Kathy Sisolak hosts new online program featuring Nevada artists and artifacts

CARSON CITY, Nevada — Nevada’s first lady Kathy Sisolak this month will debut “The First Lady presents…,” a virtual, monthly program showcasing Nevada artists and artifacts on the Nevada State Museum, Carson City website.

Every month through 2021, Mrs. Sisolak will showcase the work of a contemporary Nevada artist on “The First Lady presents…” web page, which also will reference an artifact that will be on display at the Carson City museum during its Curator’s Corner program.

“I am especially proud to launch ‘The First Lady presents…’ this February in recognition of the 2021 Lunar New Year, as it gives me the opportunity to share my own Chinese heritage with you,” Mrs. Sisolak stated. “Early Chinese immigrants helped build our state through mining, railroad construction, and wood cutting. These contributions are an integral part of our state history and cultural heritage, as you will see in the items presented in this month’s Curator’s Corner at the Nevada State Museum.”

Chinese-American painter Gwaylon Leaf will be featured on “The First Lady presents…” web page in February. The Las Vegas artist works with oil and watercolor on both paper and canvas. He creates paintings using a visual language synthesized from Taoist coded language and talisman, according to his online biography. Leaf holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Nevada, Reno, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Additionally, the museum will live-stream a family-oriented Chinese New Year presentation with museum staff at 10 a.m. Feb. 13. To participate, click here.

“The First Lady presents…” is a collaboration between the Nevada State Museum, Carson City, the Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and independent art consultant Mark Salinas.

“The First Lady presents…” can be viewed here.

EDITORS: For images, click here.

The Nevada State Museum, Carson City engages diverse audiences in understanding and celebrating Nevada’s natural and cultural heritage. The museum is one of seven state museums that make up the Nevada Division of Museums and History