WNCC campuses closed today

All Western Nevada Community College campuses in Carson City, Fallon and Minden and learning centers in Fernley, Hawthorne, Lovelock, Smith and Yerington are closed today, in observance of the Presidents Day holiday.

See 'How to Cross the Street' in WNCC Main Gallery

"How to Cross the Street," an art exhibit featuring a diverse range of media from three artists, will hang in the Main Gallery at Western Nevada Community College's Bristlecone Building on Feb. 26 through March 23. This exhibit is part of Capital City Arts Initiative's "CAP," a yearlong project that emphasizes the importance of art in public.

Featured artists include Erik Burke, an artist that creates public works on walls in Reno; Jenna Montgomery, a printmaker from Seattle; and Elaine Tin Nyo, a conceptual artist from New York. Kris Vagner, "Reno News & Review" writer and local artist, will contribute a catalog essay and wall signage to the exhibit.

The Capital City Arts Initiative is an artist-centered organization committed to the encouragement and support of artists and the arts and culture of Carson City and the surrounding region. Its activities include contemporary art exhibitions, live events and arts education programs for adults and youth.

The public is invited to an artists' reception from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Feb. 28, in the gallery. For information, call 775-445-3000.

Dumpster dive for art - recycled

When it's time to take out the trash, don't do it. Rummage through it first and see if there's anything that can be used for Western Nevada Community College's 2007 Recycled Art(icles) Show.

Last year, more than 50 local artists used their talent, imagination and unused objects to create paintings, sculptures, useful items and indescribable "things." The always-popular juried art show is back for the 11th consecutive year and will show in both the College Gallery and Main Gallery at the Carson City campus.

The object of the contest is to illustrate the phrase, "One person's trash is another person's treasure." Entries must be composed of recycled materials, and must consist of things that have been previously used for something else. The contest is open to students, college staff and the community.

The top three places and honorable mentions will be awarded at an artists' reception; cash prizes will be awarded for Best of Show ($100), Most Creative ($75), and Most Useful ($75).

All entries will be accepted March 29-30, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., at the information desk in the lobby of WNCC's Bristlecone Building.

Entries will be displayed April 2-19, with an artists' reception 5:30-7:30 p.m. April 19. The public is invited to attend and participate. For information, call Julie Lewis DeWitt at 445-3274 or Lupe Ramirez at 445-3344.

CASA meeting set

The Division of Child and Family Services in partnership with the Sierra Association of Foster Families, Court Appointed Special Advocates, of Carson City and the Carson City School District welcome the public to a noon meeting on Tuesday at the Nevada State Library and Archives, 100 N. Stewart St., in the large conference room.

They are creating a community-wide, Foster and Adoptive Home Recruitment and Support Team. This will be an informal coalition to assist DCFS in recruiting and supporting foster and adoptive homes in Carson City.

The is to provide sufficient foster and adoptive homes in Carson City for children. Also, they will discuss the need to support these homes and ensure the highest-quality care. While DCFS has legal responsibility for this task, they recognize the community has a vital role to play.

At the meeting, they will discuss the current needs and resources in Carson City, the role of the core partners, specific task groups individuals may join and the need for a broad network.

RSVP is requested by e-mail to: tblair@dcfs.state.nv.us. If you cannot attend but would like to stay informed, also RSVP.

Free railroad program Wednesday

Historian Richard Orsi will present a free program on the Southern Pacific Railroad in Nevada at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Nevada State Railroad Museum. For information, call 687-6953.