Art students showcase their work at Depot exhibit

The Olson Senior Center welcomed friends, family and community members to the historic Caliente Depot Ballroom on Friday, July 24, for a special art exhibit celebrating the creativity of local artists.

The exhibit featured artwork created by approximately 20 students from around Lincoln County who participated in a six-week art class held at the Olson Senior Center from June 3 through July 24.

The classes were taught by Nevada Arts Council teaching artist Aleida Castro of Las Vegas. The program was coordinated by Olson Senior Center secretary Susan Llewellyn, while the exhibit was organized by city councilwoman and Olson Senior Center president Betsy Comella.

Castro said her goal was not to teach students how to be artists but to provide the materials, encouragement and dedicated time to explore the artistic abilities they already possessed.

“My goal was simply to provide the space and scheduled time for students to explore the art skills they already had,” Castro said. “I hope I’ll have the opportunity to return if additional grants become available.”

Visitors spent the afternoon admiring the colorful artwork, enjoying refreshments and visiting with many of the artists, who proudly shared the stories behind their creations. The exhibit celebrated not only the artwork completed during the six-week course but also the friendships, confidence and sense of accomplishment that developed along the way.

Llewellyn said she was pleased with the response to both the class and the exhibit.

“We are excited to be planning more art classes in the near future,” she shared.