The public is invited to see the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno's College of Science's first art gallery, "Just One More Shot: Images of Iconic ÁùºÏ±¦µä Wildlife and Scenery." The exhibit on the third floor of the Davidson Mathematics and Sciences building features 85 photos provided by University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno alumni, donors and photographers John and Patricia King.
Photos include rattlesnakes, hummingbirds, bighorns and the scenic majesty of ÁùºÏ±¦µä. Half of the counties in ÁùºÏ±¦µä are represented in the photos, including Elko, Nye, Washoe, Humboldt, Pershing, Lander and Eureka County.
"The College of Science has never done an event like this before," Char Hagemann, director of development for the College of Science, said. "It is a big event to engage guests, raise awareness, and spark an interest in how others can give back to the University."
All pictures are available now for purchase by the public. A VIP silent auction will also take place Wednesday, March 26. More than 150 guests, including donors, charter members of the ÁùºÏ±¦µä Legacy Society, and College of Science faculty and staff, have been invited to the exclusive event.
Proceeds from the silent auction and prior sales, will go to the College of Science's biology department. The biology department is the largest major in the College of Science and second at the University after the College of Business' management department.
"Biology is very near and dear to both of our hearts," Patricia King said. "We both spent a lot of time here at the University."
The Kings met at the University while Patricia was a teacher's assistance for John's biology class. John provided a photo of the rare ÁùºÏ±¦µä snow plant for Patricia's dissertation and thesis, a photo that is on display in the art gallery. Both received degrees in biology from the University. Their son also received a biology degree before joining the armed services.
"There is lots of legacy at the University for John and Patricia in terms of family," Hagemann said.
Today, John and Patricia spend most of their time traveling and taking photos. All photos are donated for charitable causes. John prefers to capture photos of wildlife, while Patricia enjoys scenic shots better.
"Some may be surprised by what is out there in their own backyard," John King said. "Photography has taught me to see the beauty that many may miss. I hope these photos will open peoples' eyes to the beauty and value of the state of ÁùºÏ±¦µä."
The Kings have been involved in other charitable photography projects, including the photo documentation of the Belmont Courthouse. Their photos helped raise funds for restoration of the old courthouse. John takes extra time to photograph sage grouse, the state bird of ÁùºÏ±¦µä in danger of extinction.
"It's about giving back to an institution we love, for causes we believe in, and to document ÁùºÏ±¦µä as it is today," Patricia said.
Most recently, the Kings donated photos to assist the ÁùºÏ±¦µä State Museum in Carson City. During the event, the Kings met Jeff Thompson and Char Hagemann. As a result of being reconnected, the Kings and Hagemann worked together to develop the "Just One More Shot" art gallery.
"We may not raise massive funds, but we hope to raise public awareness for the institution," John said. "Those interested in historic ÁùºÏ±¦µä will visit the gallery, wander the halls, and hopefully go exploring to see what else is happening at the University."
Patricia said she also hopes that the event and gallery inspired University alumni to consider giving back to their college.
"Every alumni should find a way to give back in some small way," Patricia said. "John and I get to give back to the University for the lives we've had."
"Just One More Shot" is presented by the University's College of Science in conjunction with the Development of Alumni Relations and the ÁùºÏ±¦µä Legacy Society, a coalition of donors for the University. This is the continuation of much collaboration between the College of Science and outside groups, including the recent opening of the Natural History Museum.
The art gallery is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. until May. For more information, visit the website or contact Char Hagemann at chagemann@unr.edu.
