Capital City Arts Initiative

Exhibition Dates: May 20 – September 18, 2025
Artists’ Reception: Tuesday, May 27, 5-6pm
Exhibition Venue: Community Development Building (the Brick)
108 E Proctor Street, Carson City, Nevada

E Washington Street
Exhibition in CCAI’s Student Gallery

The Capital City Arts Initiative is delighted to present a solo show, E Washington Street, by Angel Vega, a student at Carson High School.

E Washington Street, will be in CCAI’s Student Gallery in the Community Development Building (the Brick), 108 E Proctor Street, Carson City, May 20 – September 18, 2025. The Brick is open to the public, M-F, 8am – noon, 1-4pm. The artist’s reception will be on Tuesday, May 27, 5-6pm with the artist introduction at 5:30. Watch Vega’s gallery interview here https://youtu.be/8arsLAsSc6o

Discussing his senior photography project, Angel Vega said, “I’ve had the privilege of connecting with over 25 individuals on E Washington St. Each story they’ve shared has transformed this project into something far greater than I ever imagined. Initially, the idea was simple: give a homeless person a piece of cardboard and let them write one thing they wanted to tell the world. The goal was to give them a voice—a chance to be heard in a world that often overlooks them. However, as I spent more time with these individuals, the project evolved. I began forming genuine relationships and close bonds with many of the people I met. I’ve grown to care deeply for them, which shifted the focus of the project to something more personal.

“Now, instead of merely giving them a voice, I aim to tell their stories—who they are, what they’ve been through, and what makes them human. This approach seeks to humanize them, reminding us that they are people just like us, deserving of compassion and support, not judgment or fear. Another goal of this project is to bring awareness, as I alone cannot fix this problem.

“Along with sharing their stories, I try to offer immediate support by providing food and water—whether it’s small bags of chips, sandwiches, or warm meals lovingly prepared by my mother and me. These individuals have often lived extraordinary and chaotic lives, many of which were beyond their control. By sharing their stories and offering a small measure of care, I hope to inspire understanding and encourage others to replace indifference with love and support, helping guide them toward new directions and possibilities.”

Vega said that he began taking photography seriously in his sophomore year at Carson High. He produced E Washington Street for his senior photography project that required a minimum of 15 images around a single theme. He lives in Carson City with his family. After graduation in June, he will study photography at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. https://angelvega.mypixieset.com/

Sharon Rosse, Executive Director, said “In our years of presenting student art in this gallery, this is the first solo student show that we have done. Vega’s exceptional, innovative, and thoughtful work truly deserves this opportunity. His teacher, Matt Theilen, provided great support for this show.”

This show is another in CCAI’s ongoing series of student exhibitions in the Brick.

The Capital City Arts Initiative is an artist-centered nonprofit organization committed to community engagement in contemporary visual arts through exhibitions, arts education programs, illustrated talks, artist residencies, and online activities.

The Initiative is funded by the John and Grace Nauman Foundation, Nevada Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities, Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, Carson City Cultural Commission, Kaplan Family Charitable Fund, Southwest Gas Corporation Foundation, Steele & Associates LLC, and CCAI sponsors and members.

image: Angel Vega, Sean, from the E Washington Street series, photograph, 20″x16″, 2024
bottom image: exhibition flier