Celebrate Us - A Hidden Art Gem in the Oasis

A Gem in the Oasis to “Celebrate Us”

There is no time like the present to get back out into the community doing what we enjoy. If you are an art lover, it’s time to check out one of the areas hidden gems – the local art gallery in the Churchill County Administration Building at 155 N. Taylor Street.

There you will find artwork that represents our rich community history, told through the lens of talented artists with a current focus on the high-mountain desert oasis of Fallon and Northern Nevada.

The County’s goal is to celebrate local talent by providing a space to display artwork in a unique setting showcasing community pride.

Since its inception in 2012, the “Celebrate Us” art project has shown the works of more than 50 community artists featuring a variety of mediums – everything from student artwork to professional level art. The project, which started with help from the Churchill County Museum, first revitalized the Commission Chambers featuring permanent displays by ten artists, and quickly grew to fill the white walled hallways of the entire Administration Building and Churchill County Library. Currently, there are more than 20 different exhibits on display.

The County is proud to announce the recent addition of five new exhibits after having to halt bringing in new exhibits during the pandemic. The new display features work from: Edith Isidoro-Mills (Macro Plant Photography), Marie Nygren (Landscape Photography), Kristen Kabrin (Fine Art Photography), Vella Torvik (Wildlife Photography), and Valerie Sozvirskaya (Pastels). The County invites the public to enjoy a stroll through the hallways of its Administration Building to tour the artwork on display.

Upon entering the Churchill County Administration Building, visitors will see exactly what our community represents, starting with display cases. Curated by County Public Information Officer Anne McMillin and Museum staff, the cases feature locally made agricultural products, pictures, and memorabilia representing Fallon and Churchill County. On the inside of the Commission Chambers, photographs are on display by various artists that truly capture our rural lifestyle and include the historic County Courthouse, lush alfalfa fields, Sand Mountain, the Stillwater Wildlife Refuge, NAS Fallon, and more.

The logo, also showcased, was created by CCHS art student, Breanna Currier, winner of the County’s logo design contest in 2012 and was formally adopted in January 2013. The County continues to have an ongoing partnership with the Churchill County High School and routinely displays projects from students.

The main hallway proudly exhibits the dedication of our local Fire Department, documented through photographs by Skip Reeves, firefighter with the Fallon Churchill Fire Department and owner of Silver State Photography, as well as James Crawshaw, firefighter with NAS Fallon Federal Fire Department and owner of Brand 34 Photography. There are also works that are rotated a few times per year, some by season, and some as inspiration brings new art to life.

Throughout the rest of the building, unique photographs can be found, a variety of art, and framed pieces that truly convey the peace and beauty of our region including, landscapes, wildlife, and western themed motifs. The artists showcase their work through various mediums including pottery, oils, pastels, photography, basket weaving, and jewelry – to name a few. Artist biographies and business cards are displayed for people to contact the artists if anyone in the public is interested in learning more or purchasing the artwork.

For any artist who is interested in exhibiting their art in the County Administration Building, they may apply through the County. “The program is flexible and we are able to work with artists on the size of their exhibit and selection of pieces, and to schedule hangings,” said Julie Guerrero, the Celebrate Us Coordinator and County Administrative Services Manager.

The small gallery location is a pleasant surprise for many people who enter and don’t realize the magnificent artwork they are about to see. It allows for wide exposure as people are not necessarily there to look at art, but happen to get a glimpse at the exhibition. The community is invited to meander down what used to be stark hospital halls and enjoy the revived and refreshed spaces showcasing amazing local artistic talent.

There will be an open house for the public this fall coupled with a celebration for newly elected officials and appointed staff. If you are interested in displaying your artwork or would like more information, please contact Julie Guerrero at 775-423-5136.