Virginia City artists looking ahead to tourism boom after completion of V&T Railway

VIRGINIA CITY - When the Virginia & Truckee Railway begins bringing hundreds of tourists a day up to Virginia City from Carson City in about four years, local artists would like to give them something else to look at after strolling down C Street and buying a cowboy hat.

Mimi Patrick, president of the St. Mary's Art Center in Virginia City, said the Comstock corridor needs to broaden its tourism appeal.

"We need to provide something other than the C Street experience for people because I think that's limited," she said. "There are a lot of other things that go on up here that the tourists can see and experience."

Patrick and art center Executive Director Linda Nazemian will present their idea of a "cultural corridor" to the Storey County Commission at 2 p.m. today.

They are not requesting funding, just cooperation and a non-competitive atmosphere between local artists and venues.

Eventually the plan will need an on-going marketing plan and Web site. The two women also hope to provide incentives to all who participate in the project.

"We have four years to plan this, so we need to start now because the train is coming," Patrick said.

The 18-mile tourist track between Virginia City and Carson City is expected to be completed by 2009 at a cost of about $40 million. The railway will connect to existing track now running from Gold Hill to Virginia City.

Nazemian said money will come into play, but they hope to get it from public and private grants. The grants will be used to fund new artistic works for public display at Piper's Opera House, the Comstock History Center, the Fourth Ward School or the art center.

She said Virginia City needs more stuff for tourists to do, and public venues for artists who don't have their own galleries would provide that. More things to do equals overnight stays, which boosts Virginia City's revenue from room taxes.

Silver Springs artist Virginia McCuin said she would make time in her summer schedule to break into the V&T tourism market.

She's a "very Western" artist who creates silver and gold jewelry. But four years off is a far way to commit.

-- Contact reporter Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.

Hear the 'cultural corridor' idea

What: Storey County Commission meeting

When: 2 p.m. today

Where: 26 S. B St. in Virginia City