all aboard!

Carson City international art expo helps power the V&T Railroad’s reconstruction.

By MATTHEW B. BROWN | March/April 2008

Railway Reflections International Art Expo chugs into Carson City for its inaugural run, July 17 to August 17. A series of themed events are being planned to raise funds for the reconstruction of the Virginia & Truckee Railroad, originally built in 1869 to connect the Virginia City silver mines to the mills along the Carson River. The V&T is being rebuilt along its original 18-mile route as a tourist attraction, with scheduled operation in 2011.

A juried art show at the Nevada State Library and Archives gallery will award prize money in various mediums: painting, sculpture, photography, and drawing. Artwork for the show must capture the “spirit of railroading.” The public can purchase pieces during the exhibit with a portion of the proceeds going to the V&T. Artists’ submissions for the competition are due by May 14; the show is open to all artists 18 years and older. Visit railwayreflections.org for complete registration information and entry forms.

In addition to the art show, the expo will feature gourmet dinners and tastings of special train-themed beers and wines. Highlighting the culinary events are a black-tie gala at the Governor’s Mansion and an Asian-themed dinner at the Nevada State Railroad Museum with a lecture on Chinese contributions to constructing the railroad. There also will be a film festival of train-themed movies, minting of a limited edition V&T medallion at the Carson City Mint, model train displays, performing arts, plays and concerts, and a golf tournament. 

Railway Reflections is the brainchild of Steven Saylor and Stephen Lincoln, trustees on the Northern Nevada Railway Foundation, the nonprofit organization formed to raise funds to rebuild the V&T. “This was an effort to get this going now because of the shortage of capital,” says Saylor, who noted that more than $20 million still needs to be raised. “But also it’s to bring international awareness to the fact that the V&T is coming back, and to educate locals. You hear some people say, “Isn’t that the thing in Virginia City that went two miles?”

Sponsorship information is available by calling Saylor at 775-813-8935. Donations also can be made at steamtrain.org.