BAC Director of Operations to speak at Monday's Democratic luncheon
Submitted by Carson Now Reader on Fri, 11/05/2021 - 1:24am
Event Date:
November 8, 2021 - 12:00pm Mike Wiencek, Brewery Arts Center Director of Operations, will speak via Zoom at Monday's Democratic luncheon. "Mikey," as he is universally known, has worked at the Brewery Arts Center since 2015, initially as a volunteer, and has played a key role in helping the BAC grow into the community arts hub that it is today.
A proud Marine Corps veteran, he has been involved in broadcast media and the arts for more than 25 years.
The Brewery Arts Center has been serving Carson City since 1976, after a group of local artists recognized that the community needed a dedicated space to showcase their diverse talents and bringing all of the arts under one roof. After an intensive period of fundraising and grant writing, the former Carson Brewing Company building was purchased and refurbished, and the Brewery Arts Center opened its doors on July 4, 1976 as part of America's bicentennial celebrations.
Today the BAC is thriving as never before under the creative direction of executive director Gina Lopez and director of operations Mikey Wiencek. Both believe in creating the magic needed to lift the community's spirits after the pandemic either shut down or severely limited performances at the area's live venues.
Of late the BAC campus has been getting a much needed face lift, as repairs were made that have been needed for a long time. The center is housed in buildings that have a lot of history. Starting in 1860, the main brick building was home to the Carson Brewing Company. The neon Tahoe Beer sign above the door is a tribute to the beer once made there. The Nevada Appeal eventually moved in, but in 1975 it was purchased by the Artists Coalition and turned into an arts center featuring pottery studios, ballrooms, theaters, and more.
Of late nearly $300,000 has been invested in upgrades and repairs, thanks to anonymous donations, a city grant, and a substantial grant provided by the state for the preservation of historic buildings. The repairs are fixing what needs fixing while preserving the architectural character and improving comfort and energy efficiency. For example, all 185 fluorescent light fixtures are being replaced by LED's, which will provide the lighting essential for activities involving fine detail, like pottery and jewelry making.
The Bryce Chisholm mural on the side of the BAC depicts seeds of art being blown through the community, sustaining the vibrant arts culture that makes Carson City such a wonderful place to live and raise a family.
Sponsored by the Democratic Men's Committee, this event is scheduled for noon on Monday, November 8th. Mikey will be presenting via Zoom. Participants are invited to join the conversation through Zoom or over a DIY lunch at Democratic HQ. Those wishing to be on distribution for luncheon Zoom links should email Rich Dunn, Men's Committee Events Coordinator, at richdunn@aol.com.
