Teri Vance: Taking freeway to fun in Carson

On Thursday, I tagged along to an artist reception at the Artsy Fartsy gallery. I hadn’t yet been to the new location, so I went to check it out and see the work of Rachael and Debbie Lambin in their “My Thousand Words” exhibit.

The artists use books and other paper products to create jewelry, figurines and other works. If you haven’t seen their work yet, you should really go check it out. It really is remarkable. And as someone who makes a living with words, it’s especially fun to see those words turned into something three-dimensional.

While I was impressed by the work of the artists on display that evening, I was also blown away in general by the gallery.

Owner Jeffrey Pace opened the Artsy Fartsy Art Gallery on June 1, 2011. He represents more than 60 Northern Nevada artists in mediums from oils, acrylics, metal, glass, textiles, jewelry and more.

Although my intention had been to merely check out the new space, 405 N. Nevada St., I couldn’t help but leave with a new ring.

It’s a beautiful ring made by Denise Jensen out of turquoise from Tonopah. Anyone who knows me knows my weakness for turquoise, especially from Nevada. Sheri Dunn bought a unique pair of opal earrings from the same artist. So, just be forewarned, it’ll be difficult to leave empty handed once you step inside.

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Saturday, I plan to attend the opening of the final phase of the freeway. I ran the 5k on the first portion and rode my bike over the bridges on the second portion through Washoe Valley.

In doing so, the interstate becomes more than a road. There’s much more of a connection to the roadway and an observation of the engineering that goes into it when you remember that first day when the asphalt was new and smooth, and the community was out together in celebration.

I’m looking forward to completing the trifecta Saturday morning.

Community members are invited to walk, bicycle or run the new roadway between 9 a.m. and noon Saturday. A brief welcome ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. Participants can arrive any time between 9 and 11:30 a.m. Turn south onto the new freeway from southbound I-580 or Fairview Drive and follow event signs to the parking area located on the future freeway.

The Interstate 580 Carson City freeway is scheduled to open in August.

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After the gallery visit on Thursday, we walked over to The Union (If you haven’t checked that place out, go. Seriously) for dinner. There, we ran into Carl Henry, who was out with Fred Mariani. Great to see both of those longtime educators.

Carl told us his son’s band, the Whiskey Heroes, will be performing Saturday night in McFadden Plaza during the annual Taste of Downtown.

Aaron Henry, of Carson City, and Trent Wood, of Dayton, began the country and rock fusion band in 2014.

They’ve since added Matt Bailey on rhythm guitar, Max Landis on bass and backup vocals, and Dillon Secklin on drums. The Whiskey Heroes will open for this year’s Night in the Country music festival.

I can’t wait to hear these guys play.

And I’m proud to be a part of all the exciting things that are happening around our capital.

Teri Vance is a journalist, freelance writer and native Nevadan. Contact her with column ideas at terivance@rocketmail.com.