Shoppers and Santa’s helpers will find beautiful and unusual creations at the Nevada Historical Society’s History for the Holidays celebration set for noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8. Part of the Nevada Division of Museums and History, the society’s museum adjacent to UNR showcases Nevada heritage. Artists, authors and treasures from around the world and right in Reno’s backyard are featured in the festive event and sale. Free crafts, cookies and raffle prizes are among the offerings as well as 20 percent discounts at the museum store, known for its local art and cultural gifts.
“This year we have handmade jewelry and packaged Nevada snow,” said the society’s Shery Hayes-Zorn. “The store is a little known gem and has some very authentic Nevada treasures that people might not know exist. This is a way for us to showcase some of the great work we have so close to home. We have T-shirts, clothing, toys–everything you could imagine and more. Each museum store purchase helps us support this wonderful museum and the reference library that many people depend on.”
Among the artists expected and their specialties are Sally Shaw, pendants; Jan Loverin, scarves; Richard Hardie, leatherworks; Eileen Fuller and Kathryn Dudley, watercolors; Jessica Johnson, Nevada honey; Erik Holland and Jill Mueller, paintings; Milly Batchelor, knitting; Debbie Prince-Lewis, calendars and photos; Annie Faubian, hand-made ornaments. Authors expected are Patty Cafferata, Helen Townsell-Parker, Erin Breen, Guy Clifton, Bill Metscher, Patty Melton and Sally Whipple M. Mooney.
The society is featuring its own published book “Tales of Wovoka” by Gunard Solberg, the story built on decades of research, interviews and firsthand descriptions about the Northern Paiute Indian prophet and ghost dancer. Also featured is “Waiting for the Cars,” a brand new book of striking 3-D images documenting railroads, life and places in Nevada and California Gold Country in the 1860s, as the railroads were changing the face of the West and heart of the nation.
Parking permits will be available to make shopping easy. The museum store is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays at 1650 N. Virginia St., next door to the Fleischman Planetarium at UNR. Information is at 688-1190 or NevadaCulture.org
