Fundraiser for St. Mary's Art and Retreat Center October 6
Virginia City’s St. Mary's Art and Retreat Center, the Gold Hill Hotel, and the Comstock Foundation for History and Culture will be co-hosting an event called “Turn up the Heat – Saving the Boiler at the Arts Center.” The event, held at the Gold Hill Hotel, will include a wine tasting and art auction. All proceeds will assist with the restoration of the 1875 historic building that houses the Center.
The ticket price for the event, which will be from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., will be a $35 donation to the Arts Center - $30 for early reservations. The Gold Hill Hotel is providing a selection of distinguished wines and hors d’oeuvres. A silent auction featuring the work of local artists will also raise funds for the structure.
All proceeds will be used to repair a failing heating system.
“The boiler for our historic building is at the point of total failure, and if we can’t raise $36,000 to address this crisis, our facility may need to close,” said Rita Wheeler, executive director of the arts center. “We hope that donations, along with the proceeds from ticket sales and the art auction, will help us reach our target so we can make emergency repairs.”
The St. Mary's Art and Retreat Center, located in Virginia City’s former St. Mary Louise Hospital, has served artists since the 1960s. Over the past decade, it has opened its doors even wider with an art gallery, tours, and special events for tourists and local residents. “This wonderful, historic building is a special place,” said Wheeler. “We are working hard to keep the Center open so everyone can enjoy what it has to offer.”
To assist with the raising of funds, the Comstock Foundation for History and Culture is seeking additional donations for the Center by offering a challenge grant of $5,000, while asking for match from the people of Nevada and the West.
“The Comstock Foundation is committed to helping this vital part of the National Historic Landmark District meet its goal,” said Ron James, executive director of the Foundation. “If donors from the region give at least $5,000 for the replacement of the boiler system before October 6, the Foundation will match that amount with an additional $5,000. Nevadans cannot risk losing this resource.”
The event will include the announcement of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place pieces of art in Gold Hill Hotel’s “Wine is Art” competition. The items will also be auctioned off to benefit the Arts Center. The 1st place winner will be featured on the Hotel’s wine list and have gallery space for their art work in the hotel. Interested artists can contact the hotel for competition details. The Hotel is also offering 25% off per room on October 6th with each ticket sale (subject to availability).
“We hope that we can have great attendance at our event,” said Wheeler. “Our building really needs help from the community.”
For tickets and reservations call the Gold Hill Hotel at 775-847-0111 ($30 for reservations before September 30; $35 after September 30 or at the door). For additional information, contact Rita Wheeler, St. Mary's Art and Retreat Center, 775-847-7774 or Ron James, Comstock Foundation for History and Culture, 775-443-7803.
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