WNC News & Notes: Scenes of Burning Man - without the dust

Northern Nevada will host one of the largest and most innovative art and cultural events in the nation this week, yet most local residents have never experienced the weeklong Burning Man Festival. Western Nevada College offers a fascinating glimpse into the Burning Man culture of self-expression and self-reliance through a photography exhibit that portrays the art, costumes and energy of the event. "The Culture of Burning Man," showing through Oct. 15, is made possible by the Black Rock Arts Foundation, and is curated by local artist Maria Partridge.

A public reception for the artist will be 5-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15 at the gallery. Admission is free.

Thirty-nine poster size photographs capture the sculptures that soar above the playa, made of steel, wood and other materials. They depict "Burners" in costumes that range from the clever to the weird, and a fascinating array of playa vehicles built or retrofitted to navigate the dusty streets of Black Rock City - from bicycles and stilts to giant balloons and boats.

There also are many images of the giant Burning Man sculpture that is built each year to tower over the festivities until the closing night, when it goes up in flames in a multi-story high bonfire.

"The Culture of Burning Man" shows at the College Gallery in the Bristlecone Building, at WNC Carson City. Open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.- 9 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., excluding holidays.

Visit the imaginative place called 'Perididdle' at art reception

Carson City artist Raymond "Craig" Whitehill offers a feast for the imagination in a colorful, clever art exhibit of ceramics, cartoon characters and accompanying stories titled: "Mostly Perididdle: a look around."

"Perididdle," a registered trademark for Whitehill's cartoon characters and related graphic works, shows at the WNC Main Galley through Oct. 15.

A public reception for the artist will be 5-6:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 15. Admission is free.

Perididdle is, Whitehill says, "the place we all want to be." Through playful characters and whimsical scenes, his ceramics and cartoons tell stories of experiences that shape our lives.

His newest work places his hand-drawn characters in landscapes or situations, and also shows them separate as independent statements.

"This is easy to understand abstraction and lyrical cartoon," he said. "It's supposed to be fun and friendly art that leaves the viewer feeling better for having looked and maybe even seen something of themselves in it."

The WNC Main Gallery is located in the Bristlecone Building at WNC Carson City, and is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.- 9 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., excluding holidays.

New drivers: Learn to be safe on the road

Western Nevada College will offer multiple sessions of Driver Education this fall to help teens learn safe driving techniques, basic vehicle control, and driving maneuvers in various situations and environments. The course is for those age 15 and older, and will be taught at the WNC Carson City campus and at Douglas High School numerous times this fall. Each session meets 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $95.

WNC Carson City: Saturdays, Sept. 10-Oct. 1, Oct. 8-Nov. 5, and Nov. 12-Dec. 10.

Douglas High School: Saturdays, Oct. 1-22.

New Nevada drivers under age 18 are required to take a 30-hour new driver education course if one is offered within a 30-mile radius of their residential address. In addition to Nevada driving regulations, the course covers how to handle distractions in the vehicle, falling asleep at the wheel, peer pressure, and driving under the influence.

Speakers include public safety officials and insurance representatives. Instruction includes tips on how to drive safely around large trucks and motorcycles and how to avoid unexpected objects in the road, as well as maneuvering safely through roundabouts and rules for driving in bad weather.

Information/registration, www.wnc.edu/ce/drivereducation/ or 775-445-4458.

Registration still open for fall term at WNC

Thousands of students will head to campus this week at Western Nevada College for the 2011-2012 school year, and many more will sign up during the late registration period, which continues through next week. Students from throughout the region will converge on the Carson City, Douglas and Fallon campuses, and will study to become everything from nurses, teachers and engineers to computer technicians, graphic designers, and sign language interpreters.

Many will drive to campus from outlying communities. Other Carson City residents choose to ride the JAC bus to campus, avoiding the cost of gas and hassle of parking. Monthly bus passes are available, along with 10-ride packs.