Eureka art collector’s gallery part of traveling program

“Wally’s World: The Loneliest Art Collection in Nevada”, featuring 35 pieces of art from Wally Cuchine’s collection was on exhibit at the Nevada Arts Council and is part of the Nevada Touring Initiative – Traveling Exhibition Program.

Cuchine, former director of the Eureka Opera House for more than 18 years, supported artists and had an unswerving faith in the art and artists of Nevada. His acquired collection is an unparalleled personal collection of Nevada art.

Beginning his own gallery in Eureka, Cuchine that combined both the down-to-earth ranchers of the area along with business folks. Art would bring the two together.

His gallery in 1978 was a 18 foot travel trailer which he expanded to a 26 foot model and finally moved into a 14 foot by 60 foot mobile home from Ely to Eureka. In these galleries, Cuchine hung art in every nook and cranny, filling each one.

His estimate is between 1,500 to 2,000 pieces of work and this touring collection is only one percent of that collection.

Nevada Arts Council states that “Wally’s World” is a testament to one individual’s tenacity in expressing his passion for art. His collection and this exhibition are a generous gift to the state he so deeply cherishes.”

Cuchine’s exhibit was on display at the Nevada Arts Council location in Carson City. The exhibit included paintings, etchings, drawing and mixed media works.