Hunting for the heart and treasure of Carson City

By Andrew Pridgen

Appeal Staff Writer

He's back in the hunt.

"Willow Bill" Goulardt, Carson City's self-described "starving installation artist," whose reindeer made from thatched-together coyote willow branches have adorned the Capitol lawn, has "put his heart" into the city's sesquicentennial celebration.

Biting off his own willow expertise, the artist has collaborated with local business to install willow branch hearts around the capital city during the month of February.

Starting Feb. 2 Willow Bill began placing the hearts (which measure about two feet in diameter) around "prominent places" in Carson.

Residents who inspect the hearts more closely find each one contains a picture. These photos are of "people who've made an imprint on Carson's history," Goulardt said.

By month's end, 15 hearts will be on display throughout the city, and interested persons have until Earth Day (April 22) to examine the images and complete a list of who is on each heart.

Entry forms are available at each heart location.

The purpose of this "treasure hunt" is two-fold, Goulardt said this week.

"One, it's to celebrate our birthday here," he said. "I mean, this is our 150th year. There should be a banner headline in the paper every day that reads: 'Happy Birthday Carson City!' The other (reason) is to bring people to our city, to bring business to our local merchants.

"Times are difficult, especially now. Every little bit helps. And this is a way for people to go around and check out what's in their backyard. It's also a way for visitors from throughout (the West) to come down and look at Carson."

Goulardt said he wouldn't reveal any of the locations (present or future) of the willow hearts, but he said residents and curious treasure hunters wouldn't have a difficult time getting into the groove once a search is commenced.

"It's also something everyone can participate in," he said. "I want elementary school students as much as local historians to have a shot at winning.

"...The pictures will be from 150 years ago till last year; it is my due intention to stump historians."

Goulardt said he got the idea for the "treasure hunt" from his former home near the Oregon Coast.

"I was on the committee for the 150th anniversary of Tillamook County," he said. "People came from all over. That's the idea here.

"Plus, it's free man."

Those who haven't the time to "hunt" during the day can rest assured that the hearts are illuminated after dusk. Though submissions are due by the first of May, awards won't be handed out until August. Goulardt said first prize will be worth upward of $500.

"We really anticipate schools will get behind this as well," he said. "I'm just a starving artist, but this is just a great way to showcase Carson and its small businesses and learn a little something too."

Those wanting more "Treasure Hunt" information can contact Willow Bill at 842-3594.