Fine Art Exhibitions
We are proud to offer seasonal and permanent art exhibitions in our 7 art galleries, featuring exquisite works by amazing fine artists and makers.
1st Floor Exhibitions: "Chemigrams", Curated by Nolan Preece + Wishes and Dreams
2nd Floor: Historical Museum Exhibition + Gifts + Artisan Gallery
3rd Floor: Northern Nevada Artists & Themes (Permanent Collection) + A Social Weaving Project
4th Floor: Virginia City Characters & Town + Mimi Patrick
Members receive complimentary admission to art galleries and historical tours:
Please share your opinions and priorities with us:
Loading days...
From 4 US dollars
CHEMIGRAMS
Curated by Nolan Preece
Opens April 20, 2025
Exhibition Closes: July 6, 2025
Art After Dark: May 9 & June 20
Spring Art Reception:
May 10th, 2025, 1-4pm
This special group show celebrates Chemigrams and Nolan Preece's impact on the process as well as his students who have also fallen in love with the process during his workshops and after.
The chemigrams presented in this exhibition are created by students in the fall chemigram workshops taught by Nolan Preece, a chemigramist since 1981. They represent a cross section of the myriad examples of effects that can be created using chemigram techniques. Some of these examples are of original prints while others offer an insight into how computers and scanners can be used to extend the chemigram experience.
Image: "Jeanne's Grid" by Jeanne Chambers
Chemigrams are photographic images made without using a camera or an enlarger of a lens of any kind. They are made in open light without a darkroom. Chemigram images depend almost entirely on the rather mysterious interaction of standard black and white photo chemicals with exposed photo paper, and in some cases, a variety of soft and hard resists applied to the paper.
The chemigram process has been documented for at least half a century and dates back to a Belgian photographer, Pierre Cordier, who first described and popularized a way of making chemigram images back into the fifties.
The practice of making chemigrams is best described as a serious subculture within the greater practice of contemporary photography. Chemigrams all photo artists a wide variety of mark-making possibilities and are in some respects a way of re-establishing the idea of the "handmade" image in photography.
WISHES & DREAMS
What makes a wish or dream come true? Simply by working hard or having good luck? Perhaps manifesting it through prayer, rituals, or sacred offerings? Imagine the variety of wishes and dreams floating through the universe at any given time. The sheer variety! Happy wishes, wistful dreams, fervent wishes for a better outcome…so many.
What if you could help manifest that dream or wish simply by writing it down and sharing it? If your wish could inspire others while helping yourself, wouldn’t that be an amazing gift?
Located on the First Floor
Experience the 2023 Wishes & Dreams Here
A SOCIAL WEAVING PROJECT
There are approximately 8.0 billion people living on the planet, 326.7 million in the United States, and over 3 million in Nevada. Imagine, if you can, how many different personalities, preferences, imaginations, dreams, and priorities that means.
This modest interactive project aims to visually showcase the diversity of the vision for those who choose to participate.
Are you more interested in adding to the clouds, the sun, or maybe you prefer a giant X to mark a spot? What color will you choose? Is your color choice among the majority, or the minority?
Look closely, see what others have done before you. Add your own layer of imagination to the 2025 evolution of the piece.
This is the weaving of the individuals who come together to form one work of art through their differences and interests.
We are starting fresh in 2025 for the next interpretation!
Located on the Third Floor
PERMANENT COLLECTION
St. Mary's Art Center has been an artistic and cultural staple of Virginia City and the Comstock since 1964. Thousands of artists and makers have taught, learned, created, and collaborated within our walls. As an 1876 historic cornerstone and former hospital, the property is often a favorite subject for artists, or as a prized location to view and paint Virginia City.
Throughout the years, artists, makers, photographers, and writers have donated their work to our permanent collection. This is an outstanding exhibition that artistically represents the state of Virginia City throughout the years, as well as the restoration evolution of the art center. This exhibition is displayed throughout the 3rd floor gallery, guest rooms, studios, and more.
Our latest acquisition is this magnificent sculpture by the late Larry Williamson, titled "Great Basin Cookie Jar Cage". Larry's work has been represented by Stremmel Gallery, collected for decades, and is pure genius.
View the permanent collection and experience a diverse showcase of Comstock Art.
VIRGINIA CITY CHARACTERS
by DANETTE STEELE
Virginia City is proudly known for its unique residents, merchants, and "characters". Several of these unique individuals are well known by locals and visitors alike.
Danette Steele's watercolor exhibition of her chosen subjects draws viewers in to see the personalities of some of our great residents, former and present-day. View her body of work on the fourth floor, between the arts library and theatre. These characters are the perfect group to welcome guests to the top floor of this historic former hospital.
