Artful Adventures

Fertile Ground

OMAHA IS HOME TO AN EXPANSIVE SELECTION OF ART AND ART-BASED CENTERS – MOST OF WHICH OFFER FREE ADMISSION.

For an experience with a creative, open and urban feel, visit KANEKO. This downtown cultural space housed in three turn-ofthe-century warehouses was founded by renowned artist Jun Kaneko and wife Ree. The venue operates its progressive programming by hosting innovative artists, exhibitions, performances and events. Find the organization’s guiding principles – collaboration, innovation and uniqueness – in everything presented.

SOCIAL MEDIA CENTRAL Snap a pic of these iconic Omaha works of art

Hot Shops Art Center

The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts is another art heavy hitter. Founded by artists for artists, Bemis provides residency for creatives from around the globe. Visitors will find inspiration in the ever-changing art exhibitions featuring work from both new and seasoned artists and innovative public programs.

For a memorable art experience, check out Hot Shops Art Center – named for “hot shops” featuring glass blowing, pottery and bronze casting. Over 80 studio artists welcome you to visit, explore and view this massive 92,000 square feet warehouse with displays that run the art form gamut. View evolving exhibitions at its four art galleries, create your own masterpiece at an ongoing class or workshop, and attend one of the can’t-miss biannual open houses.

Discover some of Omaha’s most interactive public art. Pioneer Courage Park and Spirit of Nebraska’s Wilderness Park, one of the world’s largest collections of bronze and stainless steel sculptures, spans five city blocks downtown and features installations depicting Omaha’s pioneer history. In front of Omaha’s downtown convention center and arena is Illumina, a collection of six bronze, larger-than-life circus performers.

Colorful murals painted by local artists span the city, especially in Omaha’s historic neighborhoods. The 32,000-square feet Fertile Ground downtown is one of the largest community murals in the country. The South Omaha Mural Project has spurred the creation of several colorful building-wide murals depicting the diversity of the area, with more murals in the works. In North Omaha, Black Skies is a tribute to the Omaha Tuskegee Airmen.

Omaha artists pay special tribute to military veterans at Memorial Park. The 67-acre memorial, dedicated by President Harry S. Truman in 1948, honors men and women who have served in the armed forces through the years. American flags line the entrance to the park’s iconic white stone structure that prominently sits atop the hill near 60th and Underwood Avenue. Visitors can view numerous bronze statues honoring World War II, Korean and Vietnam veterans. The park also includes a garden filled with 1,000 rose bushes.

The Schriers recommend a brand new music venue inside the Bemis Center for Contemporary Art called LOW END that offers free live shows.

STILE DE FAMIGLIA “FAMILY STYLE” 1115 S. 7th St. A 13 ft. fork in the heart of Omaha’s historic Little Italy neighborhood.

MONUMENT TO LABOR 400 Riverfront Dr. Second largest labor monument in the United States.

LOVE MURAL near 24th & Lake Sts. “Love” spelled out on the side of a building in retro letters and colors.

BULL BISON Standing Bear Lake True to size metal sculpture of a bison.