Hollow Mountain and the Eagle Valley Middle School Green Biz Kidz are joining forces to bring an all new youth made-and-maintained community garden to downtown Carson City on site of the new independent bookshop: Bub’s Bookstore.
A youth art contest is currently underway, happening now through June 27 for designers ages 20 and under, with a grand prize of $250 for the winning design.
The Hollow Mountain Waystation Art Design Challenge is an open call for local youth to help design a one-of-a-kind miniature “station” for a new community garden.
The first phase of the gardens will be built later this summer at the new Bub’s Bookstore, who will also be hosting their official ribbon cutting tomorrow, June 12 beginning at 1 p.m.
The design challenge is open to Northern Nevada youth artists ages 20 and younger with a connection to the Carson City area. Participants are challenged to design a creative miniature station—such as a gnome village train station, a butterfly bus station, a weather station for ants, or even a “nature-reclaimed, post-apocalyptic subway station”—to be installed within the pollinator garden.
“We are planning several garden phases that will be designed, planted, built and maintained by Carson City kids and teens, but the first step is a Monarch Waystation and Pollinator Garden,” said Hollow Mountain Director Kelsey Penrose. “The winning design will become part of a real pollinator garden created for monarch butterflies, bees, toads and other tiny garden travelers.”
The winning artist will see their concept translated into a real-world project, which is slated for installation at the bookstore later this summer. In addition to the $250 award, thanks to a donation by the local operators of landscaping company TruGreen, the winner will also receive a small plaque at the garden, public recognition, and professional artist mentorship opportunities.
Runner-up winners from each age category will also receive their own prizes and recognition.
To enter, youth artists must submit a visual concept, a short description of their idea, a materials list, and a brief explanation of how their design supports the garden’s wildlife. Designs should prioritize natural, organic materials like untreated wood, pinecones, stones, or clay, and must be safe and pollinator-friendly.
Submissions are being accepted until June 27, 2026.
Entries can be emailed to info@hollowmountainworkshops.org with the word “Station” in the subject line, or dropped off in the Design Challenge Box at Bub’s Bookstore, located at 110 S Curry St. The winners of the contest will be announced on July 7.
For full challenge guidelines, and to download printable submission sheets, visit Hollow Mountain Workshops at hollowmountainworkshops.org/station
About Hollow Mountain
Hollow Mountain is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Carson City dedicated to building community, confidence and curiosity in young people through in-person, real-world experiences and enrichment opportunities. Learn more at hollowmountainworkshops.org
Editor’s Note: For disclosure purposes, Carson Now Reporter Kelsey Penrose is affiliated with Hollow Mountain.
