'November Rain' by Craig Sheppard
Nevadans who made history by their service and stature will be celebrated from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 16, at a free event at the Nevada Historical Society, 1650 N. Virginia St., Reno.
The Janice Pine Reno History Gallery will be named in honor of the Elko native who spent 23 years on the Nevada Board of Museums and History. The Society will also debut a new exhibit, “A Brushwork Roundup,” featuring paintings by the late Craig Sheppard, former art leader at the University of Nevada; a Mark Twain Clemens Family case; and a program on the Nevada State Rangers who patrolled the state as early search and rescue squads.
“Janice Pine helped preserve and sustain a home for Nevada’s heritage that will live on for generations. Her careful and thoughtful approach to stewardship and service guided the museum system in challenging times,” said Peter Barton, division administrator for the Nevada Division of Museums and History.
Pine was also president of the Nevada League of Cities, director of governmental relations for Saint Mary’s Health Network, a member of the State of Nevada Commission on Ethics and many more community and state organizations. Pine spent eight years on the Reno City Council, running unopposed for her second term. She continues to serve on UNR’s University Libraries Board.
The Nevada State Rangers were commissioned as an honor guard in 1959. They served Nevada in search and rescue, horsemanship and police auxiliary functions from 1940s to mid-1970s. Former ranger Elmer Burks, now in his 90s, will be on hand to share the celebration which includes display of the group’s uniform and flags.
The Clemens family case recognizes brothers Orion, who was the first secretary of the Nevada Territory, and Sam, known to the world as Mark Twain. Orion’s Territorial Seal accompanies Twain’s revolver, pipe and cigar among other family treasures now on display.
The Sheppard exhibit focuses on Western life. Sheppard was a native of southwestern Oklahoma and former bronco rider in Madison Square Garden remembered as a prime mover in Northern Nevada’s cultural community in the years following World War II. He arrived at the University of Nevada in 1947 with the savvy of a seasoned cowboy and the experience necessary to teach most all courses in the art department he had been charged with rebuilding.
The society is at 1650 N. Virginia St., Reno. Admission is free to the special event and reception. Free parking passes are available.
For more information, contact the society at (775) 688-1190 or visit museums.nevadaculture.org. The Nevada Historical Society is one of seven museums managed by the Nevada Division of Museums and History, a division of the Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs.