‘The art of gaming’

The Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center (also known as the library) at the University of Nevada, Reno is organizing an exhibition dealing with various aspects of gaming.

Put together by the Special Collections Department of the UNR Libraries, “The Art of Gaming +” takes an imaginative look at works of art dealing with gaming, gambling and casino life.

Drawing from a collection of sculpture put together for Harrah’s by Reno’s Stremmel Gallery in the mid-1990s, the exhibition includes works by many well-known local artists.

Artists in the show include Bob Adams, Kathleen Akers, Joan Arrizabalaga (originally from Fallon), Dwight Davidson, Paul DiPasqua, Mary Lee Fulkerson, Mick Sheldon, Peter Shire, Therman Statom and Larry Williamson.

Also included in the show will be neon signs by Will Durham, Karen Burns’ showgirl costumes, a large selection of photographs from the Special Collections Archives, gaming and gambling ephemera from the collection of Joe McKenna.

The show will be on view from July 1 through September 15. There will be an opening reception on July 7 from 3 to 5 p.m. It is free and open to the public. For more information, call 775-682-5665.

The Churchill Arts Council is finishing up plans for its forthcoming 2013-2014 season and the new brochure will be available next month.

Performances will include the Portland Cello Project, blues guitarist Ana Popovic, the Paul Thorn Band, Mike Farris & The Roseland Rhythm Revue, Bluegrass and Americana artists Hot Buttered Rum, Maria Muldaur with The Campbell Brothers, Tex-Mex conjunto with Los Texmaniacs and the Galician bagpiper Cristina Pato with her Migrations Band.

Exhibitions will include shows of work by Michael Sarich, Chris Bauder, Gordon McConnell, Jane Wagoner Deschner, Tamara Scronce and Sharon Maczko. The film series will feature big screen epics —“Lawrence of Arabia,” “Doctor Zhivago,” and “Once Upon a Time in America” — and selection of thrillers starring Robert Mitchum.

If you’re reading this and would to receive the season brochure, contact CAC at 775-423-1440 or email charts@phonewave.net

Kirk Robertson covers the Churchill Arts Council scene.