ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT BRIEFS

CAPS Murder-Mystery dinner

CAPS fundraiser at the Fallon Convention Center on Oct. 25 presents “Reno: 1930s,” a Murder Mystery Dinner followed by a live auction.

There will be an all-you-can-eat buffet put on by Susie’s BBQ and a no-host bar for beer and wine. Tickets are $30 (12 years and older) and can be bought at Flower Tree Nursery, Jeff’s Copy Express, Mutts etc., 3-Dimension Shipping and the CAPS shelter. Call 775-423-7500 for any questions.

All aboard the Polar Express

Less than two months from departure, tickets aboard the 2014 Polar Express train are on the fast track countdown.

Even with the addition of more trips and passenger cars, the month-long event has consistently sold out since debuting four years ago and is expected to draw record numbers again this holiday season.

The ride is full of holiday cheer with hot chocolate and treats served to passengers as they prepare for a reading of the classic children’s book, “The Polar Express,” by Chris Van Allsburg. Santa and his helpers greet passengers at the North Pole and then board the train, where each child is given the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell. Chefs aboard each car lead passengers in singing Christmas carols on the ride back to Carson City.

Limited VIP tickets aboard the historic 30-seat Parlor Car are available with additional entertainment, extra time with Santa, a special holiday treat, and an exclusive The Polar Expres ceramic hot chocolate mug. Passengers enjoy the best views of the North Pole and room for dancing and games during the trip.

VIP tickets are $68 for children, 2-12 (free for children under 2 who sit on a lap), $78 for adults. Coach tickets are $42 for adults and $32 for children. The Polar Express Train Ride departs Thursday (except Thanksgiving), Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., from Nov. 21 to Dec. 22. Arrival at the station 30 minutes prior to departure is recommended.

To purchase tickets, call 877-724-5007 or 775-291-0208 or visit www.vtrailway.com. Information is also available at www.polarexpressride.com.

WNC seeks student work

Western Nevada College is looking for student and independent filmmakers to submit their work for possible viewing at the upcoming Carson City International Film Festival.

The event is scheduled for Feb. 5-7, 2015.

To be considered for the competition, filmmakers must submit an original video of up to 90 minutes in length and in DVD format to WNC by Dec. 1.

For information, contact Valerie Andersen at 775-445-3222 or email internationalfilmweekend@gmail.com

Stremmel Gallery

Stremmel Gallery in Reno presents Roger Berry’s “Sculpture,” and John Salminen’s “The Rhythms of the City,” an exhibition featuring new works, continuing through Oct. 25.

Berry’s large, rhythmic, knotted bands of steel and silicon bronze, contrast with and complement Salminen’s layered transparent watercolors of street scenes from great cities around the world.

Berry, a prominent and highly respected Northern California sculptor, has been commissioned to make over 30 site-specific sculptural works for municipalities and corporations from the West Coast to the United Kingdom.

In Reno, Berry’s work can be seen at Shopper’s Square and Renown Medical Center. During the 1980s, he created a series of large, outdoor steel sculptures that solidified his position among the Bay Area art community’s elite.

Salminen is a signature member of numerous art associations, has won more than 230 major awards in national and international exhibitions.

WNC Carson City art exhibit

Monika Johnson’s en plein air landscapes require the Incline Village artist to capture the moment quickly.

Whether painting outdoors in Burgundy, France; Lake Tahoe, Virginia City or Montana, she enjoys capturing the beauty of these areas with bold color and texture.

Johnson’s artwork opened the new season at Western Nevada College’s Main Gallery in Carson City.

University art exhibit

An art exhibit at the University of Nevada, Reno is combining creativity with reuse.

‘Reused-plus-Recycled-equals-Art’ is open through late September at UNR’s Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center.

University marketing and communications coordinator Deanna Hearn said the exhibit features about 100 works made of 80 percent reused or recycled materials.

“A foot made of plastic bottles that is crushing the world,” described Hearn, “a piece of art called ‘Scully,’ who is a man made of used bicycle chains, things like ‘trashin’ fashion.’”

Hearn said ‘trashin’ fashion’ is clothing made from plastic bags and other recycled materials.

Ultimately, according to Hearn, the showing is a fun and creative way to showcase and promote the practice and lifestyle of sustainability.

“But it’s to allow them a venue to showcase their artwork,” said Hearn. “Especially to reach out, to tell the community that we’re thinking about sustainable issues here on campus.”

Hearn added that the artists are mostly university and high school art students.