A New Mural Now Welcomes Visitors to Downtown Carson City
The artwork was recently installed on the Visit Carson City building at the corner of Washington and Carson Streets. Funded in part by the Rotary Club of Carson City, the project is the result of a collaboration between the club, The Carson Tourism Authority, The Carson City Arts and Cultural Commission, and the Kaplan Family Trust.
Club Past President Rachelle Resnick says she is thrilled to see the project come to fruition. “When I became Club President, I knew I wanted to do something with the arts as my project” she said. “I am passionate about the arts and have been involved in the performing arts in Carson City and Minden since I moved here in 2015. In my year as President, I wanted to support the arts in Carson City and Northern Nevada. In addition to providing a social benefit to the community, the arts act as an economic generator for the surrounding area.”
The Rotary Club of Carson City donated $2,000 to the project, which was matched by a District grant of $2,000, plus an additional $612. Visit Carson City donated the balance for a total cost of $6,000. “With this mural I have met my goal of contributing to the growing public art movement in Carson City.” Resnick said. “The mural will also help draw people into the visitor’s center to learn more about what our city has to offer.”
Local leaders and Rotarians gathered on Friday, July 16th to dedicate the artwork, with Carson City Mayor Lori Bagwell calling it a “great day for art” in Carson City.
The artist, Abner Rivera was selected by the Carson City Cultural Commission to create the installation. The mural, which took approximately 200 hours to complete, is 10 by 16 feet and is comprised of block letters with area scenery and landmarks depicted within each letter.
The illustrations are painted in varying shades of blue.
“I really wanted to capture the spirit of Carson City, the people and the wildlife” Rivera said, “this is my city, and I’m really proud of it.” The images celebrate the city’s history and culture.
As the primary funder, the club was allowed to design the “R” in Carson City. The illustrations feature Rotary programs such as the student exchange, Polio Plus, and the club’s contributions to the community, including the clock in front of the Nevada Legislature building.
Rivera says he likes to incorporate meaningful words into his work, including his children’s names. “I’ve placed the word “love” in this one but I’m not going to say where. I hope people will look for it and while do that will get a really good look at everything in the mural.
