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. Primarily funded by the Rotary Club of Carson City and District 5190’s matching District Grant, the project is the result of a collaboration between the club, Carson City, Visit Carson City (the City’s tourism authority), Carson City Arts and Cultural Commission, and the Kaplan Family Trust.
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. Primarily funded by the Rotary Club of Carson City and District 5190’s matching District Grant, the project is the result of a collaboration between the club, Carson City, Visit Carson City (the City’s tourism authority), Carson City Arts and Cultural Commission, and the Kaplan Family Trust.
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.
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 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” 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.”
The Rotary Club of Carson City donated $2,000 to the mural, which was matched by a District grant of $2,000, plus an additional $612 in District Designated Matching Funds. Visit Carson City donated the balance for a total cost of $6,000.
As the primary funder, the club was allowed to design the “R” in Carson City. The illustrations feature Rotary programs such as RYE, Polio Plus, and the club’s contributions to the community, including the clock in front of the Nevada Legislature building.
Each partner played a vital role in the project. In addition to funding and designing the “R,” the club worked with Visit Carson City to publicize the dedication event. Visit Carson City also provided funding for the sponsors' plaque and marketing expertise. Additionally, the organization is creating an interactive version of the mural for its website as well as a QR code for the mural. When visitors scan the QR code or run their cursor over the letters in the mural on the website, they’ll see more information about each letter. The Cultural Commission oversaw the selection of the artist. The City installed the mural and the Kaplan Family Trust donated the space on its building for the mural. Additionally, the District assisted the club to ensure the use of the club’s logo in the mural met all Rotary requirements.
“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.”
“I really wanted to capture the spirit of Carson City, the people and the wildlife,” said the artist, Abner Rivera. “This is my city, and I’m really proud of it.” 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. The images celebrate the city’s history and culture.