poet

"The blue heron steps lightly across the wetland, stalks the heart within my chest"
-Bill Cowee

CCAI is saddened to learn of the death of Nevada poet Bill Cowee. Mr. Cowee, one of the guiding forces of the Ash Canyon Poets, passed away on October 15.

In an article in the Nevada Appeal, WNC English professor Marilee Swirczek commented: "His poetry is very much grounded in the landscape of the Great Basin and the interior landscape of our hearts and souls. His poetry cuts down to the bone and gristle of human emotions."

Mr. Cowee was honored in 2001 with a Governor's Arts Award. In 2007 he donated more than 1,000 volumes of poetry, the majority featuring Northern Nevada writers, to the Western Nevada College Library.

[Quote from Nevada Audubon website. Photo from Nevada Appeal archive.]

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Exhibitions in the WNC Galleries


[Click on image to enlarge. CCAI extends best wishes to WNC and the participating artists, with a special 'shout-out' to Jim McCormick who will be featured in a special exhibition of site-specific work opening winter 2010 at the CCAI Courthouse Gallery.]

Thursday, October 15, 2009

All Systems Go for Friday October 16 event!

From the CCAI Picture Album:

Earlier today, CCAI Executive Director Sharon Rosse and Recycled Seconds Lead Designer Kodi Fujii reviewed plans for Friday's Benefit Cocktail Party and Runway Fashion Show.

"DIY fashion from northern Nevada's most exciting young designers and artists, no host bar, great guests, models and designers in a glamorous, Bohemian setting!"

Tickets are still available and all are invited! $25. per person | $10. special student rate! Click here for details!

Monday, October 12, 2009

On Site Design Studio

As part of Recycled Seconds, CCAI's fall project focusing on community-based practice, DIY fashion design, sustainability and civic engagement, CCAI, working with on site staff, have created a fashion design studio at Classy Seconds, Carson City's premier thrift store.

Beginning this month, local designers and artists have been working with Classy Seconds' vast and ever-changing inventory to create new pieces and outfits, from halter taps crafted from men's dress shirts to smart cocktail dresses from t-shirts to avant-garde jewelery from discarded hardware.

A benefit cocktail party and runway show at Classy Seconds will highlight the project this Friday, October 9, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Click here for details and a copy of your electronic invitation!

A portion of the proceeds will go to the Advocates to End Domestic Violence [AEDV].

[Above are, l-r, Recycled Seconds designers Gil Valdez, Genny Reuter, Dominique Palladino and Bryan Christiansen on site in early and later stages of the process. Click on the image to enlarge. As you'll see from the shelves, the designers have found an abundance of materials to work with!

Our heartfelt thanks to staffs of AEDV and Classy Seconds for their support of Recycled Seconds!]

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Recycle LACMA

[As part of "Recycled Seconds," CCAI's Fall 2009 project focusing on community-based practice, DIY fashion design, sustainability and civic engagement, the CCAI Blog! is featuring a range of textiles|fashion projects through the end of the year.]

Recycle LACMA

On January 14th, 2009 the Los Angeles County Museum of Art announced that it was deaccessioning more than 100 items from its costumes and textiles collection. Once carefully collected, catalogued, and cared for, these items have now been cast back out in to the world. What will happen to them? Like any other useless item, they will need to be recycled or disposed of.

Recycle LACMA is a project of Los Angeles-based artist Robert Fontenot. At three separate auctions he purchased over 50 items deaccessioned by LACMA and is now trying to find new uses for these otherwise unwanted items.

Although each item has not yet been used, each item can have a use.

Recycle LACMA blog

NPR Weekend Edition Story


Related: Reserve your tickets for the CCAI Recycled Seconds Benefit Cocktail Party and Runway Fashion Show - Friday, October 16 at Classy Seconds, 6:30 on...

[Text and graphic from Recycle LACMA blog. The photograph displays a Korean Girl's Hood recycled as a sling.]

Saturday, October 10, 2009

1er Poetry Slam Bilingüe

[NB: We've just learned that this event has been postponed. Check back with the Center for updates.]

Latino Research Center
University of Nevada, Reno

Wednesday October 14th
1st Bilingual Poetry Slam


prizes!

Sign-up


Educators are invited to encourage their students to participate. Let their voices be heard!

more

==

1er Poetry Slam Bilingüe

La próxima es nuestra última semana de celebraciones del Mes de la Hispanidad!

Recuerden que nuestro Primer Poetry Slam Bilingüe es el miércoles 14 de Octubre y que tenemos premios excelentes!

Si aun no se han inscrito para participar todavía queda tiempo.

Visita nuestro sitio web www.unr.edu/latinocenter donde encontrarás toda la informacion con respecto a este evento y como puede ser parte.

Si usted es un educador, por favor no se olvide de alentar a sus estudiantes a participar. Esta es una gran oportunidad para dejar que sus voces sean escuchadas.

Nos vemos la próxima semana!

mas

Part of Hispanic Heritage Month | Mes de la Herencia Hispana 2009

[Information and Spanish text from Center press mailing. Graphic from Google image search for 'poetry slam.']

Friday, October 09, 2009

African Festival

[Article reprinted in full from the Reno Gazette Journal]

African festival starts Friday at UNR


The African Union of Northern Nevada is holding its first festival with drumming, poetry, storytelling and other cultural activities Friday and Saturday in Reno.

The event is open to the public and is free, except for Saturday’s dinner and dance.

The festival starts at 3:30 p.m. Friday at the Jot Travis Auditorium on the University of Nevada, Reno campus with poetry, musical performances, a drumming workshop and fashion shows. Events from 6 to 8 p.m. will include poetry, drumming, storytelling and the Anouaze Dance Troupe.

Saturday’s festival starts at 3:30 p.m. in the auditorium of UNR’s Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center with an address from keynote speaker Elavie Ndura-Ouedraogo of George Mason University.

A dinner and dance Saturday at the Reno Ramada Inn, 1000 E. Sixth St., begins at 7 p.m. with dinner featuring African dishes scheduled at 7:50 p.m.

Tickets are $25 per person and are available at Getchy’s Africana Shop, 1200 N. Rock Blvd, Suite 6 or by calling 775-358-7168 or 775-233-6971.

[graphic from Google Image search for 'African Festival.']

Thursday, October 08, 2009

30th Annual Governor’s Arts Award Commission


Nevada Arts Council

Call for Artists: 30th Annual Governor’s Arts Award Visual Arts Commission


The commissioned artist is awarded $3,500 to create seven original works of art—six pieces are presented to the Governor’s Arts Awards recipients during a public ceremony in Las Vegas in April 2010, and one is placed in the NAC permanent collection.

[information from NAC electronic mailing. Image from website of 2005 commissioned artist Maria Arango.]