Arts for Children of Nevada starting in Carson City

A new Carson City organization to teach art to children is being formed.

Maureen Conlin presented her plans for Arts for Children of Nevada (AFCON) to the Carson City Cultural Commission Tuesday.

“There’s a need for it,” said Conlin. “There’s a lack of programs for children that are affordable.”

Conlin, an early childhood educator, said she plans for AFCON to offer all kinds of classes — art, creative writing, music — for kids aged 2 to 16 who then contribute their talent and work.

“One example is a ukulele group and children play for seniors,” in the community, she said. “They’ll learn to play and then give back.”

Another idea, said Conlin, is for the students to learn the art of making mosaics, assisted by her daughter, a mosaic artist in Tucson. The finished piece could then be installed somewhere in the city.

“Someone else I know wants to teach harmonica, another person can teach quilting,” she said.

Conlin said she has received a grant to establish her non-profit, has lined up several private donors, and is in the process of finding suitable space for her programs.

Mark Salinas, arts and culture coordinator, Carson City Culture and Tourism Authority, gave the commission an update on public arts programming in the city.

He said Capital Collage, the arts fundraiser held the night before the Nevada Day parade, raised $2,338.

“I’d like to thank the commissioners that attended. This was a huge petri dish,” said Salinas of the inaugural event.

Salinas said he hopes to see the money raised use for public art outside the city’s redevelopment areas. Funding for the city’s public art generally comes through the Redevelopment Authority Citizens Committee and must be spent in a redevelopment area.

Salinas talked about the installation of the city’s first piece of public art, “Inside the Mind of da Vinci,” by Carson City artist Mischell Riley, which now sits outside the Carson City Community Center.

And he congratulated Elko County Art Club, which along with the Brewery Arts Center is one of 25 finalists to receive the Levitt AMP grant to fund a summer concert series.

The 15 sites awarded grants will be announced on Jan. 2.

“Wouldn’t it be great if both applicants from Nevada made it?” said Salinas.