Free art and science events offered in Silver City

Each summer since 2003, the historic Comstock community of Silver City has offered free public programming in science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM).

Last week the annual program kicked off with a blues concert in the park, and on Tuesday, June 13, the program continues with science activities led by Jim Barcellos of University of Nevada Reno Cooperative Extension (UNCE). Children ages 8-12, and their parents, are invited to have fun with whirly gigs and to build a glider to better understand how drones work. Drones can be useful for monitoring wildlife, 3-D mapping of remote landscapes, observing farm fields, search and rescue efforts, etc. The activity begins at 10 a.m. and ends at noon.

Location: Silver City is within the historic Comstock district three miles from Virginia City, seven miles from Dayton, and 12 miles from Carson City. The park and School House are located at 385 High Street.

Program Note: During children’s activities, parents are asked to stay with their children to participate in the fun and to help with clean up. Children’s activities will be on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon, beginning Tuesday, June 6, through Tuesday, Aug. 22, at the Silver City town park and the community center, known as the School House. Adult and teen events take place on various days and times, listed below. For information about the annual program, contact Quest Lakes at 775-847-0742.

Acoustic music jam sessions, last Saturday of each month from 3 to 5 p.m., hosted by Silver City Arts. If you like to sing, or you play a musical instrument, or if you simply enjoy music, come to the School House. During good weather, musicians may meet at the outdoor stage in the park, the Silver Pavilion. Recommended age: adults and teens.

Hands-on Engineering Projects with Society of Women Engineers is offered for girls and boys ages 7-12. Sponsored in partnership with Healthy Communities Coalition of Lyon and Storey from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays, June 20 (“mining” for chocolate) and Aug. 1 (robotics) at the School House.

Science and Math Experiments with Jim Barcellos of University of Nevada Reno Cooperative Extension (UNCE: For ages 8-12. Sponsored in partnership with Healthy Communities Coalition. It takes place from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays, June 13 and 27 at the School House.

Bike Safety Rodeo with Western Safe Routes to Schools for ages 5-12. Tuesday, July 18, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Silver City basketball court (next to the School House). Kids will learn road rules and safety, participate in bike maneuvers and exercises. Kids will receive new bike helmets if they do not have one yet. Sponsored in partnership with Healthy Communities Coalition.

Art Exhibition: Molly Allander’s solo exhibition, titled The Outsider Show: Molly Brunhild Paintings, is being sponsored by the Silver City Arts group. A reception for the show takes place at the School House Saturday, July 22 at 1 p.m. Allander’s work was the subject of the first chapter in Mary Beth Elam’s book, Mining the Treasures: Contemporary Comstock Artists.

Fun Fair for Preschoolers and Their Parents: Tuesday, Aug. 22, from 10 a.m. to noon at the town park. The event, which includes free books and snacks, plus crafts, hands-on science and literacy activities provided by United Way, is for parents and their children ages 2 to 6 years. Nevada Families First will also host a booth with fun things for preschoolers and their parents to do.