724 SOUTH 12TH STREET OMAHA, NEBRASKA 68102 402.341.7130 info@bemiscenter.org bemiscenter.org
ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE HANDBOOK
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR RESIDENCY AT THE BEMIS CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY ARTS! It is our absolute pleasure to welcome you as an artist-in-residence to the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts! Our highly competitive program is among the top artist communities in the nation. You have been selected by a distinguished panel of arts professionals, curators, and artists who felt you would benefit from dedicated support, allowing you time for experimentation and research. Bemis wants to support you at this stage of your career because of the overall excellence inherent in your work, the potential of your professional arc, and our ability to best support you. Bemis staff are here to ensure you have the most productive residency possible, we encourage you to email any of us. You will find that there are times of busy social activity and also times of seclusion as you delve deeper into your practice here. You may have questions about where to source materials, where to find the best dance club, or perhaps you may need a different perspective on your work – please just ask! We look forward to meeting you and learning more about your creative pursuits. For now, you reside within a stellar international community of contemporary artists! We encourage you to get the most from this highly coveted opportunity by engaging with this professional artist community. Congratulations! Holly Kranker and Josh Johnson Residency Program Team
ABOUT THE RESIDENCY PROGRAM AT THE BEMIS CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY ARTS
For more than three decades, the Bemis Center’s core mission has been to provide artists from around the world dedicated time, space, and resources to conduct research and create new work. Frequently cited as one of the top international residency programs, the Bemis Center offers artists private live/work studios, financial support, technical/administrative assistance, and opportunities for intellectual discourse about contemporary art through free public programs, such as panel discussions, lectures, and knowledge-sharing workshops. To date, more than 900 artists have participated in the residency program. There are two buildings on the Bemis Center campus:
MCCORD BRADY BUILDING The McCord Brady building houses the artists-in-residence live/work studios, installation rooms on the 2nd and 3rd floors, administrative offices on the 1st Floor and basement levels. The 1st floor also includes galleries and a presentation space for our Exhibition Program and Public Programs. The freight elevator allows for large objects to move between floors of the McCord Brady building. The loading dock at the front entrance is available to accept or send freight and materials.
OKADA SCULPTURE & CERAMICS FACILITY The Okada Sculpture & Ceramics Facility is located directly across the street from the main building and is described in detail later in this handbook. 3
BEMIS CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY ARTS RESIDENCY HANDBOOK
CONTENTS CONTACT STAFF
5
YOUR ARRIVAL FACILITY TOURS/ORIENTATION
6
COMMUNITY
AIR GROUP EMAIL YOUR COHORT NEWSLETTER & SOCIAL MEDIA LOCAL COMMUNITY
THE BASICS SECURITY ALARMS SAFETY SECURITY DEPOSIT GROCERIES GUESTS/VISITORS SEVERE WEATHER STIPENDS TRANSPORTATION
AIR STUDIOS + RESIDENCY FACILITIES STUDIO FURNITURE/ON SITE MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES HOUSEKEEPING STUDIO TOOLS INSTALLATION WORKSPACE UTILITIES LAUNDRY
OKADA SCULPTURE & CERAMICS FACILITY AVAILABLE EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES END OF DAY SAFETY AND MAINTENANCE PLASTERS AND DRY MATERIALS AREA CERAMICS STUDIO METAL SHOP WOODWORKING
ARTIST BENEFITS
INTERNSHIP PROGRAM PHOTO + VIDEO AVAILABLE EQUIPMENT MATERIALS AND RESOURCES CLARE HAAS HOWARD RESEARCH LIBRARY LOCAL LIBRARIES
PROGRAMS + EVENTS OPEN HOUSE / OPEN STUDIOS EXHIBITIONS BEMIIS CENTER TOURS + STUDIO VISITS LECTURE OPPORTUNITITES TOURS OF LOCAL COLLECTIONS PRIVATE EVENTS BENEFIT ART AUCTION
YOUR DEPARTURE
4
EXIT MEETING EVALUATION FORM STUDIO FINAL CLEANING
7
8
11
14
20
23
25
BEMIS CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY ARTS RESIDENCY HANDBOOK
CONTACT BEMIS STAFF RESIDENCY Holly Kranker, Residency Program Manager hollyk@bemiscenter.org I 620.875.4418 (cell) 402.341.7130 x 12 Josh Johnson, Residency Arts Technician josh@bemiscenter.org I 218.791.0100 cell or 402.345.1309 (Okada) FACILITIES Kenneth Adkins, Facilities Manager kenneth@bemiscenter.org I 860.833.6738 (cell) Alan Brondum, Facility Assistant alan@bemiscenter.org I 402.916.0058 (cell)
ADMINISTRATION + OPERATIONS Linda Hilliar, Administrative Assistant linda@bemiscenter.org | 402.341.7130 x 24 Ellie Novak, Development Director ellie@bemiscenter.org | 402.341.7130 x 16 Tess Houser, Development Assistant tess@@bemiscenter.org | 402.341.7130 x 15 Aileen Tobin, Director of Operations aileen@bemiscenter.org | 402.341.7130 x 10 EXECUTIVE Chris Cook, Executive Director chris@bemiscenter.org I 402.341.7130 x 11
EXHIBITIONS + PUBLIC PROGRAMS Alex Priest, Exhibitions Manager alex@bemiscenter.org I 402.341.7130 x 21 COMMUNICATIONS Davina Schrier, Communications Director davina@bemiscenter.org I 402.341.7130 x 13 Madison Warnemunde, Communications Assistant madison@bemiscenter.org I 402.341.7130 x 17
ALL STAFF Need to send Bemis staff a note? Want to invite us to an artist-in-residence party?! Have a concern to share? Send group messages directly to all staff at team@bemiscenter.org. Add us to your address book upon arrival!
Wifi Internet + Password (2nd & 3rd Floors) Network: BemisAIR Password: Fc6LEf98CG
5
YOUR
ARRIVAL PLANNING YOUR TRAVEL It is important you plan to arrive at the Bemis Center during business hours: 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Monday–Friday. If you are unable to arrive during business hours, you may be asked to acquire a hotel or other accommodations for the evening until the facility opens on the next business day. During business hours, the loading dock, front doors, and freight elevator will be available, along with staff, to assist you in moving into your studio when you arrive. We strongly suggest shipping personal supplies/materials prior to your arrival or bringing them with you. Contact the Residency Program Manager, Holly Kranker, to arrange receipt of supplies or materials shipped to the Bemis Center.
SHIP OR MAIL PERSONAL ITEMS TO AND FROM BEMIS USING THIS ADDRESS: Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts c/o (Your Name) 724 South 12th Street Omaha, NE USA 68102
FACILITY TOUR ORIENTATION Upon arrival, we will provide you with a tour of your new studio, the main building, and the Okada Sculpture & Ceramics Facility. We’ll show you where the emergency exits are and explain which areas of the building are accessible or alarmed.
BEMIS COMMUNITY Omaha’s vibrant cultural life
The Residency Program is a self-directed program dedicated to your creative process; your time at Bemis is your own! AIR (ARTISTS-IN-RESIDENCE) GROUP EMAIL
NEWSLETTER & SOCIAL MEDIA
Omaha is a vibrant cultural community. We will share upcoming events at the Bemis Center and within the Omaha Metro community. Prior to your arrival, your personal email will be added to the Bemis artists-in-residence “AIR” group list for emailed notifications and information: air@bemiscenter.org. This will be used for all inhouse communications among AIR.
We recommend signing up to receive our emailed newsletter. If you aren’t currently signed up, please do so through our website at bemiscenter.org.
The Residency Program is a self-directed program dedicated to your creative process; your time at Bemis is your own! We respect the privacy, time, and space. We won’t schedule your social time, however, Bemis Center staff are responsive and want you to have an amazing and fruitful time while in residence. Please let us know what you need and how we can assist you in making your residency productive and comfortable.
LOCAL COMMUNITIES
YOUR COHORT During your time at Bemis you may be joined by up to ten other artists-in-residence. We encourage you to introduce yourself and take advantage of the vital atmosphere brewing around you! It’s very popular among new artists-in-residence to selforganize social activities such as slide lectures to introduce yourself and your practice to one another; organize weekly potlucks with a Google spreadsheet; develop reading or critique groups; plan social outings or carpools to run errands. A tradition that seems to have been passed down from residency to residency is to leave your studio door open when you want fellow artists to visit.
During your residency, we also encourage you to share, post, and tag on your social media networks! @bemiscenter #bemiscenter #bemisresidency
From time to time, we will invite you to participate in opportunities to meet community members, local and visiting artists, Board members, donors, and collectors. We may organize optional social outings, cocktails, dinners, or studio visits during your residency. Our monthly Art + Coffee events are informal gatherings that allow residents, staff, and invited guests to socialize in a relaxed setting, allowing for easy dialogue; an important aspect of nurturing organic and productive conversations among artists. This is also an opportunity to invite local community members to Bemis to explore community collaborations and engagement. Artists working in disciplines that require community engagement are encouraged to meet with community organizations and members. We’re happy to help where we can and make suggestions of people and places to start a conversation. Unfortunately, Bemis Center does not have the capacity to facilitate public programs as Bemis events outside of our public Open House/Open Studio program. 7
THE BASICS SECURITY ALARMS Bemis Center’s security system for the first floor and the basement is unarmed when staff are on-site working: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. and during public hours Wednesday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. and until 9 p.m. on Thursday. Bemis staff lock and alarm the first floor and basement when it is closed and when staff are not present. Please use extra care not to set off the alarms. During armed hours, always enter and exit the building through the Main blue door, in the blue stairwell, on the north side of the building. Access to the basement is not permitted without prior approval. False alarms are an inconvenience to the staff and result in expensive fees from the alarm company. If you should trigger the alarm, you will be responsible for half the fees billed to Bemis. If the fire alarms go off in the building (you will certainly know!) call the Facility Manager immediately, and exit the building through the first floor grey door and into the adjacent parking lot until emergency services arrives.
SAFETY
SECURITY DEPOSIT
Make sure that all facility doors lock behind you when you enter and exit the buildings. Do not prop open the north AIR blue/gray door. Report any defective doors immediately. Do not let anyone enter the building from this entry if you do not know him or her. If they are looking for another artist, please have them contact the artist directly. Please escort your guests in and out of the building. This is for your safety and the safety of others.
A $150 deposit will be taken from your first month’s stipend. At the end of your residency, your studio should be cleaned and left according to our expectations (walls spackled, sanded and painted, tools in the toolbox, dishes and bedding clean, your evaluation submitted, images provided, books returned to the library, furniture neatly returned to the 4th floor, and any equipment borrowed from the Bemis Center returned) your deposit will be mailed to you. If you find you do not have enough time to properly clean your studio before your departure date, you may hire a cleaner to do it for you; recent rates are $80 per studio. For more information on how charges are applied, please contact the Residency Program Manager.
8
GROCERIES
GUESTS/VISITORS
There are two grocery stores in the Old Market/ Downtown within walking distance from Bemis: Cubbies: corner of 13th & Jones (closest; looks like a gas station but is a favorite) Patrick’s: corner of 15th & Howard (basic market, produce, deli)
Guests are allowed for short-term visits, but the Residency Program Manager must be notified in advance. We discourage all night parties open to outside guests in your studio. If you are having a guest visit during Bemis business hours, please greet them at the front desk and escort your guests in and out of the building – a staff member will not take them upstairs to the studios. For everyone’s safety, do not prop doors open to allow guests into the building. You are responsible for any guests that you invite into Bemis. Bemis does not allow pets living on site. If you require the assistance of a trained service animal, please notify the Residency Program Manager immediately. In order to protect the privacy of all artists-in-residence, we do not allow partners, spouses, children, or friends to live on-site with the artists.
If you do not have a car or valid driver’s license and need to go to a larger grocery store, please let the Residency Program Manager know. To travel to Baker’s, Hy-Vee, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, or Natural Grocers it’s recommended you drive, take the bus, or go by cab/uber. There’s a fast-growing farm-to-table movement in Omaha. Look for regional and seasonal produce from early May to early October at the Old Market Farmer’s Market, just blocks from Bemis. omahafarmersmarket.com/old-market
9
STIPENDS Upon your arrival, you will receive your $500 travel stipend and your first month’s $750 residency stipend, less a $150 security deposit. Monthly stipends checks can be found in your mailbox in the Bemis staff office. If you leave the residency for longer than seven days, we will prorate your stipend. Please notify us if you plan to leave earlier than your contract states or if you will be travelling at any point during your residency. As this is a residency presented with a stipend award, please refer to your personal accountant for questions related to end of year tax filings. Bemis does not require your personal tax information on file. Note: Chase or Bank of America branches are not available in Omaha. Plan your financial needs accordingly. Unfortunately, we are not able to provide wire transfers or direct deposits for stipends for domestic or international accounts. If an artist prefers to use PayPal services for payments, they are responsible for incurring all associated fees.
TRANSPORTATION Bicycles, locks/keys, and helmets are available for use. Bikes are stored in Okada Sculpture and Ceramics Facility. Lock combination for all bikes: 1-2-3-4.
SEVERE WEATHER Siren tests occur on the first Wednesday of each month during spring and summer at 11 a.m. You can find the latest weather warnings online at the National Weather Service in Omaha – crh.noaa. gov/oax/. Omaha has dramatic weather! We live in tornado alley and dangerous weather alerts should be taken seriously. If you hear an air raid siren announcing a storm, make your way to the basement via the yellow stairway located on the west side of the building. The Residency Program Manager will contact all artists-in-residence if such an event occurs. Emergency exit instructions are posted in every studio.
10
A parking lot is provided for artists-in-residence during their residency and is located next to the Okada Sculpture & Ceramics Facility. *Do not park in the lot or in the alley on the north side of the building. Your car will be towed. A communal residency vehicle is available for artists-in-residence who have submitted a current driver’s license and a required driving history for coverage under Bemis insurance. Use of the residency car must be reserved 24 hours in advance. AIR are responsible for fuelling the vehicle after each use as well as are responsible for any traffic violations incurred while being used. • Taxi: Happy Cab – 402.342.7474 • Omaha Public transportation: ometro.com/bus-system-page/system-map • Uber/Lyft available
ARTIST-INRESIDENCE STUDIOS + RESIDENCY FACILITIES The thirteen live/work studios at Bemis Center range in size from 820–2200 square feet. You will be assigned a Your private live/work studio includes a private bathroom and kitchen, will come equipped with kitchen sink/garbage disposal, range, full size refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, toaster, basic utensils and cutlery, cookware, dishes, and a set of bedding and linens. The water in Omaha is safe to drink from the tap, however a filtered water pitcher is also provided in each studio–the filters are not.
studio based on availability and projected needs.
If you would like to bring your own pillow or other comforts from home, please feel free to pack or ship what you need. We provide each studio with a toolbox with basic hand tools. We will inventory all items at the close of the residency to make sure they are clean and accounted for. 11
STUDIO FURNITURE/ON SITE MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES Each studio includes a full size mattress/box spring, dining table, chairs, and desk. You can pick pieces of furniture for your needs and to set up in your studio by selecting items from our 4th Floor. If you need assistance, please check in with the Residency Arts Technician. Please do not alter furniture without asking. Be sure to return all your furniture to the 4th floor at the end of the residency. The 4th floor is often affectionately referred to as the junkyard; a cornucopia of miscellaneous donated materials that Bemis Center has accumulated over time. Something of a recycling center really. It is available for AIR 24 hours a day to sort through and use needed. These materials are yours for the taking, and you are free to manipulate, change, fix or incorporate into artwork. There is a madness to the organization here and we ask that you keep the area tidy and the floors clear at all times. Please discard any items you may have broken. Bemis does not provide toiletries or expendables such as toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, etc. Items arriving or being shipped to Bemis Center intended for your studio or alternate installation/ workspace should fit within the perimeters of our entry doors and freight elevator. Entry doors measure: 82.5” h x 66” w. The freight elevator, which accesses all floors, measures: 76.5” h x 116” w x 76” d.
12
HOUSEKEEPING You are responsible for keeping your studio clean and taking out your own trash and recycling. Bemis Center has a trash and recycling dumpster located on the north side of the building. Please discard your items in these dumpsters and do not leave it in the main hallway. Glass bottles should be rinsed and may be recycled in the designated bins by the blue/gray door. Do not discard large food items or scraps down the garbage disposal – this is intended to only clear small food debris from your dishes. Fibrous foods, celery, asparagus, artichokes, chard, kale, lettuce, potato peelings, and onion skins should all be kept out of your garbage disposal unit. These items can easily entangle the blades causing it to jam. Pasta, rice, coffee grounds, bones, and egg shells should also be kept out of the garbage disposal. Bemis has an area in the garden for composting organic materials and food scraps. Please do not discard meat, bones, milk products, or fish items in the compost.
STUDIO TOOLS Each studio is equipped with a basic toolbox including a hammer, screwdrivers, flashlight, tape measure, putty knife, pliers and scissors. All tools must stay in your toolbox and will be inventoried at the end. If there are missing tools, we will deduct replacement costs from your security deposit. Hardware is not supplied. These and other materials will need to be purchased by each artist.
INSTALLATION WORKSPACE 3RD + 5TH FLOORS Bemis Center has approximately 6,500 square feet of designated shared installation space on the 3rd and 5th floors. These spaces are available to all artists-in-residence. As such, artists need to coordinate scheduling with the Residency Program Team, as well as the other artists-in-residence. The installation space is not open to the public unless coordinated through administration or during our Open House / Open Studios program.
UTILITIES The Bemis Center covers all utilities. However, please help us conserve energy and costs by turning off your lights, closing windows, and adjusting your heat/AC when not in your studio.
LAUNDRY Shared laundry facilities are located on 2nd and 3rd Floors; two washers and three dryers are available for communal use. There is no cost to use the washers and dryers. Please buy your own laundry detergents and do your part to keep this area clean and orderly. The dryers do not directly vent out of the building and therefore require extra drying time. Clothing drying racks are available in each studio. 13
THE OKADA SCULPTURE & CERAMICS FACILITY This 9,000 square-foot sculpture facility was renovated in 2011 and is located across the street from the main Bemis building entrance. The Okada Sculpture & Ceramics Facility contains 6,000 sq ft of shared, open work space meant for large fabrication which includes communal areas for welding and woodworking. The ceramics studio contains one kiln and a glaze/plaster/dry materials room. AIR have 24-hour access to the Okada Sculpture & Ceramics Facility. Artists interested in working in this communal space should contact the Residency Program Manager. Artists will be a given a tour of the facility, keys, and an alarm code to enter and exit the building. Shop etiquette and expectations are detailed at the end of this packet. 14
If you have questions about using ANY equipment, please ask! Before you begin work in the Okada Sculpture & Ceramics Facility, you will be given a tour and orientation. We try to keep the woodshop clean for various reasons. Chief among them are our concerns for safety and fire hazards. Please report any tools that are not working properly or damaged immediately to the Residency Program Arts Technician. If you have questions about how to use the equipment, please ask.
Artists interested in welding will need to purchase gas from the local distributor. Ask the Residency Arts Technician where to find it and how to set up an order.
AVAILABLE EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES OF OKADA SCULPTURE & CERAMICS FACILITY • 13 foot overhead entry garage door • Bailey cone 10 electric kiln (inside dimensions: 31’W x 42”L x 27”D) • Northstar Super 36” Slab Roller • 3 Blade Utility Slip Mixer • Millermatic 212 Auto set MIG welder • Spectrum 375 Plasma cutter • Welding bench • Milwaukee Cutoff Machine • Dewalt Right Angle Grinder • 3/8 inch DeWalt Keyless Drill • 3/8 inch Milwaukee Cordless Drill • Drill Bit Kit • 3 portable Jet dust collectors • 8” Industrial delta/Milwaukee joiner • 12 1/2” Dewalt thickness planer • 14” Delta band saw • 12” Dewalt compound miter saw • 10’ Rockwell/Delta table saw • 2- 25 gal. portable air compressors • 7 1/4” circular saw • Ryobi router (1 3/4 HP) • Dewalt palm sander • Dewalt power drill • Dewalt power hammer drill • Porter Cable saw • 20v cordless Dewalt Impact driver, drill and saws all • 12v Milwaukee cordless drill • Jet 15” floor drill press • Delta freestanding combination belt and disc sander • Rexon scroll saw
END OF DAY At the end of your work period please make sure: • all materials are put away in the wood shop • work tables are left clean for the next artist-in-residence • floors are swept • trash is taken out • all tools are returned • equipment is cleaned off
15
All artists-in-residence intending to use the Okada Sculpture & Ceramics Facility must participate in a basic safety orientation conducted by the Residency Arts Technician or authorized Bemis staff member before gaining 24 hour access to the facilities.
OKADA SAFETY AND MAINTENANCE Only artists-in-residence, Bemis staff, and Bemis authorized guests are allowed to operate tools and equipment in Okada. Interns, collaborators, patrons, or any visitors to Okada must be accompanied by an artist in residence or Bemis staff member at all times. Eye protection (safety glasses, chemical goggles, or face shields) must be worn when operating power tools and equipment, or when working with toxic chemicals, solvents, and hazardous materials. Dust masks and respirators must be worn when working with processes and materials that produce carcinogenic particulates or vapors - sanding, mixing powders, using resins, spray paints, aerosol propelled adhesives, etc. Residents and interns are responsible for providing their own dust masks and respirators, ensuring that the respirator or dust mask fits properly, and inquiring with a medical 16
doctor as to any personal health conditions that may make wearing a respirator dangerous. When not in use, please keep dust masks and respirators in a resealable plastic bag. Processes and materials producing harmful vapors or particulates must used in a well ventilated space, either outdoors or under adequate exhaust ventilation. No open-toed footwear is allowed in the Okada Facility. Only rubber-soled, full-coverage shoes can be worn in the shop–no sandals, heels, or shoes exposing the top of your feet. No loose or baggy clothing should be worn while operating power tools and equipment with rotating or moving parts.
Tie back long hair, roll up long sleeves, secure draw strings, and remove scarves, necklaces, headphones, ear buds, work gloves, jewelry, or any dangling material. Hearing protection, such as earmuffs or earplugs, should be used while operating particularly loud equipment for prolonged durations. Tools and equipment must be operated safely and with caution at all times. If you have not received training for, or are unfamiliar with a tool or material, ask the Residency Arts Technician or an authorized Bemis staff member for instruction. When using tools and equipment, focus on the task at hand. In addition, never distract, interrupt, or startle anyone using power tools. Report unsafe and broken equipment, or anything requiring maintenance to the Residency Arts Technician immediately–loose or dull blades, electrical issues, or unusual odors and noises. Please label any chemicals, solvents, powders, adhesives, resins, etc, that are not in their original container. Any flammable liquids should be kept in the yellow, fire cabinet when not in use. Place flammable trash such as oily or solvent soaked rags in the red, metal container located in the painting bay. No one is allowed to enter the Okada Sculpture & Ceramics Facility while under the influences of drugs or alcohol, this includes prescription drugs that cause drowsiness or dizziness and sleep deprivation. Food and drink are allowed in Okada, however, drinks should never be set on or near equipment or dusty, occupied work areas. Be considerate of the facilities and its users. Clean tools and equipment when you are finished working. Dust, debris, spills, or any mess you have created is your responsibility.
In the event of an accident, regardless of how minor, be sure to notify the Residency Arts Technician or a Bemis staff member and receive first aid. In the event of a serious or life threatening accident, call 9-1-1. Please feel free to make suggestions you have for improving safety at Okada to the Residency Arts Technician and Bemis staff members. If you are not sure, ASK.
17
CERAMICS STUDIO Regularly wet mop floors, and wipe down work tables with a wet sponge or clean with a vacuum. Never use a broom to clean up dry clay. Sweeping lifts carcinogenic silica dust into the air. Mix glazes under local exhaust ventilation. If applying glaze with spray technique, use the spray booth. Never place anything on top of the kiln lid, as the additional weight can crack or damage the soft brick. Avoid contact with the thermal couples and heating elements when loading and unloading the kiln. Be careful not to damage the soft brick walls and bottom of the kiln. Use shaded goggles or face shield when looking into peep holes during a firing. Insulated gloves should be worn when handling a kiln after the venting period as the handle will be hot. Keep papers and other combustibles at least 3 ft. from the kiln while firing. Avoid contact with the outside of a kiln during a firing. Do not try to unload the kiln until the outside of the kiln is cool to the touch.
METAL SHOP Only leather boots or shoes are permitted when using welding and extreme heat producing equipment Polyester and other artificial fabrics are not allowed in the metal area. They melt when exposed to extreme heat. Wearing contact lenses can be hazardous when using heat emitting equipment or when around flying debris.
PLASTER & DRY MATERIALS AREA Never pour liquid plaster down the drain! It will harden in the drain pipe and conform perfectly to the pipe’s volume. Pour excess plaster into a trash can with paper or other waste materials at the bottom, this will act as a release and keep the plaster from conforming to fit the bottom of the trash can. Use local ventilation and wear a dust mask/ particulate respirator when mixing plaster or dry materials. Never mix plaster while dry materials for glazes are being mixed. Plaster particles can contaminate the dry materials. 18
Welding equipment is accessible to artists-in-residence only after technical instruction or training confirmation from the Residency Arts Technician or an authorized Bemis staff member. The intense, ultraviolet light and extreme heat produced by equipment that utilizes an electrical arc is harmful to unprotected eyes and skin. Leather welding gloves, a welding jacket, and a shaded welding hood must be used when arc welding, MIG welding, and plasma cutting. Do not observe welding in process without a shaded welding hood. Looking at an electrical arc for even a few seconds can cause flash burn. Be sure to keep the metal shop free of flammable or combustible materials - saw dust, oily rags, solvents, paper trash, etc.
WOODWORKING AREA All sawdust and debris must be cleared from any woodworking equipment you intend to use. Sweep the floor surrounding the machine as well. Avoid standing in the rotational path of the table saw blade, as operator or observer.
No green treated lumber may be cut in the Okada Facilities. The chemicals used to prevent rot are toxic and accompany the dust that is produced when cut on a power saw. Do not cut wet or green wood on any equipment in the wood shop–only dimensional lumber.
Always pay attention to the relationship between your hands and the blade or rotating parts of woodworking equipment.
Care should be taken to see that all wood is free of metal fasteners and gravel before using any woodworking equipment in Okada.
Allow all saws to reach full operating speed before introducing your work to a moving blade.
Be sure to unplug all power tools from outlets before performing maintenance practices.
Stock or material should never be forced into a machine faster than it will cut.
Many times the same operation can be done on more than one type of machine. Be thoughtful when selecting the machine that will do the operation in the best, easiest, and safest method. If you are not sure, please ASK.
Allow machines to come to a complete stop before removing your work, material drops, or debris.
19
ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE BENEFITS, PERKS, AND RESOURCES Bemis Center artist-inresidence receive several perks, equipment, and resources from local and partnering organizations.
DISCOUNTED MOVIE TICKETS FILMSTREAMS Artists-in-residence get discounted movie tickets at Film Streams for $4.50. This nonprofit art house is truly Omaha’s cultural gem, showing current independent films and presenting talks by the filmmakers.
Bemis artists-in-residence may acquire a temporary pass to access the downtown YMCA, located less than a mile away from Bemis.
1340 Mike Fahey Street filmstreams.org
430 S 20th Street downtown.metroymca.org
20
YMCA
INTERNSHIP PROGRAM The Bemis Center Internship Program aims to connect artists-in-residence with local community members to assist them in research and production in the studio. Generally, interns are currently enrolled in an academic program, have an emerging interest in art, and are looking to widen their knowledge base. This is an unpaid volunteer and application based program. Interns are not guaranteed to assist artists. Interns will participate in a culminating professional development presentation to Bemis staff, the artists-in-residence, and often a school program manager.
PHOTO + VIDEO Bemis may ask you to participate in a filmed documentary series highlighting our artistsin-residence. This is intended for archival, promotional, or educational use. It is an informal conversation about your time in residence and your creative process. The edited video (usually 2–5 minutes) will be posted on the Bemis Center Vimeo channel and social media. During your residency, we will schedule a professional photographer to photograph you in your studio working and capture a few images of your work for Bemis purposes. Bemis may use these images for marketing and promotional materials. You are able to select up to five images for your personal use. Bemis may use images of you, your work, or images of your artwork submitted with your application on our website, social media, or in print.
AVAILABLE EQUIPMENT These items can be checked-out through the Residency Program Manager. Just ask! All equipment must be returned in same working condition. You are also responsible for any damage or replacements. Canon EOS 60D & Tripod 2 Digital Panasonic Projectors (PT-AX200U & PT-AR100) Singer Sewing Machine (Tradition 2250) Portable Cube Amp (2) Zoom handheld audio recorders (2) 24” Flat screen TV monitors /HDMI connection (1) 48” HIRER Flat Screen TV 1080p 60HZ
MATERIALS & RESOURCES Bemis has strong ties to the Omaha community and relationships that have been built over time. If you need assistance sourcing materials, resources, technical or intellectual support, please let us know so we can better provide opportunities for ideas to become realized. Prior to your arrival we will provide a Materials & Resources database, a digital listing of locations and contacts within the Greater Omaha area to help you source items and supplies. This also includes locations for extra curricular activities, hiking and biking trails, area art spaces and galleries, and clinic and medical resources.
21
LIBRARIES AND RESEARCH CLARE HAAS HOWARD RESEARCH LIBRARY The Clare Haas Howard Research Library at Bemis Center is available to artists-in-residence 9:00–5:00 p.m., M–F and on Saturdays when the galleries are open. The checkout process is based on the honor system. Write titles you checkout and return them at the end of your residency. We welcome artists-in-residence to contribute their own catalogues and publications to our library. Search the library collection online at:
LOCAL LIBRARIES The KANEKO Library, located across the street on the corner of 12th & Jones, is open to Bemis Center artists-in-residence. Mention you are an artist-in-residence at Bemis to the front desk attendant. The W. Dale Clark Public Library is located at 215 S. 15th Street. The Residency Program Manager can provide a reference letter for checkout privileges.
www2.librarything.com/catalog/BemisCenter
*Select All Collections on the left at the top of the toolbar. 22
The Criss Library at the University of Nebraska, Omaha can be made available to artists-inresidence. Just ask the Residency Program Manager.
PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
The Bemis Center has a wide variety of public programs and events available to
OPEN HOUSE / OPEN STUDIOS Artists-in-residence are offered the opportunity to participate in our Open House / Open Studios public program where artists open their studio doors to provide the public a glimpse into their process. This is often a great opportunity for a work-in-progress showing of your live performance. Although these events are optional for artistsin-residence, we strongly encourage you to participate. We will promote the event and your participation. Unfortunately, the Bemis Center does not provide refreshments for Open House / Open Studios, but artists are welcome to do so!
artists throughout their residency.
EXHIBITIONS The first floor galleries operate on a three season exhibition calendar. Artists-in-residence are welcome at any exhibition openings and related program events.
23
LECTURE OPPORTUNITIES Artists-in-residence are invited to speak about their work during the ARTalk portion of the Open House / Open Studios public program. There are also occasional opportunities to give an artist lecture or collaborate with local art galleries or universities to present your work. Often, these institutions or organizations will be in direct contact with artists to coordinate.
TOURS OF LOCAL COLLECTIONS Tours of local collections can be arranged through the Residency Program Manager when possible. • Robert and Karen Duncan in Lincoln, NE (by appointment) • Phillip Schrager Collection (by appointment) schragercollection.org • The Kaneko & Library – across the street from Bemis thekaneko.org • Joslyn Art Museum (free to the public) joslyn.org
PRIVATE EVENTS The Bemis Center occasionally has private events in the main floor galleries. AIR are often invited. We will let you know then these events occur.
BENEFIT ART AUCTION BEMIS CENTER TOURS + STUDIO VISITS Occasionally tours come through the Bemis Center (school groups, patrons, and other artists). Tours are always optional. You will be asked ahead of time if you are interested in participating in a brief studio visit with any of these visiting groups. We will contact you for the opportunity to meet with these groups.
24
At the close of your residency, we may invite you to contribute artwork to our annual Benefit Art Auction. This is optional. Once a year we sell tickets to an annual event that brings more than 700 aritsts and art collectors into the Bemis Center. Your artwork will be exhibited and offered for sale during this event. The sales of these works help fund our operations and programming and continued to support future artists-inresidence. Bemis will receive a 50% commission of net sales, unless you want to contribute more. This request will be discussed more fully in your exit meeting.
YOUR DEPARTURE EXIT MEETING
STUDIO FINAL CLEANING
The Residency Program Manager will schedule an exit meeting with you towards the end of your Bemis Center residency. We will present you with a guide and check-off list that includes how to clean your studio and how to prepare for departure two weeks in advance. You will be reminded to complete an electronic Evaluation Form in order to receive your security deposit.
As our guest, you are expected to return your studio to the same condition it was presented to you upon arrival. Return all furniture or items you might have used during the residency. Missing or damaged items will be accounted for and the cost of replacement will be taken from your deposit.
EVALUATION FORM The Bemis Center requests that you fill out an electronic Evaulation Form about your experience while in residency. We really do care about your experience and take the evaluations and suggestions seriously; your comments are extremely valuable as we continue to strengthen our residency program.
25