Organism: A Festival of Words & Building

The Empty Room | 13th and Webster Streets | Throughout November

In November slammers and hammer will take over the Empty Room when it becomes ORGANISM: A Festival of Words & Building. Created by furniture makers Peter Cales and Doug Kiser and poet Matt Mason, ORGANISM features two activities that couldn’t normally be combined – poetry and building.
Throughout November, the Empty Room space will evolve from a pile of chair parts, growing an “Organic Chair” to provide a constantly changing venue for poetry slams and other events scheduled throughout the month. ORGANISM is the final of six month-long projects to be featured in the retail bay located on the ground level of the 22 Floors development at 13th and Webster St.
On Wednesday, November 4th: Katie F-S (lauded as one of the best poetry choreographers in the country) joins forces with the smithiest of Omaha wordsmiths and troubadours to introduce poetry and performance like you've never previously imagined at 7pm. For more information, please call Peter Cales at (402) 415-7212

"Terry Rosenberg, New Paintings"
Gallery 616 | 616 South 11th Street | November 5th through 28th
Rosenberg's paintings further explore the convergence of complex color and line as formed by the space-time continuum of dance. Artist's Reception on Thursday, November 5th from 6pm to 9pm. For more information, please call (402) 301-9713

"Spectrum" | New Work by Wayne Brekke

Nomad Lounge | 1013 Jones Street | November 5th through 29th

Nomad is pleased to present Wayne Brekke as the featured artist in the galleries for the month of November!
Come view and experience new work by Brekke at an opening reception on Thursday, November 5th from 7-10pm. "Spectrum" will be on view through November 29th. A percentage of all art sales from "Spectrum" will be donated to The Kent Bellows Studio and Center for Visual Arts! For more information, please call (402) 884-1231.

Lawrence Sosso and Steven Bauer

Jackson Artworks | 1108 Jackson Street | Opens November 5th
Please come to a special Thursday Opening Reception at Jackson Artworks for artists Lawrence Sosso and Steven Bauer. Both are working with abstractions based on the grid in two very different approaches, truly a sophisticated and provocative exhibit. For more information, please call (402) 341-1832

"Secrets" | Work by James Freeman
1301 Gallery | 1301 Nicholas Street | November 6th through 29th
New work by James Freeman. The show is up through November 29th in the 1301 Gallery (the north room, first floor) at Hotshops. For more information, please call (402) 558-7650.

"Video Stew"

Tugboat Gallery | 116 North 14th Street in Lincoln | Opening November 6th

Tugboat Gallery Proudly Presents "Video Stew" featuring Michael Burton, Anthony Hawley, Brent Meier, Elisabeth Reinkordt and Ashley Wick. Opening Reception on Friday, November 6th 7pm-10pm. For more information, please visit http://www.tugboatgallery.com.

"LMIRL (Let's Meet in Real Life)" | Work by Aaron Holz

ProjectRoom Nebraska | 1410-1416 O Street in Lincoln | November 6th through December 31st

Aaron Holz's work stands out as beautiful symbols of our internal and external struggles and as potent metaphors for the on-going battle of world, domestic, and personal politics. Rendered in his well-developed use of flat resin and oil paint over thickly combed gesso, Aaron's technique allows the figures to float above and behind the swirl of color and background form, mixing real and optical depth with the visual complexity of his figures and their surroundings. Opening Reception on November 6th from 7pm to 10pm. For more information, please visit http://www.projectroom.us.

The Jess Benjamin Studio Open House
The Jess Benjamin Studio | 6523 Maple Street | November 7th

Ceramic artist Jess Benjamin invites you to join her to celebrate the opening of her newly renovated 4,300 square foot studio in Benson. Her works from the past six years will be on display, and drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be served. The studio opening will be held on Saturday, November 7^th from 4 pm until 10 pm. The Jess Benjamin Studio is located at 6523 Maple Street in Omaha , Nebraska , at the intersection of Maple Street and 65^th Avenue in the red-brick building on the corner, the former Price Upholstery building. For more information, or to make an appointment to see Jess’s work at a different time, please e-mail jessbenji@yahoo.com.

Rhythm n Contrast
The Artists' Co-op | 405 South 11th Street | November 4th through November 29th

Featuring work by Richard Markoff, Duane Adams, Robert Dewaele and Virgina Ocken. Opening Reception on Saturday, November 7th from 7pm to 10pm. For more information, please visit http://www.artistsco-opgallery.com

The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts' 11th Annual Art Auction and Exhibitions

The Bemis | 724 South 12th Street | November 14th
The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts warmly invites you to join them in celebrating their 11th Annual Art Auction and Exhibitions. It is their largest annual project – it features the greatest number of local, national and international artists; spans 10,000 square feet; is their most significant fundraiser; and the kaleidoscopic survey of current art draws a vast audience. Most importantly, it is a celebration of, and critical opportunity to support exceptional talent. The auction takes place on Saturday, November 14th from 5:30pm to 10pm.

Also -- Please join artists-in-residence Shaun Richards & Mayumi Amada for the First Thursday ArtTalk on November 5th at 7pm. A special give-away for the 11th Annual Art Auction will take place as part of this Art Talk. For more information on both events, please visit http://www.bemiscenter.org.

"Panoptic" | The Kent Bellows Studio and Center for Visual Arts Mentor Show

Lied Education Center for the Arts | 24th and Cass Streets | November 16th through December 12th

The mentor show will feature screen-prints, mixed-media works, digital art, watercolors, acrylic paintings and more. Each mentor exhibits a unique style, ranging from urban art to concept driven landscapes and folk art, to outsider art and narrative imagery. Image sizes range from eight feet to just a few inches in length. Opening Reception on Tuesday, November 17th from 6pm to 9pm. For more information, including gallery hours, please visit http://finearts.creighton.edu.

Kaneko Great Minds and Partnership Programs
Kaneko | 1111 Jones Street | November 19th through 20th
Fall 2009 Great Mind Series includes the following events, for more information, please email info@thekaneko.org:
-- (Un)Covering Human Crises: Crucial Dispatches from the Innovative Journalist
Nicholas Kristof with Sonia Nazario moderated by C. David Kotok, Omaha World-Herald on Thursday, November 19, 2009 at 7 pm | $25
-- On Writing As Witness: A Reporter's Perspective
Sonia Nazario moderated by Mike Kelly, Omaha World-Herald. Luncheon & Presentation on Friday, November 20, 2009 at 12 pm | $25

-- Journalists on Journalism: Panel Discussion
Sonia Nazario, LA Times; Christine Lesiak, Executive Producer NET Television; Joe Starita, UNL College of Journalism and Mass Communication; Mike Kelly, Former NY Bureau Chief and investigative reporter for the Miami Herald on Friday, November 20, 2009 from 1:45 - 2:45 pm | Free
"Corn Eaters" | New Work by Claudia Alvarez

RNG Gallery | 1915 Leavenworth Street | Through November 22nd
New watercolors, oil paintings and a ceramic installation by Claudia Alvarez. For more information, please contact Rob Gilmer at (402) 214-3061

New Hollywood: American 70s
Film Streams | 1340 Webster Street | Through December 24th

The 1970s was a watershed decade for American filmmaking, an era defined by experimentation and innovation. Since dubbed the New Hollywood, this new era of filmmaking saw the blooming of a cadre of talent -- Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese, Robert Altman, Hal Ashby, Terrence Malick, to name just a few -- and forever changed the landscape of film. Special Offer: See 10 different films in this series (and save your ticket stubs!) to receive either a limited-edition 'New Hollywood' poster created by artist Joey Lynch (while supplies last!) or a free Film Streams tote bag. For more information , please visit http://www.filmstreams.org.

Nebraska Now: Christina Narwicz
Museum of Nebraska Art | 2401 Central Avenue in Kearney | Through January 3rd
For the first time, Omaha artist Christina Narwicz brings her large-scale oil paintings to MONA’s Yanney Skylight Gallery as part of the Nebraska Now series. While the artist’s works can be viewed simply as lovely, she successfully merges ideas and feelings of both the earthly and the ethereal in her textural and gestural paintings. Pulling from organic imagery; Narwicz draws forms with a calligraphic line atop a softly painted background where colors float, blend, and sway with each other. A New York native, Narwicz first came to Nebraska through the artist-in-residency program at the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts in 1985. She has made her home in Nebraska where she works as a full-time artist. For more information on this exhibit and the MONA, please visit http://monet.unk.edu/mona.



tugBoat gallery (lincoln)
bemis center for contemporary arts
phillip schrager collection of contemporary art
joslyn art museum
sheldon museum of art (lincoln)
paparazzi by appointment
dundee gallery
hot shops art center

film streams
the blue barn theatre
omaha performing arts

the waiting room lounge
the slowdown

daOMA presents Craig Dykers
The Joslyn's Witherspoon Concert Hall | October 1st at 7pm
Craig Dykers architect and Principal of the international architecture and design firm Snohetta will present the design for the National September 11th Memorial Museum Pavilion (2011) at ground zero in New York, along with their other significant works including the New Opera House (2008) in Oslo, Norway and their breakout design for the Alexandria Library (2001), in Alexandria, Egypt. The 42-year-old American architect, based in Norway, literally builds mutual cooperation and inspiration into every project undertaken by Snohetta, the Oslo firm where he is principal designer. For more information, please visit http://www.designallianceomaha.org.


"Life Lives Here" | Paintings and Sketches by Meghan Thomas
Nomad Lounge | 1013 Jones Street | Opens October 1st
Megan Thomas grew up in Omaha, Nebraska and graduated with a studio art degree from the University of Nebraska in Omaha. Five years have passed and she has since lived and shown her work in Northern California as well as locally. Opening Reception on Thursday, October 1st from 7pm to 10pm. For more information, please call (402) 884-1231.


"Profiles in Peach" | Paintings by Lauren Dana
Gallery 616 | 616 South 11th Street | October 1st through the 21st
This is Lauren's first solo show since graduating from UNO. Her paintings are influenced by her visits to the gardens of the French Impressionists. Opening reception on Thursday, October 1st from 6pm to 9pm. For more information, please call (402) 301-9713


"Secrets" (part one) | Work by James Freeman
Blue Barn Theater | 614 South 11th Street | Opens October 1st
Works will be on display during the Blue Barn's run of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, October 1st through the 17th. For morning information, call (402) 345-1576


The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts' 11th Annual Art Auction and Exhibitions
The Bemis | 724 South 12th Street | October 2nd through November 14th
The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts warmly invites you to join them in celebrating their 11th Annual Art Auction and Exhibitions. It is their largest annual project – it features the greatest number of local, national and international artists; spans 10,000 square feet; is their most significant fundraiser; and the kaleidoscopic survey of current art draws a vast audience. Most importantly, it is a celebration of, and critical opportunity to support exceptional talent.

October Events:
Opening Reception | Friday, October 2 from 6pm - 9pm
Curators Tour with Mark Masuoka and Hesse McGraw | Thursday, October 22 at 7pm
Collectors Forum | Thursday, October 29 at 7pm

Also -- Please join artists-in-residence Laurie Frick and Dawn Gettler for the First Thursday ArtTalk on October 1st at 7pm. For more information, please visit http://www.bemiscenter.org.


Creighton University's Visual Arts Faculty Exhibit
Lied Education Center for the Arts | 24th and Cass Streets | September 28 through November 8
An exhibit showcasing the latest work of Amy Nelson, Littleton Alston, the Rev. Michael Flecky, S.J., Tim Guthrie, Doug Schroder, John Thein, and the Rev. Don Doll, S.J. Opening reception on Friday, October 2nd from 5pm to 8pm. For more information, including gallery hours, please click here.


"In Theory" | Work by Ying Zhu
ProjectRoom Nebraska | 1410-1416 O Street in Lincoln | October 2nd through 31st
Thirty year old sculpture Ying Zhu moved to the US 10 years ago from China. Ying allows her process to create objects and situations that reflect her examination of what it is to be bi-national in the complex environment of American art and culture while giving the viewer a unique look into her personal transformation and assimilation. Opening reception on Friday, October 2nd from 7pm to 10pm. for more information, please visit http://www.projectroom.us.


"Scalene"
Tugboat Gallery | 116 North 14th Street in Lincoln | October 2nd through October 31st
Tugboat Gallery Proudly Presents "Scalene" featuring Gerit Grimm, Maranda Allbritten and Stephanie Leach. Opening Reception First Friday, October 2nd from 7pm to 10pm. for more information, please visit http://www.tugboatgallery.com.


"Beautiful Urban Decay" | Works by Gerard Pefung and Iggy Sumnik
The Dot Gallery | 413 South 12th Street (2nd Floor) | October 2nd through October 25th
Gerard Pefung and Iggy Sumnik collaborate on an exhibit with an urban theme. Opening reception on Friday, October 2nd from 6pm to 9pm. For more information, please send an email to tchofor2000@yahoo.com.


"At Best It's Innocuous" | Prints and Anti-Prints by Sean P. Morrissey and Charles Mitchell
Chocolate Cake Communication Design | 1416 O Street, Studio 11a in Lincoln | Opens October 2nd
Prints and Anti-Prints by Sean P. Morrissey and Charles Mitchell. First Friday Opening Reception on October 2nd from 7pm to 9pm. Also available by appointment. For more information, please email info@chocolatecakedesign.com.


New Paintings by Rachel Ziegler
4965 Cuming Street | Saturday, October 3rd from 7pm to 10pm
William McMillin pleased to announce a one night only presentation of new paintings by Rachel Ziegler. On the evening of October 3rd at 4965 Cuming Street (a residence), selections from two bodies of work: six small-scale, recent works in ink, and two larger, process-based paintings will be on exhibit. The works will be available for viewing by appointment through November by contacting William McMillin at (402) 457-9306.


Omaha North Hills Pottery Tour
Various Locations | October 3rd and 4th
You are cordially invited to attend the 5th annual Omaha North Hills Pottery Tour. Please bring a friend to enjoy the company, the drive and the art! October 3rd from 10am-7pm and October 4th from 10am-5pm. For a list of locations and participating artists, please visit http://www.omahanorthhillspotterytour.com


Soul Power | Special Screening
Film Streams | 1340 Webster Street | Tuesday, October 6th
A special screening of Soul Power and post-show discussion -- The History & Aesthetics of Soul Power -- led by Peggy Jones and Dr. Zebulon Miletsky, both Assistant Professors in the Department of Black Studies at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO). For more information , please visit http://www.filmstreams.org.


Nebraska Now: Christina Narwicz
Museum of Nebraska Art | 2401 Central Avenue in Kearney | October 10th through January 3rd 2010
For the first time, Omaha artist Christina Narwicz brings her large-scale oil paintings to MONA’s Yanney Skylight Gallery as part of the Nebraska Now series. While the artist’s works can be viewed simply as lovely, she successfully merges ideas and feelings of both the earthly and the ethereal in her textural and gestural paintings. Pulling from organic imagery; Narwicz draws forms with a calligraphic line atop a softly painted background where colors float, blend, and sway with each other. A New York native, Narwicz first came to Nebraska through the artist-in-residency program at the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts in 1985. She has made her home in Nebraska where she works as a full-time artist. For more information on this exhibit and the MONA, please visit http://monet.unk.edu/mona.


Studio Illuminata Open House
Studio Illuminata | 2725 North 62nd Street | October 11th
Julie Conway will host an open house for her new glass studio in conjunction with the Restore Omaha Historical Renovation Tour in Benson on the 11th from 1pm to 5pm. For more information, please contact Julie at info@illuminataglass.com.


Old Market Gallery Crawl
Various locations | The Old Market | Wednesday, October 14th from 5pm to 8pm
For a map of this month's participating galleries, please click here: http://www.jLofts.com


New Works by Bill Hoover
4651 Douglas Street | Saturday, October 17th from 12pm to 6pm
A one day art exhibition featuring new works by Bill Hoover -- including paintings, drawings and some papier mache. For more information, contact Bill at billhoover11@cox.net.



tugBoat gallery (lincoln)
bemis center for contemporary arts
phillip schrager collection of contemporary art
joslyn art museum
sheldon museum of art (lincoln)
paparazzi by appointment
dundee gallery
hot shops art center

film streams
the blue barn theatre
omaha performing arts

the waiting room lounge
the slowdown

Debra Winger Repertory Series at Film Streams
Ruth Sokolof Theater | 1340 Webster Street | Through October 1st
From her stunning breakthrough in 1980's Urban Cowboy, Debra Winger has long been acknowledged as one of the finest actresses in contemporary cinema, with more than twenty films and three Oscar nominations to her credit. Film Streams is incredibly honored to have her as their special guest for Feature 2009 (info below) and for her help in curating this special series featuring eight of her own films and two more than inspired her as an artist. For more information, please visit http://www.filmstreams.org.

First Thursday Art Talk
The Bemis | 724 South 12th Street | September 3rd | 7pm
Please join artists-in-residence Christine Gray and Hong Seon Jang for the First Thursday ArtTalk on September 3rd at 7pm. For more information, please visit http://www.bemiscenter.org.

"Etcetra and So On" | Works by Karen Schnepf
The Dundee Gallery | 4916 Underwood Avenue | September 4th through 20th
Karen Schnepf’s art creates something refreshingly unexpected with unusual elements and an array of colors. It is simplistic, always abstract, and wildly vivid. Schnepf invokes bold strokes and expressive color into her artwork using acrylics, oil crayons, colored and graphite pencil.
Opening Reception on Friday, September 4th from 6pm to 9pm. For more information, please visit http://www.dundeegallery.com.

"Volumina" | Recent Drawings and Prints by Karen Kunc
TugBoat Gallery | 116 North 14th Street in Lincoln | September 4th through September 30th
"These new images and formats provoke the threshold of visual sensory flow across “pages” of exaggerated length, and in the literal accumulation of paper, referencing the history of manuscripts and scrolls, telling stories of places, time and relationships." Karen Kunc. Opening Reception on Friday, September 4th from 7pm to 10pm. For more information, please visit http://www.tugboatgallery.com

Dam | Recent Works by Jess Benjamin
Fred Simon Gallery | 1004 Farnam Street | August 31st through October 9th

As an artist, I am a problem solver and am interested in finding solutions to the problems of the world I live in. My artwork focuses on the ongoing and worsening drought in the Great Plains of Nebraska. I was born and raised on a farm and ranch in rural Nebraska and still feel a profound responsibility towards it. The objects that I create are inspired by my research of Kingsley Dam at Lake McConaughy inOgallala, Nebraska.-- Jess Benjamin

Opening Reception on Friday, September 4th from 5pm to 7pm. For more information, please contact Jess Benjamin at jessbenji@yahoo.com.

"Observations at a Distance" | Sculptures by C. Daniel Newberry
Jackson Artworks | 1108 Jackson Street | September 5th through the 27th
Just over two years ago Dan Newberry lost most of his artwork when the roof collapsed into his studio at Jackson Artworks -- his artwork and studio were beyond repair. This month, he is getting ready for the first solo exhibition of his sculptural works. Newberry’s work relates to the humanness and similarity that man/womankind share throughout many cultures. His work has intention which in turn makes us give it attention. His inspiration comes from many sources including the sociological and philosophical ways in which we view and use the object. Technically, Newberry is an expert in his craft which shows in his inventiveness and style and for more than a decade has continued to refine.

Opening Reception on Saturday, September 5th from 6pm to 9pm. For more information, please call (402) 341-1832.

"Labor/Labour"
The Hot Shops | 13th and Nicholas Streets | Saturday, September 5th starting at 7pm
The annual group art exhibit at the Hot Shops, featuring new works form Mike Scheef, Derek Courtney, Kim Reid-Kuhn, Joel Holm, and dozens of other local and national artists. The Opening reception at The Hots Shops runs from 7pm to 10pm and is free. After-Party at the Slowdown, featuring Awake and Breathing, Reneé Ledesma Hoover, Guns of Belmont, and Bloodocow! starting at 9pm, $5 at the door. For more information, please write to eggman316@yahoo.com.

Fashion & Art Show
Bancroft Street Market | 2702 South 10th Street | Saturday, September 5th from 7pm to 10pm
Fashion & Art Show with designs by Dan Richters, William Torres, Jennie Mason and Claire Landolt. Also featuring art by Eric Wilson and video by Dan Lowe. For more information, please visit http://www.bancroftstreetmarket.com.

Old Market Gallery Crawl
Various locations | The Old Market | Wednesday, September 9th from 5pm to 8pm
For a map of this month's participating galleries, please click here: http://www.jLofts.com

Refresh: An Auction of Works by the Friends of Kent Bellows
The Joslyn Castle | 3902 Davenport Street | Thursday, September 10th from 6:30pm to 9:30pm
In celebration of artist Kent Bellows' legacy, his talented friends have come together to donate incredible work in support of arts education through The Kent Bellows Studio & Center for Visual Arts. Bid on and take home original art and enjoy yourself with good food and music, all for a great cause.

Silent Auction from 6:30-8:00pm | Live Auction & Music starts at 8pm. Please RSVP at rsvp@kentbellows.org. Visit http://www.kentbellows.org/refresh for more information about the event and images of the artwork.

Michael Campbell Book Release Party
Healing Arts Center | 1216 Howard Street | Thursday, September 10th from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Michael Campbell is a regular humor columnist for Food & Spirits Magazine, where his “Dumpster” essays close every issue. For fifteen years he has written for nationally-distributed entertainment newsletters Coffee Break and Facts of Life, and his off-beat observations have appeared in various issues of Reader’s Digest. He has published fifty-eight humor essays in his new book, Are You Going To Eat That? The event will include paintings by Wayne Brekke and a mask display by Angela Balderston, and slam poet Katie F-S will give a performance of her own. Enjoy locally written music by Vern Kathol, and the debut of Korey Anderson's new band, which includes Campbell as well. For more information, please visit click here.

"Too Much Information" | Work by Watie White
RNG Gallery | 1915 Leavenworth Street | September 12 through October 11
Watie White is an artist living and working in Omaha, NE. Watie is currently the Director of the Omaha Print Makers Guild, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to the fine art of printmaking and provides a collaborative environment for both educational and exhibition opportunities to local and national artists. He also teaches drawing at University of Nebraska. Before moving to Omaha, NE in 2006, Watie was integrally involved in the Chicago Printmakers Collaborative, as well as an adjunct faculty member of DePaul University in Chicago, IL.

Artist's Reception on Saturday, September 12th from 7pm to 10pm. For more information, please contact Rob Gilmer at robertngilmer@yahoo.com

Film Stream's Feature 2009
Holland Performing Arts Center | 1200 Douglas Street | Sunday, September 13th
Join Film Streams for the second annual celebration in support of the Ruth Sokolof Theater! Academy Award-winning director and Film Streams Board Member Alexander Payne will share the concert-hall stage with our very special guest Debra Winger for a conversation about her filmmaking career and select clips from her movies. Immediately following will be a post-party with drinks, h’or dourves, and music by Clark and Jacob from The Faint, Depressed Buttons, and Goo. For more information and/or ticket purchase, please visit http://www.filmstreams.org.

Omaha Fashion Week
Nomad Lounge | 10th and Jones Streets | September 15th through 19th
For more information, including a full schedule of events and ticket info -- please visit http://www.omahafashionweek.com.

(downtown) omaha lit fest
Various locations | September 17th through the 19th
As a salute to this new age of frugality, tawdriness, and life-or-death thrift, the theme for the 2009 (downtown) omaha lit fest is “the sordid arts of the cheap paperback.” Contemporary writers will gather Sept. 18-19 to discuss the influence of classic pulp fiction (romance, westerns, noir, horror, etc.) on their work specifically and the literary culture in general.

To be held at Joslyn Museum, KANEKO, the W. Dale Clark Library, Nomad Lounge, Film Streams' Ruth Sokolof Theater, Aromas Coffee House and other venues, the event includes a pulp & poetry tour of the Joslyn collection, a pulp-novel-inspired art exhibit, a tribute to iconic pulp writer Jim Thompson, panel discussions on genre fiction, and other wild and wanton behavior all presented with the uppity veneer of sophistication. For more information, including a full schedule of events -- please visit http://omahalitfest.com.

loom Weaves Joslyn's Sculpture Garden
Joslyn's Sculpture Garden | 24th and Dodge Streets | Sunday, September 20th from 2pm to 11pm
loom's big annual outdoor, all day, free, all ages, socially conscious, multicultural, thank-you-for-your-support festival, marking the end of summer, is taking place on Sunday, September 20 on the east side of the Joslyn Art Museum in their newly launched sculpture garden! For more information, please contact Brent Crampton at brentcrampton@gmail.com.

The Suit Coat Show
The Dot Gallery | 413 South 12th Street | September 26th at 1pm | $15
A fashion show and auction featuring works by local artists and designers. The proceeds from the event will go to clothe the homeless in partnership with local charities. If you're an artist who would like to design a suit coat for the auction, or would like more information about the event -- please email dashthedot@gmail.com. Tickets ($15) for the event are available at various location around town ---- including PULP.


tugBoat gallery (lincoln)
bemis center for contemporary arts
phillip schrager collection of contemporary art
joslyn art museum
sheldon museum of art (lincoln)
paparazzi by appointment
dundee gallery
hot shops art center

film streams
the blue barn theatre
omaha performing arts

the waiting room lounge
the slowdown

2009 Echotrope New Media Festival
Bancroft Street Market | 2702 South 10th Street | July 30th through August 2nd
The 2009 Echotrope New Media Festival presents a variety of video and game based installations and single channel works from emerging and mid career artists from across the country. Exhibiting artists include Megan Berner, Ryan Carroll, Shaun Benack, Cat Forster, Dave Ellsworth, Jordan Kerfeld, Peter Whittenberger, Alex Myers and more. In addition the exhibition features the intermedia lounge, a screening lounge dedicated to the work emerging artists from the Department of Art and Art History Intermedia and Digital Art Program at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. There will a reception for the festival on Saturday, August 1st from 6pm to 10pm. For more information (including a list of hours), please visit http://www.echotrope.org.

"Part One, My Life ....." | Work by Conrad Quijas

RNG Gallery | 1915 Leavenworth Street | August 1st through August 30th

Conrad Quijas is an incredible florist winning both national and international awards and is co-owner of Stem Gallery in Lincoln Nebraska. Opening reception on Saturday, August 1st from 7pm to 10pm. For more information, please contact Rob Gilmer at robertngilmer@yahoo.com

CLEAN PLATE
The Empty Room | 13th and Webster Street (under 22 Floors) | throughout August
CLEAN PLATE is a farm to table whole food restaurant. It opens in the Empty Room this August.

"CLEAN PLATE is an opportunity to share with others my belief that the act of eating is an everyday expression of our most deeply held values. It will serve the kind of food that is close to my heart, not fussy or complicated, but full of deeply good flavor."
-- Elle Lein

Please visit http://clean-plate.com for menu, hours and more information. And don't miss the Opening Night Celebration on August 8th (starting at 8pm).

loom weaves Jamaica
Espana | 6064 Maple Street | August 6 from 9pm-1am | $5 cover
Celebrating the music of Jamaica & its influence on music the world over on the eve of its Independence Day alongside Brent Crampton, guest selecta DJ Supe and percussion by Shif-D. Alongside roots reggae, ska, dub and other Jamaican music essentials via DJ Kethro & Supe, there will be a showing of the international cult film classic, The Harder They Come, directed by Perry Henzel. For more info, email brentcrampton@gmail.com.


"Wonderground | Found in Translation" | The Students of The Kent Bellows Studio and Center for Visual Arts
The Bemis Underground | 724 South 12th Street | Opens August 7th | 6pm to 9pm
The Kent Bellows Studio and Center for Visual Arts invites you to come and celebrate an amazing show of creative expression. Experience art by the students and mentors of the program, plus music from local talent and more. Opening reception on Friday, August 7th from 6pm to 9pm. The exhibit will also be open for viewing on Saturday, August 8th from 11am to 5pm and from August 11th through 15th from 11am to 5pm. For more information, please visit http//:www.kentbellows.org.

"Handmaid" | Five Women Artists that Work in Clay

Jackson Artworks | 1108 Jackson Street | Opening on August 8th

Featuring work by Jess Benjamin, Tracy Shell, Liz Vercruysse, Amy Nelson and Renee Ledesma-Hoover. Opening Reception on Saturday, August 8th from 6pm to 9pm. For more information, please call (402) 341-1832.

"Uncanned" | A dreamy, funny, absurd and uncanny exhibition

TugBoat Gallery | 116 North 14th Street in Lincoln | Opening on August 7th

Featuring work by Ani Ghajanian, Natalie Linstrom, Joe Pankowski and Dan Perry. Opening reception on August 7th from 7pm to 10pm. For more information, please visit http://www.tugboatgallery.com.

First Thursday Art Talk

The Bemis | 724 South 12th Street | August 7th | 7pm

Please join artists-in-residence Min Kim Park, Mitra Fabian and Adam Shecter for the First Thursday ArtTalk on July 2nd at 7pm. For more information, please visit http://www.bemiscenter.org.

Do NOT! look directly into the sun | An installation by Birgit and Bjorg Larson
Bancroft Street Market | 2702 South 10th Street | August 8th, 9th, 15th and 16th from 9am to 5pm
An experiment in layers based on the vastness of the electromagnetic spectrum, the function of the eye as our detector and the possibilities for the future. Using layers to explore beyond the visual spectrum, Birgit Larson is working with physicist and sister Bjorg Larson to start a dialogue on the diversity of light, energy and interpretations of what comes next in the evolution of sight. Opening reception on Saturday, August 8th from 7pm to 10pm. For more information, please contact Brigit at birgit.larson@gmail.com.

Old Market Gallery Crawl

Various locations | The Old Market | Wednesday, August 12th from 5pm to 8pm

For a map of this month's participating galleries, please click here: http://www.jLofts.com

Westerns Repertory Series at Film Streams
Ruth Sokolof Theater | 1340 Webster Street | Through August 27th

There’s no movie genre more patently “American” than the Western, and perhaps none more generally misunderstood. Squeaky-clean heroes versus categorical evil-doers? Not so much. True Westerns -- the visually breathtaking work of genre auteurs like Howard Hawks, John Ford, Sam Peckinpah, and Sergio Leone -- are more like Greek mythology set to an open range, where the difference between “good” and “bad” is often slim and sometimes none. For more information, please visit http://www.filmstreams.org.

Also! Please try to catch a screening of Food Inc. -- which opens on Friday, July 31st (Stop by The Empty Room for a CLEAN PLATE preview after the film on Friday!). Featuring interviews with such experts as Eric Schlosser (Fast Food Nation) and Michael Pollan (The Omnivore's Dilemma) along with social entrepreneurs such as Stonyfield's Gary Hirshberg and Polyface Farms' Joel Salatin, FOOD, INC. reveals surprising and often shocking truths about what we eat and how it's produced.

On August 4th at 7pm there will be special screening of FOOD, INC., with a post-show panel discussion featuring William Powers, Executive Director of the Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society (NSAS) and representative of Slow Food Nebraska, Elle Lien, creator of Clean Plate, and Dr. Darrell R. Mark, Associate Professor of Agricultural Economics and Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Please visit http://www.filmstreams.orgfor more information.

tugBoat gallery (lincoln)
bemis center for contemporary arts
phillip schrager collection of contemporary art
joslyn art museum
sheldon museum of art (lincoln)
paparazzi by appointment
dundee gallery
hot shops art center
the kent bellows studio and center for visual arts

film streams
the blue barn theatre
omaha performing arts

the waiting room lounge
the slowdown

300 Square
The Empty Room | 13th and Webster Street (under 22 Floors) | throughout July
Empty Room is a six month long experiment. Six special artists will be given use of retail space one month at a time -- entrepreneurs, thinkers, environmentalists, teachers, etcetera who are interested in sharing creative ideas with the Omaha community.

The second event in the space is 300 Square an interactive exhibit which explores the social, economic and environmental benefits of compact living.
Stop by and experience a 300 sf compact living space during the month of July, every Tuesday and Thursday from 6pm-9pm & Saturday and Sunday from noon-5pm. Also -- there will be a special event with loom featuring DJ Brent Crampton on July 11th starting at 7:30pm.

For more information, please visit http://emptyroomomaha.org

"The Aesthetic Imperative" | work by Evan Major and Stephen Kavanaugh
Nomad Lounge | 1013 Jones Street | Opens on Thursday, July 2nd 7pm to 10pm
"The Aesthetic Imperative" features work by Evan Major and Stephen Kavanaugh. Evan and Stephen grew up taking art classes together in high school. As friends and as artists, both have found a commonality in their approach and taste in art, yet each have their own distinct style. In high school and even now, Evan and Stephen continue to feed off one another’s creative and technical abilities and motivate one another to push forward with their artistic talent. "The Aesthetic Imperative" reveals the similarities as well as the distinction between the two artists’ work. The show is an example of art feeding off of art, with a reliance on the imagination and a demand for aesthetics.

loom weaves Shiver Shiver
Espana | 6064 Maple Street | July 2nd from 9pm-1am | $5 cover
Join us at loom as we weave Shiver Shiver via the keys of Jordan Elsberry, the trapset and percussion of Chase Thornburg alongside the music selections of Brent Crampton in a live ad-lib performance. For more info, email brentcrampton@gmail.com.

"Tugboaters"
TugBoat Gallery | 116 North 14th Street in Lincoln | Opening on July 3rd
Featuring work by Heidi Bartlett, Jake Gillespie, Peggy Gomez, Justin Kemerling, Joey Lynch, Denny Schmickle and Nolan Tredway. The exhinbit runs through July 26th. For more information, please visit http://www.tugboatgallery.com

Old Market Gallery Crawl
Various locations | The Old Market | Wednesday, July 8th from 5pm to 8pm
For a map of this month's participating galleries, please click here: http://tinyurl.com/pkvb2j


"Mark Makers"
Jackson Artworks | 1108 Jackson Street | Opening on July 11th
A survey of drawing today by twenty one Nebraska - based artists in different stages of their careers. The level of ideas and approaches are as diverse as the artists themselves. Opening Reception on Saturday, July 11th from 6pm to 9pm. For more information, please call (402) 341-1832.

"Paradox of Value" | New work by Jess Benjamin
RNG Gallery | 1915 Leavenworth | through July 12th
From Jess Benjamin's artist statement: "The objects that I create are inspired by my research on Kingsley Dam at Lake McConaughy in Ogallala, Nebraska, a short drive from where I was born. A jackstone is a reinforced concrete tetrahedron that, coupled with other jackstones, provides an interlocking strength of protection to the face of Kingsley Dam. After the "Dust Bowl" of the 1930's, Kingsley Dam was built and became a symbol of strength for Nebraska's future. But for the last ten years, the Great Plains Region has received below average annual precipitation. As the water level of Lake McConaughy diminishes, battered jackstones risefrom beneath the surface. In my work, I use these symbols of strength while exposing the fragile balance between man and nature."
For more information, please contact Rob Gilmer at robertngilmer@yahoo.com

The Bellows Boogie| An Epic Event Benefiting The Kent Bellows Studio
The Bemis Underground | 724 South 12th Street | Friday, July 17th from 7pm to 11pm | $3
Please join us for the Bellows Boogie, an epic event benefiting The Kent Bellows Studio and Center for Visual Arts. Come enjoy the live music, art activities, art sale and more. $3 entry fee. All proceeds go to the educational programs of The Kent Bellows Studio. For more information, please email Rebecca at rebecca@kentbellows.org.

Westerns Repertory Series at Film Streams
Ruth Sokolof Theater | 1340 Webster Street | Through August 27th
There’s no movie genre more patently “American” than the Western, and perhaps none more generally misunderstood. Squeaky-clean heroes versus categorical evil-doers? Not so much. True Westerns -- the visually breathtaking work of genre auteurs like Howard Hawks, John Ford, Sam Peckinpah, and Sergio Leone -- are more like Greek mythology set to an open range, where the difference between “good” and “bad” is often slim and sometimes none. For more information, please visit http://www.filmstreams.org.

Sean Ward: A Pre-Conscious Space
The Bemis | 724 South 12th Street | Opens July 24th
The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts is proud to announce the imminent arrival of A Pre-Conscious Space, an architectural installation commissioned by the Oregon-based artist Sean Ward. A Pre-Conscious Space is a functional music venue and event-space built within the Okada building, directly to the East of the Bemis Center’s main facility. The commission establishes a new cultural destination and social space, and expands Bemis Center’s physical space and capacity to present multi-disciplinary programming. Also -- please join artists-in-residence Tannaz Farsi, Margaret Meehan and Noah Simblist for the First Thursday ArtTalk on July 2nd at 7pm.
For more information, please visit http://www.bemiscenter.org.


tugBoat gallery (lincoln)
bemis center for contemporary arts
phillip schrager collection of contemporary art
joslyn art museum
sheldon museum of art (lincoln)
paparazzi by appointment
dundee gallery
hot shops art center
the kent bellows studio and center for visual arts

film streams
the blue barn theatre
omaha performing arts

the waiting room lounge
the slowdown

BEASTBOX
The Empty Room | 13th and Webster Street (under 22 Floors) | June 5th through June 28th
Empty Room is a six month long experiment. Six special artists will be given use of retail space one month at a time -- entrepreneurs, thinkers, environmentalists, teachers, etcetera who are interested in sharing creative ideas with the Omaha community.

The first event in the space is BEASTBOX an interactive installation by local artists Amy Morin and Rob Quinn, involving a wonderland of homemade creatures, community mix tapes and workshops through the Omaha Creative institute.

The schedule of events for BEASTBOX:
Friday, June 5th at 8pm: Opening Event. Food by B&G Tasty Foods, music by you!
Sunday, June 7th, 4:30-6:30pm: Making Sock Monsters, Omaha Creative Institute workshop.
Friday, June 19th, 6:30-8:30pm: Making Upcycled Bags, Omaha Creative Institute workshop.
Sunday, June 28th: Last day of BEASTBOX.
For more information, please visit http://plaiderpillar.com or http://emptyroomomaha.org

Paula Wallace and John Dennison
Dundee Gallery | 4916 Underwood Avenue | June 5th through June 14th
Artist's reception on Friday, June 5th from 6pm to 9pm. For more information, please visit http://www.dundeegallery.com

"Yours and Mine" | Work by Erika Navarette and Brett Anderson
TugBoat Gallery | 116 North 14th Street in Lincoln | Opening on June 5th from 7pm to 10pm
Tugboat Gallery Proudly Presents "Yours and Mine" paintings and prints by Erika Navarette and Brett Anderson.
For more information, please visit http://www.tugboatgallery.com

Sculpture Garden Ribbon Cutting Event and Public Opening
The Joslyn Museum | 2200 Dodge Street | Saturday, June 6th
The public is invited to the ribbon cutting event celebrating the opening of Joslyn Art Museum's Peter Kiewit Foundation Sculpture Garden. Beginning at 9:15 am, coffee and donuts, rolls, and pastries, provided by Pettit's Pastry, will be served. Brief remarks will be offered by Joslyn Director J. Brooks Joyner and special guests beginning at 9:30 am and the ribbon cutting will happen at approximately 9:50 am, officially opening the garden. For more information, please visit http://www.joslyn.org.

"Myth & Mundane" | Drawings and paintings by Stephanie Olesh
The Florence Mill ArtLoft | 9102 North 30th Street | June 7th through July 12th
Stephanie, the 2009 Recipient of the Connor Meigs Art Award, is a 2004 graduate of Omaha's Central High School. She graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design with a BFA in Illustration. Her paintings explore the contrast between fantasy, illusion and ordinary reality.

Artist's reception on Sunday, June 7th from 1:30-4:30pm. For more information, please contact Linda Meigs at (402) 551-1233.

Old Market Gallery Crawl
Various locations | The Old Market | Wednesday, June 10th from 5pm to 8pm
For a map of this month's participating galleries, please visit: http://tinyurl.com/pkvb2j

"Paradox of Value" | New work by Jess Benjamin
RNG Gallery | 1915 Leavenworth | June 13th through July 12th
From Jess Benjamin's artist statement: "The objects that I create are inspired by my research on Kingsley Dam at Lake McConaughy in Ogallala, Nebraska, a short drive from where I was born. A jackstone is a reinforced concrete tetrahedron that, coupled with other jackstones, provides an interlocking strength of protection to the face of Kingsley Dam. After the "Dust Bowl" of the 1930's, Kingsley Dam was built and became a symbol of strength for Nebraska's future. But for the last ten years, the Great Plains Region has received below average annual precipitation. As the water level of Lake McConaughy diminishes, battered jackstones risefrom beneath the surface. In my work, I use these symbols of strength while exposing the fragile balance between man and nature."
Artist's reception on Saturday, June 13th from 7pm to 10pm. For more information, please contact Rob Gilmer at robertngilmer@yahoo.com

"Field Guide" | A group show about people, the landscape and nature
Jackson Artworks | 1108 Jackson Street | Opening on June 13th
Featuring works by Nicholas Bohac, Matt Carlson, Sunny Gibbons and Caolan O'Loughlin.

Artist's reception on Saturday, June 13th from 6pm to 9pm. For more information, please call (402) 341-1832.

Fashion Show and Art Opening at Bellwether Boutique
Bellwether Boutique | 430 South 12th Street | Saturday, June 20th
A showcase of local designers and artists. For more information, please visit http://www.bellwetherboutique.com.

Henry Fonda Repertory Series at Film Streams
Ruth Sokolof Theater | 1340 Webster Street | Through June 25th
Born in Grand Island in 1905, Henry Jaynes Fonda made his acting debut right here in Omaha at the Community Playhouse, a performance that would lead to more than 100 screen and television credits, many more appearances on Broadway, and a career as legendary as any in Hollywood history. For more information, please visit http://www.filmstreams.org.

knives out
The Bemis | 724 South 12th Street | June 25th, 26th and 27th | $10
An original performance created by ætherplough as part of the ongoing Bemis Center event series Endless Summer.

Performance times: June 25th at 8pm :: June 26th at 8pm and 11pm :: June 27th at 8pm. For more information, please contact Thom Sibbitt or Susann Suprenant at aetherplough@gmail.com

spurse: MATR Mobile Apparatus for Temporality Research
The Bemis | 724 South 12th Street | June 26th through September 5th
The Bemis Center is pleased to welcome MATR: Mobile Apparatus for Temporality Research, a project by the interdisciplinary collective spurse, to Omaha this summer. MATR arrives as a shipping container whose contents expand tactically across the Bemis Center’s grounds. MATR operates as an assemblage of work areas, libraries, long-term experiments, visualization and sensory tools that invite the public to explore and make circuits across time.

Opening reception on Friday, June 26th from 6pm to 9pm. there will be a Gallery Talk on Saturday, June 27th at noon.

Also -- please join artists-in-residence Sean Ward and Georgia Goldberg for the First Thursday ArtTalk on June 4th at 7pm. For more information, please visit http://www.bemiscenter.org.


tugBoat gallery (lincoln)
bemis center for contemporary arts
phillip schrager collection of contemporary art
joslyn art museum
sheldon museum of art (lincoln)
paparazzi by appointment
dundee gallery
hot shops art center
the empty room
glass harmony gallery

film streams
the blue barn theatre
omaha performing arts

the waiting room lounge
the slowdown

"The Omaha Diner" by Paul Renner and "Diviner" by Adam Frelin
The Bemis | 724 South 12th Street | Opening May 1st from 6pm to 9pm
Paul Renner's exhibition The Omaha Diner is a presentation of art objects and nose-to-tail cooking, which culminates in a six course array of culinary delights served at two dinner celebrations to a total of 160 guests.

Adam Frelin shot the short film DIVINER while in residence at Bemis Center during the summer of 2008. That summer's tumultuous weather — tornadoes, thunderstorms, floods and a hurricane — provides the backdrop for Joe, the film's protagonist, who has a special interest in foretelling and reporting weather.

Both artists will speak during a gallery talk on Saturday, May 2nd at noon. For more information, please visit http://www.bemiscenter.org.

"New Masters and Mentors"
TugBoat Gallery | 116 North 14th Street in Lincoln | May 1st from 7pm to 10pm
Featuring Sarah Blitz, Autumn Cipala, Eddie Dominguez, Seth Green, Gail Kendall and Peter Pinnell. Opening reception on May 1st from 7pm to 10pm and runs through May 31st. For more information, please visit http://www.tugboatgallery.com

"Reader's Block" Work by Anthony Hawley
ProjectRoom | 1410-1416 O Street | Lincoln, NE | May 1st through 31st
For more information, please visit http://www.projectroom.us

Phillip Schrager Collection of Contemporary Art Open House
AmeriFirst Finance Building | 4405 South 96th Street | May 2nd & 3rd from noon to 4pm
Please call (402) 505-6553 for more information.

Hot Shops Spring Open House
1301 Nicholas Street | May 2nd and 3rd from 12pm to 8pm
One of their biggest events of the year, the annual Spring Open House features informative art demonstrations and live music--numerous artists have their studio doors open to the public. For more information, please visit http://www.hotshopsartcenter.com

loom
Espana Tapas Bar | 6064 Maple Street | May 7th from 9pm to 1am | $5
Join Brent Crampton and the crew for another stellar dance event at the Annual All-White Attire Celebration. Visit http://brentcrampton.com for more information.

"A Vital Few" | New work by Shane Bainbridge
RNG Gallery | 1915 Leavenworth | through May 9th
"I have chosen to examine consumerism, consumption and the evolution of the global markets as it effects diversified cultural existences for several years now. I find it especially intriguing to ponder the future course of a slowly homogenizing global population, as the ends of the earth creep closer to one another through advances in communication, transportation and technology."
-- Shane Bainbridge

"Micro|Macro Scopic" Work by Josh Hebbert and Mary Wees
The Gallery at Bancroft Street | 10th & Bancroft | through May 17th
A Creighton University BFA thesis exhibition, open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm to 4pm.

"[REPRESENT] No Restraints on Imagination"
The Bemis UnderGround | 724 South 12th Street | May 15th from 6pm to 9pm
The Kent Bellows Studio and Center for Visual Arts is proud to announce their new exhibition [REPRESENT] No Restraints on Imagination. The opening is Friday, May 15th 6:00-9:00pm in the Bemis Underground (724 S. 12th Street) and features the latest work from the youth artists and mentors of The Kent Bellows Studio’s Mentoring Programs.

The show will also be open Saturday, May 16th from 11:00-5:00, and Tuesday, May 19th –Friday, May 22nd from 11:00-5:00.
For more information contact Rebecca Herskovitz at (402) 884.0766 or Rebecca@kentbellows.org.


tugBoat gallery (lincoln)
bemis center for contemporary arts
phillip schrager collection of contemporary art
joslyn art museum
sheldon museum of art (lincoln)
paparazzi by appointment
dundee gallery
hot shops art center

film streams
the blue barn theatre
omaha performing arts

the waiting room lounge
the slowdown

loom
Espana Tapas Bar | 6064 Maple Street | March 5th from 9pm to 1am | $5
Join Brent Crampton and the crew for another stellar dance event as they celebrate their 3rd anniversary at Espana. Visit http://brentcrampton.com for more information.

"Dirty Water" | New Work by Claudia Alvarez
TugBoat Gallery | 116 North 14th Street in Lincoln | March 6 through March 31
Opening reception on March 6th from 7pm to 10pm. For more information, please visit http://www.tugboatgallery.com

"(402) Disconnect/Reconnect" | Matthew Dehaemers
The Bemis | 724 South 12th Street | March 13th through May 16th
During his exhibition (402) DisConnect/ReConnect, Kansas City-based artist Matthew Dehaemers plans to make a phone call to every individual listed in the Omaha White Pages. Dehaemers' massively ambitious effort is founded in his desire to "create work that somehow interrupts or alters the average person's routine if only for a moment in time … in this case trying to transform a typically unpleasant experience into a positive one." A team of volunteers, including local high school students, participants in Urban League of Nebraska's Community Service Program, and many others will make the 100,000 calls to offer a brief question or affirming thought that relates to them and their community. As Dehaemers says, "The only thing I am selling is Omaha."

Opening Reception on Friday, March 13th from 6pm to 9pm. For more information, please visit http://www.bemiscenter.org


"Undaunted Light" | Work by Julie Conway
"Color Blind Color" | Work by Rob Gilmer
The RNG Gallery| 1915 Leavenworth Street| Opening reception on March 21st
The RNG Gallery is expanding, we are doubling the size of the space. Come and see the great art in the new space. Opening reception for both exhibits on March 21st from 7pm to 10pm.

"Hero Rookies" | New Work by Joey Lynch
Bellwether Boutique | 430 South 12th Street Lower Level | Opens March 27th
Opening reception on Friday, March 27th from 7pm to 10pm. For more information, please visit http://www.bellwetherboutique.com

Simon Joyner w/ Alex McManus, Dan McCarthy, & Steve Bartolomei
The Waiting Room Lounge | 6212 Maple Street | March 20th | $7
Simon Joyner is a singer-songwriter living in Omaha, Nebraska. He’s released records since 1993 on various independent labels. We’re lucky he lives here in town. Formore information, please visit http://www.waitingroomlounge.com


tugBoat gallery (lincoln)
bemis center for contemporary arts
phillip schrager collection of contemporary art
joslyn art museum
sheldon museum of art (lincoln)
paparazzi by appointment
dundee gallery
hot shops art center

film streams
the blue barn theatre
omaha performing arts

the waiting room lounge
the slowdown

passion. play. | A Fundraiser for ætherplough
Nomad Lounge | 1013 Jones Street | February 28th at 7pm | $10
You may have already caught some of the early buzz about ætherplough, the newly-formed production company co-founded by Thom Sibbitt and Susann Suprenant. ætherplough's debut event, passion. play., is a fundraiser held on Saturday, February 28 at 7 p.m. at Nomad Lounge. ($10 cover; cash bar).

ætherplough, self-described as a 'tool for cultivating performance,' is dedicated to creating, producing, and presenting contemporary performance in Omaha. An amazing program is planned at Nomad including performances by Seth Fox, Thom Sibbitt, Katie F-S, Satid Kippenberger, Wai Yim, and Kirstin Kluver; and featuring NYC-based performance artist, Jack Ferver.

Following the performance, a silent auction will be held, curated as "14 Stations." Local artists are donating works in support of ætherplough's mission so don't miss this opportunity to purchase original artwork and help ætherplough launch their first season of performance!

passion. play. culminates in an after-party dance at Nomad, D.J.'d by the incomparable Brent Crampton and surprise guests. So mark your calendars and plan to attend ætherplough's passion. play. on February 28th! For further information, send an email to aetherplough@gmail.com.

loom
Espana Tapas Bar | 6064 Maple Street | February 5th from 9pm to 1am | $5
Join Brent Crampton and the crew for another stellar dance event at Espana. Visit http://brentcrampton.com for more information.

Lincoln Photofest
Various Locations | Lincoln, Nebraska | February 1st through February 28th
A community-wide celebration of photography, Lincoln PhotoFest will be anchored by Evolving Eden at Sheldon. The exhibition will present works by internationally acclaimed artists Arno Rafael Minkkinen, Hans Eijkelboom and Edward Burtynsky.

Many art galleries across Lincoln and some alternative spaces will feature work by nationally known artists, established local artists and some of the city's finest young emerging photographers. Click here for more information, including a full list of exhibits opening for Lincoln's First Friday art crawl.

"Unwashed"
The Gallery at Bancroft Street Market | 2702 South 10th Street| February 7th through the 22nd
Featuring work by M!ghty, Jeff King, Josh Powell and Miss Cake -- with special guests Andrew Hershey and Amy Morin. Opening reception on February 7th from 7pm to 10pm. Also -- stop by on Wednesday the 18th for "Underground Art in Omaha" an open forum and networking event from 7pm to 9pm.

"Revealed Desires" | Work by Vanessa Barret
The RNG Gallery| 1915 Leavenworth Street| February 7th through the March 8th
The RNG Gallery kicks off 2009 with a a wonderful photography show by the talented Vanessa Barret. The photographs in this show were taken in France and Italy during the summer of 2008. Captured is the iconography of the past and the unmistakable style of the present. Opening Reception on February 7th from 7pm to 10pm.

"Deadlines" | Work by Chris Meeks
Texture Gallery| 6064 Maple Street | opening Reception on February 13th from 7pm to 10pm
An open reception hosted by 1/Fourth Arts, "Deadlines" is a series of mixed-media pieces by Chris Meeks that challenges the concept of painting and sculpture being different. By using dead and discarded remnants of the past, these layered abstractions provide no clear path to the horizon. The reception will be open from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Friday, February 13th.

An Evening with Seymour Cassel
Film Streams | 1340 Webster Street| Friday, February 13th at 7pm | $25 for memebers, $30 for non-members
From his numerous collaborations with John Cassavetes to his Sundance Award-winning performance in the 1992 indie comedy IN THE SOUP to more recent turns in the films of Wes Anderson (RUSHMORE, THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS, THE LIFE AQUATIC WITH STEVE ZISSOU), veteran actor Seymour Cassel has carved out one of the most admirable and understatedly brilliant careers in contemporary cinema.

Join Film Streams on Friday, February 13 as we welcome Seymour to the Ruth Sokolof Theater for a special screening of MINNIE & MOSKOWITZ, followed by a post-show Q&A and cocktail reception in our lobby.

"Here I am And Nowhere Else: Portraits of Care" | Works by Mark Gilbert
The Bemis | 724 South 12th Street | December 12, 2008 – February 21, 2009
Here I Am and Nowhere Else: Portraits of Care is an exhibition of portraits of caregivers and patients resulting from a collaborative research effort involving Mark Gilbert and Drs. Virginia Aita and William Lydiatt. Over two years as an artist-in-residence at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Scottish artist Mark Gilbert engaged in an expansive and subtly radical project at the intersection of art and medicine. His remarkably sensitive portraits form a powerful and singular body of work that reveals new relationships between health and illness, patients and caregivers.

Artist and Curators' Discussion | Mark Gilbert, Mark Masuoka and Hesse McGraw on February 12th at 7pm
This final dialogue about Mark Gilbert's exhibition will take the form of a conversation between Mark Masuoka, executive director, and Hesse McGraw, curator, of the Bemis Center and Gilbert. Although the night may begin by addressing the exhibition's context in contemporary art, expect a free-flowing discussion of the myriad issues surrounding this singular project — its innovative collaboration, the anomaly of an artist working within a hospital, the possibilities for art to affect the medical profession, the social aspect of this work, and the ideal of art that does something to its audience. All are invited to contribute to the discussion.

Blue Note Records 70th Anniversary - On Tour
The Holland | 13th and Douglas Street | Saturday, February 21st, 2009 | 8:00 PM
To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Blue Note label, this all-star band, featuring some of the finest jazz musicians today, will travel the world. From hot jazz, to swing, to bebop, Blue Note has created an undisputable legacy as the premier label in the history of jazz. Featuring Bill Charlap (music director), Peter Bernstein, Ravi Coltrane, Lewis Nash, Nicholas Payton, Peter Washington & Steve Wilson. For ticket information, please visit http://www.omahaperformingarts.org.

....... almost done!
If you haven't had a chance to check out The Boiler Room restaurant yet, I highly recommend you make a bit of time to stop by for dinner or cocktails at the bar. The space is beautiful, featuring several wonderful photographs by Vera Mercer... and Executive Chef, Paul Kulik has created a truly amazing menu. I had the pleasure of dining there last week and quickly fell in love with every little thing.... visit http://www.theboilerroomrestaurant.com or call 916-9274 to make a reservation.


tugBoat gallery (lincoln)
bemis center for contemporary arts
phillip schrager collection of contemporary art
joslyn art museum
sheldon museum of art (lincoln)
paparazzi by appointment
dundee gallery
hot shops art center

film streams
the blue barn theatre
omaha performing arts

the waiting room lounge
the slowdown

Iggy Sumnik | Sculpture
Jackson Artworks | 1108 Jackson Street | January 10th through February 1st
Opening reception on Saturday, January 10th from 6pm to 9pm

"The Big Picture Show - Images of Western Nebraska" Photographs by Rob Gilmer
Norfolk Arts Center | 305 North 5th Street Norfolk, NE
Featuring Black and White Photographs of Toadstool Park, The Sandhills, Ash Hollow, Chimney Rock, Fort Robinson, Carhenge, The Niobrara, Agate Fossil Beds and other locations in Western Nebraska.
Opening reception on January 10th from 1pm-3pm. For more information, please call (402) 371-7199

loom
Espana Tapas Bar | 6064 Maple Street | January 15th from 9pm to 1am | $5
Join Brent Crampton and the crew as they celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on his birthday.

UNO Studio Art Faculty Show
UNO Gallery | Weber Fine Arts Building on UNO's North Campus | January 16th through February 18th
Opening reception on Friday, January 16th from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
For more information, please visit http://www.unoart-gallery.org

"Here I am And Nowhere Else: Portraits of Care" | Works by Mark Gilbert
The Bemis | 724 South 12th Street | December 12, 2008 – February 21, 2009
Here I Am and Nowhere Else: Portraits of Care is an exhibition of portraits of caregivers and patients resulting from a collaborative research effort involving Mark Gilbert and Drs. Virginia Aita and William Lydiatt. Over two years as an artist-in-residence at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Scottish artist Mark Gilbert engaged in an expansive and subtly radical project at the intersection of art and medicine. His remarkably sensitive portraits form a powerful and singular body of work that reveals new relationships between health and illness, patients and caregivers.

The Omaha Entertainment & Arts Awards Visual Arts Showcase
Bemis Underground | South 12th Street and Leavenworth | through February 8th
Please join the OEA Visual Arts Academy as we celebrate the accomplishments of this year's nominees and honor the legacy of Kent Bellows

The exhibit will feature work from the '08 visual arts nominees and winners, including:
Brett Anderson · Evan Blakely · Joe Broghammer · Jamie Burmeister · Matthew Carlson · Alexander Comminos · Dana Damewood · John W. Dennison · Wanda Ewing · Phillip Faulkner · Larry Ferguson · Carlos Guerrero · Tim Guthrie · Skyelar Hawkins · Doug Hayko · Andrew Hershey · Bill Hoover · Victoria Hoyt · Leslie Iwai · Sora Kimberlain · Reneé Ledesma-Hoover · Dan Lowe · Susan McGilvrey · Troy Muller · Kim Reid-Kuhn ·Michael Scheef · Iggy Sumnik · Paula Wallace · Monica Yoo · Mary Zicafoose and the students of The Kent Bellows Studio & Center for Visual Arts

tugBoat gallery (lincoln)
bemis center for contemporary arts
phillip schrager collection of contemporary art
joslyn art museum
sheldon museum of art (lincoln)
paparazzi by appointment
dundee gallery
hot shops art center

film streams
the blue barn theatre
omaha performing arts

the waiting room lounge
the slowdown