Galleries to house student art; reception April 24

A broad range of student artwork will be on display at Western Nevada College’s three galleries starting in mid-April.

The Student Art Exhibition runs from April 15 through May 3 in WNC’s Main, College and Atrium galleries.

The works were created by students in WNC art, welding and graphic communications classes during the 2012 summer and fall semesters, as well as in the current spring semester.

Awards will be presented in all categories, plus Best of Show in Art and Best of Show in Graphic Communications, during a public reception from 4:30-6:30 p.m. April 24 in the Main Gallery.

This year’s juror for both art and graphic communications entries will be artist, teacher and designer Maria Partridge of Reno.

Categories for judging include digital photography I, digital photography II, darkroom photography, drawing I, drawing II, printmaking, visual foundations, watercolor, oil and acrylic painting, ceramics, sculpture, computer illustration, media design, electronic imaging and electronic layout and typography.

College Increasing Solar Energy Production

Western Nevada College’s campuses are bolstering efforts to use green energy, increase energy sustainability and save on energy bills.

Construction has begun on the first solar array display at the Douglas campus, and a third display for the Carson City campus is scheduled to be built later this spring. Black Rock Solar of Reno has been commissioned to oversee both projects, which will generate 50 kilowatts of energy.

The Douglas campus array will sit southwest of Bently Hall, with completion scheduled for May. The new Carson City campus array is planned to sit east of the E.L. Cord Automotive Technology Center.

In 2011, Black Rock Solar constructed WNC’s first solar array display, 840 ground-mounted panels that produce 200 kilowatts. In 2012, a 418-panel arrangement that can produce 100 kilowatts of energy was placed adjacent to the Donald W. Reynolds Center for Technology. Those two solar array projects are expected to save the college $38,000 per year in energy costs, and the two 2013 projects will provide additional savings.

Child Development Center Earns Re-accreditation

The WNC Child Development Center has received renewal of its accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), an organization that sets professional standards for early-childhood-education programs.

The center received its first accreditation three years ago and is required to assess the entire program annually to maintain the status. Center Director Andrea Doran says it’s a rigorous process.

“Our staff continually provides quality care and services for the children, while working to maintain the detailed records needed for NAEYC. I am extremely proud of everyone at the center for maintaining this important distinction,” she said.

The center offers care for children between 6 weeks and 6 years old and is the only accredited facility in Carson City.

It is open to WNC students and faculty members, as well as the public. For more information about the WNC Child Development Center, call 775-445-4262.