Artists needed to keep Valley art events going strong

The winner of the Douglas County Historical Society's April photo contest is Veronica Perra who titled her entry "Sharing Seasons," which certainly is April in Douglas County. More often that not we share a little snow with springtime weather. Congratulations to Veronica and runner-up Ann Gray. Stop into the Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center to see the complete April 2009 calendar page.

We are into the May photo contest and are more than half finished with the monthly contests for our 2009 calendar. Starting in July, we will take preliminary orders for the calendar which will feature all of the photo contest winners and runners-up. Those calendar pages already set will be on display at the Art and Wine Festival in July, where you will be able to order calendars.

The Historic Emigrant Trail Barn Tour is May 24 and tickets are selling fast. This is your chance to see six 100-year-old barns on the old Emigrant Trail and visit Dr. Eliza Cook's house. Paul Oatman will speak about barns at the luncheon which is being provided by the Douglas County Farm Bureau.

Tickets are on sale for $25 per person at the Gardnerville museum, Tahoe Ridge Winery and the Genoa Court House Museum. The barn booklet, which is your ticket, features photos and descriptions of the barns, a map of the tour and a cowboy poem written by Ken Gardner.

The historical society has all kinds of events planned for June. Student-Senior Day on June 7 features Laurie Hickey portraying Clara Martin Hawkins, wife of Genoa Pony Express rider Theodore Perry Hawkins.

The lecture series at the Carson Valley museum in Gardnerville on June 12 features Dale Ryan, past president of the Pony Express. The horse Bob Moore will ride in the June 19 re-ride will be in the parking lot. Admission is free for students, seniors and lecture goers on Student-Senior Day.

If you are an artist, consider renting booth space to display and sell your art at the historical society's Art and Wine Festival on July 19. In addition to fine art on display, there will be wine tasting, music and food booths in the parking lot. Applications are available at the museum or by calling 782-2555.

If you are new to our community, you might not be aware that Douglas County has many talented artists. Come out to support these creative people.

For any questions, call the historical society at the Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center at 782-2555 or go to www.historicnevada.org. Remember, DCHS and its two museums don't receive any regular state or county funding so it's up to members and friends to help keep the doors open.

n Contact Ellen Caywood at in2my2cats@yahoo.com or at 790-1565.