WNC News & Notes: Summer is a time for 'Perididdle' art at WNC

Remember when summertime meant lying on the grass, staring at the sky and imagining a world of objects in the puffy clouds above? Colors and shapes became airplanes and animals, and artistic expression was born.

Carson City artist Raymond "Craig" Whitehill offers such a feast for the imagination in this summer's gallery exhibit at Western Nevada College in Carson City. His colorful, clever ceramics, cartoon characters and accompanying stories are titled: "Mostly Perididdle; a look around."

"Perididdle" is a registered trademark for Whitehill's cartoon characters and related graphic works. It is, he 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. This exhibit of 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."

Whitehill's Perididdle and Subdivision work have been shown in Denver and Seattle, and most recently in Carson City and Reno. Earlier works have been published in Nevada Magazine and his commercial work has been seen in national magazines.

"Perididdle" shows at the Main Gallery in the Bristlecone Building through Oct. 15. Hours are 8 a.m.-9 p.m Monday-Friday and 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Saturday. A public reception for the artists is 5-6:30 p.m. Sept. 15.

Experience Burning Man Festival in WNC photo exhibit

Northern Nevada annually plays host to one of the largest and most innovative art and cultural events in the nation, yet most local residents have never experienced the weeklong Burning Man festival. This summer, Western Nevada College offers a glimpse into the Burning Man culture of self-expression and self-reliance through a photography exhibit that portrays the art, costumes and ambiance of the event. "The Culture of Burning Man" will show June 1-Oct. 15, made possible by the Black Rock Arts Foundation, and curated by local artist Maria Partridge.

Thirty-nine poster size photographs depict the innovative sculptures that soar many stories 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 unicycles and roller skates to giant balloons and boats.

"The Culture of Burning Man" shows at the College Gallery in the Bristlecone Building, at WNC Carson City. Open 8 a.m.- 9 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Saturday, excluding holidays. A public reception for the artists will be Thursday, Sept. 15, 5-6:30 p.m. Admission is free.

Summer driver ed classes on tap

The single most important step parents can take to protect their teen when they reach driving age is to be actively involved in the learning-to-drive experience and to make sure their teen participates in a quality driver education program. Western Nevada College will offer multiple sessions of Driver Education this summer to help teens learn safe driving techniques, basic vehicle control, and driving maneuvers in various situations and environments. Classes are 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Cost per noncredit session is $110.

WNC Carson City: June 13-16, June 27-30, July 11-14, July 18-21, July 25-28, Aug. 1-4, Aug. 8-11, Aug. 15-18

Dayton High School: June 20-23

New 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.

For information or registration, www.wnc.edu/ce/drivereducation/ or (775) 445-4458.

New hours for star parties

Star Parties at the Jack C. Davis Observatory at WNC Carson City will now begin at 7:30 p.m., with lectures at 8 p.m. The hours have been adjusted so that the sky will be dark enough for telescope viewing. The Star Parties are free and open to the public.

Upcoming lecture topics include:

"Tour of the Universe," Saturday, June 11. This lecture will explore the universe on a virtual trip from the Sun, outward through the planets, to deep space in the galaxy and beyond.

"The Story of Troy," Saturday, June 18. Mike Thomas will lead guests through the story of the Trojan War and Homer's "Illiad."

"Killer Asteroids From Outer Space," Saturday, June 25. Thomas will cover major asteroid strikes of the past and the possibility of future collisions.

For information, www.wnc.edu.

WNC youngsters rock to the '80s

Students from the WNC Child Development Center rocked to the '80s at an Music in May concert. The youngsters performed favorites such as "Thriller," "I Want Candy" and "I Love Rock 'n Roll."

CDC director, Andrea Doran, channeled her inner valley girl, saying the event was, "Totally awesome!"

Interns experience the legislative session

WNC political science students recently completed a semester-long internship at the state legislature. Students earned academic credit while serving in federal state or local government offices and participating in the legislative session.