Cathleen Allison/Nevada Appeal Phyllis Sargent, left, and Jan Leuvano look at the Festival of Trees display at the Nevada State Library and Archives Wednesday. Twenty-five holiday craft items are being auctioned off to support the museum's gallery program.
Among the state's historical documents and important papers, there is a bastion of holiday cheer, offering a chance to help bring the arts to the state archives.
For the second year, the Nevada State Library and Archives is hosting a festival of trees and silent auction in the Joseph Anderson Exhibit Gallery.
"In order to exhibit paintings and put on shows we need funds, so we use the funds from the silent auction to help seek out artists and exhibits for the gallery," said Phyllis Sargent, assistant administrator for Library Services.
The festival has 25 pieces, including decorated trees, wreaths and jewelry donated from state employees, local businesses and residents. The items are being sold by silent auction and residents can place bids in person or at www.nevadaculture.org.
"People are interested in the Internet, plus our hours are so limited that (bidding online) allows another option for people to get their bids in," Sargent said.
The auction runs through 5 p.m. Dec. 8, with winners being announced Dec. 9.
Bidders will also be able to check the current status of their bid online because the Web site will be updated every business day at 10 a.m. and hourly on Dec. 8.
Salli Hebert, an employee of the Nevada Department of Cultural Affairs, is among the 50 people expected to bid on the items. Hebert is eyeing two items, a beaded necklace and a Christmas wreath.
"I do it to support my department. One (item) is a Christmas present and the other will decorate my new house," Hebert said.
Two of the most popular items are a handmade palm tree and a pump-up tree, with current bids topping $40 for each.
"We have a variety of sizes, so there is something for everyone," said Sargent.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be stopping by from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday to take free photos with children and spread holiday cheer.
Sargent said they hope to raise between $1,000 and $1,500 from the festival to help provide more shows to the gallery.
"We've had paintings and photographs from local artists that we show in three-month stints and we want to continue to bring in artists to the gallery," she said.
-- Contact reporter Jarid Shipley at jshipley@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.
If you go
What: Festival of Trees and Silent Auction
When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 8.
Where: Nevada State Library and Archives, 100 N. Stewart St.
Call: 684-3314 or bid online at www.nevadaculture.org