May/Jun 09 - The Encounter Magazine

Old Market • Downtown • Riverfront

Downtown Faces: Maggie Garcia

Condo Life: Steve Joy

Downtown Living: Downtown Condo Tour

www.oldmarket.com

Summer

Arts

Festival May/June 2009

Omaha magazine • 5921 S. 118th CirCle • Omaha, ne 68137

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID OMAHA MAGAZINE LTD

At the Old Market’s Front Door 10TH & HOWARD STREETS

Small in size, large in variety!

Find souvenirs, downtown’s largest selection of Heartland t-shirts & hats, Nebraska-made gifts, Husker items and essentials for the traveler. We’ve been called “the hotel gift shop, without the hotel prices.”

Handcrafted Cornhusk dolls and wheat weavings

Gifts that any Mom would adore More than just Christmas, we celebrate every holiday! Visit us soon to see our special selection of Mother’s Day gifts, including: • Cottage Garden Music Boxes • Willow Tree Figurines by DEMDACO • Heartwood Creek by Jim Shore • Lolita Glass Collection

1007 HOWARD ST. 402) 345-9627

1003 HOWARD ST. (402) 345-8198

Embroidered ball caps Nebraska shot glass

Large selection of local T-shirts

Handmade chocolates & fudge Featuring gourmet chocolates and fudge – all handmade with the finest ingredients in our own kitchen. Plus a tempting selection of other sweet treats including: • Vermont Truffles • International Licorice • Nostalgia Candies • Sugar-Free Varieties • Jelly Bellies • Salt Water Taffy • Molded Candies for Special Occasions

1005 HOWARD ST. (402) 344-8846

Downtown Omaha’s Premier Choice for Collision Repair

Open 9-12 on Saturdays!

2340 Paul Street

(NE Corner of 24th & Hamilton)

402.344.4471 www.bstreetcollision.com

New Patients Welcome Early Morning and Emergency Availability

The Old Market’s favorite spot for lunch & dinner.

Award-winning food & wine list – open late 7 nights a week.

Call for reservations.

M’s Pub

422 S. 11th Street

•

342-2550

www.MsPubOmaha.com

Italian & Mediterranean specialties served in“the Old Market’s most beautiful dining room,” complemented with the area’s largest selection of Italian wines.

1108 Howard Street

•

342-2050

www.VivaceOmaha.com

the encounter | may/june 2009 3

Second Chance

Old Market Downtown • Riverfront

Antiques & Collectibles

Bought and sold by the handful, or houseful

�

�

Furniture Architectural Items China Glassware Toys & Dolls Books Huge Selection of Vintage Clothing & Jewelry on our Lower Level

�

�

Over 30 Years in the Old Market

�

1116 Jackson St. 346-4930 Mon-Thurs 10am-6pm / Fri-Sat 11am-9pm / Sun 12-6pm

may/june 2009

P ublisher Todd Lemke

e ditor Sandra Lemke

A ssistAnt e ditor Linda Persigehl

Farnam

A rt d irector / G rAPhic d esiGn Matt Jensen

P hotoGrAPhy Bill Sitzmann • Scott Drickey

technicAl A dvisor

EXECUTIVE OFFICE SUITES

Tyler Lemke

Large Conference Room 24 hour access Utilities and cleaning Complimentary coffee for you and your clients

Convenient location Parking available in a security garage Parking for your clients by our back entrance Signage for office door and lobby

Terrie/Manager: 402-345-1600 • www.farnam1600.com • 1603 Farnam Street • Omaha, NE 68102

GARDNER MANAGEMENT GROUP

c ontributinG W riters Brian S. Allen Kim Carpenter Heather Lane Mike Watkins Leo Adam Biga

A ccount e xecutives Gwen Lemke • Vicki Voet Alicia Smith • Greg Bruns

e ditoriAl A dvisors Rick Carey • David Scott For AdvertiSing inFormAtion:

402.884.2000 www.omahapublications.com

photo by Patrick Drickey, Stonehouse Publishing Co.

• 7+ years experience • Downtown Condominium Management Expert • Onsite Project Manager

• • • •

On Staff Maintenance Friendly Courteous Service 24 Hour Emergency Service Cleaning Staff Services

Currently Managing Farnam 1600 Condo Assoc., Farnam 1600 Executive Office Suites & Harney Parking Garage

Call for References For more information please contact:

Terrie Busacker, Property Manager • 402.345.1600 • www.farnam1600.com Farnam 1600 Mgmt. Office • 1603 Farnam St. • Omaha, NE 68102 4 may/june 2009 | the encounter

Owned and managed by Omaha Magazine, LTD

Comments? Send your letter to the editor to: letters@omahapublications.com All versions of The Encounter are published bimonthly

by Omaha Magazine, LTD, P.O. Box 461208, Omaha NE 68046-1208. Telephone: (402) 884-2000; fax (402) 884-2001. No whole or part of the contents herein may be reproduced without prior written permission of Omaha Magazine, excepting individually copyrighted articles and photographs. Unsolicited manuscripts are accepted; however, no responsibility will be assumed for such solicitations.

contents N ow check out e NcouNter M aga ziNe oNliNe . u siNg flipbook techNology to give you a whole New Maga ziNe re adiNg e xperieNce .

ow N I r I old! e w S To 0 % 5

15

Remarkable Living.

22

20

6 Feature: What’s New......................................................... 9 Cover Story: Summer Arts Festival ............................... 12 History: Bahr Vermeer & Haecker Architects ................. 15 Downtown Art: Saddle Creek Development Sign .........18 Downtown Faces: Maggie Garcia............................... 20 Condo Life: Steve Joy .................................................. 22 Old Market Map........................................................... 24 Calendar .......................................................................27 Downtown Living: Downtown Living Tour .....................

Remarkable Living begins at $255,000.

RiverfrontPlace.com 402·397·4837

the encounter | may/june 2009 5

downTown living

Wall Street Tower taken by Matt Shepherd Advertising and Design

“

The tour is an event that has

Riverfront Place taken by Malone & Co.

Take a Hike

an urban hike into downtown Omaha’s coolest dwelling spaces story by Sandy Lemke

grown as downtown has

”

grown.

6 may/june 2009 | the encounter

S

aturday, May 30 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. is your chance to peek into downtown Omaha’s lifestyle. Start your tour at any of the locations and take a free shuttle to the other sites. Tour guides will be on hand to describe the architecture and amenities of each property.

It’s a perfect opportunity for homebuyers, or those who are just curious about downtown properties. The sites on the tour range from lofts, condominiums, row houses to townhouses.

The amenities are exciting as well: concierge service, private balconies, underground parking and workout facilities.

Ben Proctor, Sales Manager of Riverfront Place, said, “The tour is an event that has grown as downtown has grown since we started the event in 2005. Even if you’re not an urban condo or townhome buyer today, but think you may be in the future, you have the opportunity to visit each year and see the new amenities that have been added to downtown. There is a way of life that is improving year by year in downtown Omaha and the Downtown Living Tour is a showcase of exactly that.

0th 11am Saturday, May 3

- 5 pm

downtown living tour FREE ADMISSION Shuttle service provided For more information visit

DowntownOmahaLiving.com 101 THINGS

to do downtown

In Partnership With:

Media Partner:

Listing Brokers: CBSHOME, NP Dodge and Prudential Ambassador

Omaha’s downtown, downstairs, down-to-earth health club.

Downtown Omaha Inc. is presenting the Downtown Living Tour in partnership with the following developers: WallStreet tower 12th & Cass www.wallstreettowerofomaha.com Jlofts 12th & Jackson Streets www.jlofts.com the enclave at the Brandeis 16th & Douglas Streets www.atthebrandeis.com

TWO-WEEK FREE TRIAL

Farnam 1600 16th & Farnam Streets www.farnam1600.com

A no-obligation test run...call or drop in for details.

the rows at Soma 12th & Leavenworth Streets www.homesatsoma.com

2027 Dodge St. • Lower Level, Scoular Building ( parking & entrance off 21st & Douglas) 402-342-2582 • pinnacleclubomaha.com

Kimball lofts 15th & Jones Streets www.kimball-lofts.com the Paxton 14th & Farnam Streets www.thepaxton.com riverfront Place Riverfront Drive www.riverfrontplace.com giovanna rows 6th & Pierce Streets www.giovannarows.com towns at little italy 7th & Pierce Streets www.townslittleitaly.com Beebe+runyan luxury lofts 9th Street, between Douglas and Dodge Sts. www.beebelofts.com Dunsany Flats 10th & Pierce Streets www.dunsanyflats.com

8 may/june 2009 | the encounter

departments

feaTure

“

everyone needs birthday cakes and a treat now and

”

then.

Hot Spots to Sip, Snack, Chow down and groove in the old Market

LLinda Marshall, manager and Sergio DeCesare, Old market Tea House owner.

by Heather Heier Lane

photos by minorwhitestudios.com

Old market tea house Tea isn’t just for grandma anymore.

If you are passionate about tea and more interested in the type that is fragrant, delicious and aromatic — never found stuffed in a tea bag or in a dusty old box — consider a trip to The Old Market Tea House. There you will find a wide selection of fresh loose leaf teas, selected by manager Linda Marshall from distributors in India and Sri Lanka. Green, white, black, oolong, pu-erh, herbal—they have them all. Newbies and aficionados alike will be able to find a tea suitable for their palate. Curious about tea but not sure what you are interested in? The Old Market Tea House features small sniffer jars that make it easy to see the tea and smell the bouquet before ordering. Marshall loves the ceremony of tea—picking a flavor, steeping the leaves, pouring a cup—and smiles when she says, “Teas awaken the senses.” Marshall knows all the details of every variety of tea in the shop, and will gladly talk you through each type, helping you settle on the perfect cup.

Originally opened as just a great place for great tea, The Old Market Tea House is planning to add wine and desserts from the popular Sweet Magnolias Bakery to its menu. Soon you can stop in for a cup of tea, a glass of wine, a scrumptious dessert—or all three if the mood suits you.

The Old Market Tea House, owned by 13th Street Coffee Company, is located at 517 S. 13th Street, and is open 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Monday through Saturday, and 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM Sunday. For more info contact 402.934.8538 or visit us at www.oldmarketteahouse.com.

the encounter | may/june 2009 9

elegance

cuisine

intimacy

restaurant and wine bar Lower Level Old Market Passageway • 402.345.8980 • vmertz.com Matthew Stamp •General Manager•Sommelier Kyle Anderson•Executive Chef Award of Unique Distinction • Wine Enthusiast

10 may/june 2009 | the encounter

irie Come for the food, stay for the groove—or vice versa.

In Jamaican, Irie means good feelings and good vibes. In Omaha, it surely means the same thing—and it just happens to be the name of a new club and restaurant that is serving up good feelings and good vibes on a daily basis. Irie opened in December and has quickly become a popular place to go get a taste of unique fusion food, where after dinner, you can stick around for some dancing and cocktailing if you’re feeling particularly groovy. Irie features a menu as unique as its name, and with items named The D.O.C. & Mama B Transfusion Salad and the Ni Hao Burger, it promises to pique your curiosity. With three floors and two VIP areas, Irie is filled with lounge areas for those wanting to chill a bit, as well as dance areas for the braver set ready to shake up some good feelings. A special VIP balcony area features a bird’s eye view of the action below, and offers a cozy seating area where you can settle in and enjoy the view. The third floor is often rented out for VIP parties, and is also the place where DJs from all over the country come and spin their magic.

Irie is located at 302 S. 11th Street and is open daily from 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM, with food served until 12:00 AM. Join them for happy hour from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Monday through Friday. Call 402.504.4901 for more info, or to place a to-go order.

Allison Bickford

Bickford Bakery New Treats in the Old Market The Old Market has a new bakery, and lucky for everyone, they are mixing up some very tasty treats. Taking over the space once part of Aroma’s Coffeehouse, Bickford Bakery opened its doors in March. Owners Allison and Davin Bickford have kept some of their favorite recipes, like crazy cocoa bars—huge slices of chocolaty, cheesecake-y deliciousness—but are also hoping to put their signature CakeTeenies on the culinary map. Part truffle, part moist and gooey cake, CakeTeenies are the creation of Allison, who used to whip up batches for baby showers and parties. Everyone who ate the bon-bonesque cakes loved them, and eventually Allison was searching for a commercial kitchen to make bigger batches. Named after her Grandma Teenie, CakeTeenies come in many flavors and colors, and will surely become the next big thing for brides looking for something different than an ordinary wedding cake. But if it is a cake you’re looking for, Bickford Bakery can do that too. In addition to the usual muffins, bagels and bars, they also do custom cakes for weddings, birthdays and special occasions, as well as pies and all sorts of delicious treats. As Allison puts it, “Everyone needs birthday cakes and a treat now and then.” So splurge on something that tastes as good as it looks and head on down to Bickford Bakery.

Bickford Bakery is located at 1033 Jones Street—on the ground floor of the Old Market Lofts building, just inside the entrance of Aroma’s Coffeehouse. Business hours are 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM Monday through Friday, but you can also purchase baked goods at Aroma’s Coffeehouse when the bakery is closed. For more info, call 402.934.7450.

the Bullpen What is better than beer and a dog? Beer and a dog on a patio.

The Bullpen may be the newest sports bar in the Old Market, yet with its great location, friendly staff and unique patio—which features a garage door that can be closed when things get cold or rainy—it is likely to become a favorite to sports fans, or pretty much anyone looking for a fun place to chill with friends. Owners Rod Nietfeldt and Mark Kroeger have two other successful bars in Omaha — The Draft House and The Observatory Lounge — so they know how to run a cool place, and what patrons are looking for in a hangout. With 20 hi-def televisions, you are virtually guaranteed to find whatever game you’re looking for. If your game is not on when you get there, just ask and they will gladly find it for you. Looking for something to go with your cold beer? The Bullpen has an extensive menu, and even features 10 varieties of hot dogs ranging from a traditional Chicago dog, to a Reuben dog with sauerkraut and swiss, to a Hawaiian dog with ham, pineapple and cheddar cheese. There are also great pizzas and sandwiches, and of course, you can start with some wings or chips.

The Bullpen is located at 1125 Jackson Street in the old Sam and Louie’s and is open daily from 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM, with food served until 11:00 PM. Join them for daily lunch specials, or happy hour from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM weeknights. Call 402.502.5150 for more info, or to place a to-go order.

the encounter | may/june 2009 11

Cover STory

“

The festival features artwork of 135 juried artists from across the

”

country.

12 may/june 2009 | the encounter

omaha Summer arts festival story by Sandy Lemke

T

photo by Jim Scholz

Cover Photo by Pitman Foxall

he 35th Annual Summer Arts Festival, presented by First National Bank, will produce a healthy bustle in Omaha’s downtown June 26-28 along the Gene Leahy Mall. The Festival is open from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, June 26 and Saturday, June 27, and from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 28.

The Festival features artwork of 135 juried artists from across the country, including 19 Nebraska artists. These were selected from more than 200 applicants by a jury of local and regional art professionals. Media including jewelry, sculpture, photography, painting, fiber, wood and more will be on display. Browse or buy! Prices will range from $5 to $50 to $5,000.

It’s your choice. refreshments The Festival also features a World Music Pavilion with beer, wine and more for purchase.

Just outside the Pavilion, the Taste Fest and Festival Cafes, attendees will encounter vendors offering pizza, gyros, wraps, barbecue, kettle corn, funnel cakes, shaved ice and more.

Children’s Fair and Young artist exhibition This year’s Children’s Fair, for children age 2 to 12, is themed “It’s Easy to Be Green” to

promote environmental responsibility. The Children’s Fair is presented by Target and will be located at 11th and Farnam Streets.

Dozens of hands-on activities and art projects will be offered as well as live entertainment. Children will be provided recycled materials to work with and learn how they can conserve energy and recycle. Children will have nearly 20 activities to choose from, including cookie decorating, spin art, candy art, a balloon artist and face painters.

Participating organizations include: Presenting sponsor First National Bank Target Omaha Public Power District The Big Garden El Museo Latino Girls Inc. of Omaha Literacy Center Nebraska Environmental Trust The Octopuses Garden Art Alliance Omaha Children’s Museum CoCo Key Water Resort Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo Metro Community College Hy-Vee

3USHI 3ASHIMI 3EAFOOD $ISHES "EEF 4ENDERLOIN #HICKEN 4EMPURA

BLUE

SUSHI SAKE GRILL

Old Market Location

416 S. 12th Street Just North of Howard

402.408.5566

Sake bombers Lounge SECOND mOOR MARTINIS 3AKE "OMBERS ,OUNGE ,ATE .IGHT %NTRANCE 0LEASE USE THE SOUTHEAST DOOR TO THE ND mOOR LOUNGE

Admission to the Children’s Fair is free. Several of the activities are free and tickets for many of the hands-on crafts and other activities are 50 cents each with most activities costing from one to three tickets.

Family entertainment Stage Live entertainment will light up the crowd with acts from near and far. Omaha’s well-loved Amazing-Arthur will perform both Saturday and Sunday at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. each day.

Seattle-based Roberto the Magnificent will juggle industrial tools while balancing on unicycles and pogo sticks. Roberto the Magnificent’s show will run both days at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.

In addition to these two stunning acts, the Blues Society Kids Band will open the live stage on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and the Cathedral Arts Project Kids Band will open Sunday at 11:30 a.m.

Young artist exhibition In the Michael Phipps Gallery of the W. Dale Clark Library, more than 300 pieces of art will be displayed for the Festival’s 14th Annual Young Artist Exhibition. These pieces were created by students in grades six through 12. Senior scholarships, recognition awards, art supplies and special prizes will be awarded at private receptions for students, teachers and parents on Saturday and Sunday.

For more information on the Summer Arts Festival and the Children’s Fair, see www.SummerArts.org.

the encounter | may/june 2009 13

Get Healthy at the Downtown Family YMCA

Join the YMCA - No Contracts Pool • Indoor Track • Pilates • Yoga • All-Day Child Care • All Day School Age Summer Child Care Off-Site Corporate Services • Personal Trainers Separate Men’s and Women’s Workout Areas* •Steam Room/Sauna*

*With Fitness Center membership.

430 S 20TH ST• OMAHA • 402-341-1600 • METROYMCA.ORG

Just Back From Market With New Stones & Pearls. www.cornerstonegemsinc.com 515 S. 13th • Old Market 402-346-4367

14 may/june 2009 | the encounter

departments

downTown HiSTory

George Haecker, AIA and Gary Bowen, FAIA

“

we, as a firm, have always believed in designing with

”

adaptive

reuses first.

The Broatch Building

40 years of Preserving the Past

by Michael Watkins | Photos by minorwhitestudios.com

T

hrough the collaboration of brick and steel, old and new, a glimpse around downtown Omaha reveals the prominent impact of the mission embraced by Bahr Vermeer Haecker Architects.

Over the course of its 40-year history, BVH has been a major player in restructuring, redesigning, reinventing and revitalizing the once- dormant heart of the city into a thriving epicenter of history, culture, entertainment and life.

Its commitment to recycling buildings and materials signature to Omaha’s formative years whenever possible has preserved and re-purposed landmarks that give downtown its flavor, and, largely, its identity.

“We, as a firm, have always believed in designing with adaptive reuses first; that is, taking an existing building–historic or non-historic–and adapting what’s there to a new design or use, especially in downtown where there is so much history,” said Paul Nelson, an associate principal who’s been with BVH since 1994. “We push the architecture beyond preservation into finding new uses, rather than replacing the building.”

Having recently celebrated its ruby anniversary, BVH intends to continue to impact downtown, as well as city, state and national architecture for another 40 years. Here are a few examples of how BVH has made what is old new again in downtown Omaha. the encounter | may/june 2009 15

The restaurant that adds spice to Omaha LUNCH: Mon-Sat 11:30 - 2:00 DINNER: Mon-Thurs 5:30 - 10:00 Fri & Sat 5:30 - 11:00, Closed Sunday Upper Deck: Mon – Thur, “Indian Oven Bread Bar” Friday & Saturday 9.30-11 pm, 1/2 Price Appetizers and Drinks

1010 HOWARD STREET • THE OLD MARKET • 342-4856

16 may/june 2009 | the encounter

gene leahy mall (Central Park mall) The centerpiece of downtown Omaha for the past 30 years, the Gene Leahy Mall was one of BVH’s first big projects, as the city concentrated on developing downtown by returning to its river roots under former Omaha Mayor Gene Leahy in the late 1970s.

The former site of historic but dilapidated and unused warehouses and buildings, the Mall is regarded as a major impetus for the redevelopment and revitalization of downtown into a thriving commercial, residential and cultural center.

Gene Leahy Mall was downtown Omaha’s first major greenspace, and Omaha by Design describes it as one of the city’s “most successful and recognizable public spaces.” Two Omaha landmarks, both listed on the National Register of Historic Places, anchor the eastern side of the mall: The Burlington Building and the McKesson-Robbins Warehouse, now the Greenhouse Apartments.

The project, designed by Gary Bowen, won numerous awards for BVH, including the AIA (American Institute of Architects) Nebraska Design Award in 1983, and the AIA Central States Regional Award of Excellence in 1989. harriman Dispatch Center One of the largest and most technologically advanced dispatching facilities in the country is housed in the Harriman Dispatch Center, one of Union Pacific Railroad’s most significant historic landmarks, located near the ConAgra Foods campus.

Built in the late 1890s, the brick freight house served the railroad until 1977, when it was abandoned. Union Pacific made a decision to utilize the historic structure for a high-tech dispatching center 10 years later.

A key architectural component and identifying feature of the building is the cast iron truss system, which was built for the original depot. The trusses were razed in 1874, put into storage, and then salvaged by BVH for the second center design. Measuring 175 feet across, the long-span trusses create an open interior under a series of 20-foot bays. They continue to provide a functional purpose, an aesthetic focal point, and historic link to the early days of the railroad.

In conjunction with Leo A. Daly Co., BVH was faced with the challenge of reconstructing the facility in such a way to preserve the grandeur of the Classical-styled freight house while housing the most sophisticated rail command center in the world. The building’s weathered, red brick was repaired and tuck-pointed, all the limestone trim was restored or replaced, and the roof was recovered with standing-seam copper.

The Harriman Center is recognized as an Omaha Landmark and lies within the Omaha Rail and Commerce Historic District.

BVH was recognized with the AIA Nebraska Design Award in 1990, and the Nebraska Chapter ACI Award of Excellence in 1991 for the project.

departments Broatch Building Built in 1880 as a warehouse distribution facility, the Broatch Building — named for William James Broatch, an early Omaha entrepreneur, civic leader and two-time mayor — served as the BVH office until 2005, when the business relocated to its current location, also in historic downtown Omaha. It was designated as an Omaha Landmark in December 1983.

Painted a soft corn yellow, the building was originally constructed as a three-story building before being enlarged to four stories in 1887. An example of the Italianate style of architecture, the Broatch Building was renovated by BVH for office and commercial space in 1979.

BVH spent two years renovating the historic “Yellow Building,” as it is known, and virtually gutted the interior, adding a five-story service core containing an elevator, heating and cooling system and restrooms. Inside the entry, one section of the first and second floors was removed to install an open stairway to the lower and second level. A two-story glass wall separates first- and second-floor tenant spaces, and the resulting atrium provides a common lobby for all tenants.

The building is currently used as commercial space and condominiums. BVH won an AIA Nebraska Design Award in 1981, and Preservation Award from Landmarks in 1982 for the project. missouri river Pedestrian Bridge Now known as the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, BVH provided the original conceptual design for the bridge that connects hundreds of miles of walking and biking trails between Nebraska and Iowa.

Located just north of Interstate 480, the bridge is one of the largest pedestrian bridges in the United States. BVH developed the initial concept and served as design consultant to Figg Bridge Engineers, the original firm of record.

The final project, which spans 3,000 feet across the Missouri River and adjoining landings, was completed by

Kansas City firm HNTB, based on the original BVH design, which called for a 500-foot center span and two, 200-foot towers reaching into the sky to symbolize the partnership between Omaha and Council Bluffs.

Douglas County Correctional Center The original Douglas County Correctional Facility opened in 1979, housing all security levels of adult male and female offenders. In 2004, BVH served as the exterior design consultant to HDR for a 250,000-square-foot addition, which includes nine housing units and one medical unit of 62 beds.

Bordering the Omaha Rail and Commerce Historical District, the facility needed to mesh aesthetically within the neighborhood while doubling in size. Because many buildings in the area were built in the late 1800s and early 1900s, brick exteriors, stone bases, punched windows and strong vertical pilaster elements are common design features. BVH incorporated these iconic elements into this project, as well as used a terra cotta color brick facade and gray concrete base in its exterior design, which served to complement nearby buildings.

The expansion’s design was well-received, earning BVH an AIA Nebraska Masonry Design Award in 2008, as well as the praise of local and Old Market merchants, one of whom described the results as a “three-way win — for the downtown community, the corrections department and BVH.” “It’s easy to tear down an older building and put up something new, but it’s more challenging to find ways to keep existing structures if they are sound and create something new and useful from them,” Nelson added. “Our identity is our history, and we have grown our consciousness toward preserving buildings that are historically irreplaceable. Our finished products are the end result of a deep collaboration with our clients, which has always been a hallmark of who were are as architects and as a firm.”

The Original Old Market Irish B ar Nightly Specials Live Irish Music Weekends Open 11a.m.

1205 H arney St. 342-5887

dublinerpubomaha.com

J.P. COOKE COMPANY

RUBBER STAMPS PRE-INKED STAMPS INTERIOR SIGNS DESK NAME PLATES NAME BADGES EMBOSSING SEALS

“OLD MARKET”

1311 HOWARD OMAHA, NE 68102 (402) 342-7175 FAX: 402-342-9426 the encounter | may/june 2009 17

downTown arT John henry miller and michael Bartsch of What Cheer.

18 may/june 2009 | the encounter

reviving an art form ads as art

G

by Brian S. Allen | photos by minorwhitestudios.com host Signs. A term I was not at all familiar with, but one I quickly discovered referred to an art form that I, in fact, already knew and loved. Ghost signs are those rare gems of the advertising world in which letters and logos are painted on exterior building walls to promote businesses and products. After time, the paintings take on a weathered look, adding character and a familiar warmth to the neighborhood.

These days, with bright billboards, neon lights and noisy vinyl signs flapping in the wind dominating the landscape, it seems as if ghost signs’ time has come and gone. But one new development is reviving the advertising method, bringing it back from the dead, if you will...

In North Downtown, the new development anchored by Slowdown unveiled its version of a ghost sign recently. The brick wall used to conceal the transformers near 14th and Cuming streets provided the perfect canvas for the area’s first retro-style ghost sign. “The vision for this area was like an extension of the Old Market, so a 30-foot neon sign did not seem to fit,” said Robb Nansel, president of Saddle Creek Records and part owner of Slowdown and the new development. Nansel continued, “I have always been a fan of the washed-out signs,

departments and it seemed like a good way to tie in with that.”

To seek out a designer, Nansel did not have to look very far. What Cheer, a local website and graphic design firm, is located on the south side of the complex along Webster Street next to Filmstreams, BBB, and Secret Penguin.

After getting briefed on the criteria for the signage, What Cheer hit the design boards. “The biggest obstacle was that some of the logos looked too modern for this old-looking style. Robb helped push the sign further by suggesting to use type and altered logos that were more true to the retro period. For some of the companies, we made vintage versions of their logos. Fortunately, the corporate companies [Urban Outfitters and American Apparel] with brand requirements had pretty classic logos,” said John Henry Muller of What Cheer.

Next, Nansel tapped the local arts community and his friends at the Bemis Center For Contemporary Arts.

Dan Richters, a San Diego transplant, was recommended and happily agreed to work on the project. One summer morning, as the regulars sipped their fair trade brew from Blue Line Coffee, something different but exciting happened. Dan, sporting a curly head of hair and an ominous presence, began diligently painting the brick wall as the patrons looked on. While logging 85-plus hours, Dan steadily brought to life the joint vision of What Cheer and Nansel.

The sign may not have the ghostly affects of the century-old buildings in the heart of the Old Market quite yet, but this collaboration has brought forth a lost art that helps push a more environmentally friendly way of advertising. And in 40 years, if you’re lucky enough to be strolling along downtown to a live show or ballgame, you can share with the younger generations what the area looked like when this sign was still vibrant and new. I can hear the stories now…

715 N. Saddle Creek Road • 553-9672 • 553-9270 www.mamaspizzaomaha.com

Mama’s Pizza would like to welcome the fans of the College World Series!

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Kitchen: Sun-Thurs 11 am– 10:30 pm • Fri & Sat11 am– Midnight

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1208 1/2 HOWARD ST • OLD MARKET • 402.934.8389 • WWW.SHOPTROCADERO.COM the encounter | may/june 2009 19

downTown faCeS

“

The more art I saw, the more i found myself wanting to be

”

around it more.

20 may/june 2009 | the encounter

what dreams May Come

by Leo Adam Biga | photography by minorwhitestudios.com

M

agdalena “Maggie” Garcia lives a dream each day she arrives at El Museo Latino, where she’s executive director. She left a corporate career to study fine art, preparing for the day she’d open her own Latino art-history-culture

venue.

Born in Mexico City, Mexico, Garcia’s the eldest of six sisters. She emigrated to Omaha with her family at age nine. Fluent in Spanish, she stayed connected to her roots spending summers with her large extended family in Mexico City, where she learned native folk dancing.

As a 6th grader in Omaha, she formed a folklorico dance troupe which, under her direction, performed at Our Lady of Guadalupe church festivals. For years she dabbled in watercolor and pen-and-ink.

While deep in her career at Enron, she became a Joslyn Art Museum docent. Attending night school at the time, she switched majors from business to art history. She took art vacations to visit major U.S. museums. That led to art study tours abroad — France, Italy, Spain.

“The more art I saw, the more I found myself wanting to be around it more,” she said. “Traveling to exhibitions a few days a year wasn’t enough anymore. I wanted to make art my profession..to work in a museum. I just didn’t know how I was going to get there.”

She eventually left Enron to work at two Houston museums. Then she entered a Syracuse (N.Y.) University graduate program, where she earned dual masters in art history and museum studies. Latin American art became her main focus. Her studies took her to Mexico City. “It really brought me full circle,” she said. Back in Omaha, she bemoaned the lack of a year-round Hispanic art center. Despite opportunities to go elsewhere, she couldn’t shake the vision of an Omaha Latino art museum.

She realized her vision, founding El Museo in 1993 at the Livestock Exchange Building.

departments She moved the museum to its present location, 4701 South 25th St., in 1997, a Spanish-style brick building with a red-tile roof and a courtyard. Inside is a vibrant color palette of azure blue-greens, blood reds and sunflower yellows.

Garcia’s made El Museo a major attraction and anchor in resurgent South Omaha’s Hispanic marketplace, presenting a full schedule of exhibits and educational programs from around the country, even across the border.

Her goals include getting the museum accredited. “That would put us in a whole different light in the museum field nationally,” she said. Upgrading/conditioning the galleries’ climate control and building’s HVAC systems needs to happen first.

She can’t believe 16 years have passed, or that she’s curated 100-plus exhibits.

“It’s gone by so fast. I do feel satisfied, but I’m never content. I think the moment you get content there’s no more room for growth.” She’s proud of El Museo’s “authentic, unique” exhibits-programs, especially the Chomari Ballet Folklorica Mexicano dance company she began.

She looks forward to a May 5-Sept. 26 exhibit of ex-votos and retablos — folk art devotionals with painted images-text on tin that adorn altars/shrines. The objects coming to El Museo deal with immigration — giving thanks for the safe return of family who’ve crossed the border.

On tap later this year are prints by political Chicano artist Carlos Cortez, and masks, costumes, photos and videos representing carnivale traditions around the world.

Silver and copper Santa Clara del Cobre objects from the museum’s permanent collection are on display year-round.

Special events include Dua del Nino (Day of the Child) on April 25, Cinco de Mayo in May, and Hispanic Heritage Month activities this fall. Garcia said El Museo’s art, music and dance classes have grown so much, “we’ve run out of classroom space.”

In her second decade living her dream, Garcia’s happy her work’s “still a passion.”

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the encounter | may/june 2009 21

Condo life

“

we were Created light: able to

Steve Joy’s Old Market Aerie

break all

S

the rules with

”

Steve.

22 may/june 2009 | the encounter

by KIim Carpenter | photography by minorwhitestudios.com

teve Joy’s recent retrospective at the Joslyn Art Museum was called Uncreated Light, so it’s maybe ironic that his Old Market loft is about the opposite: created light — lots of it — that fills just about every bit of the less than 1,000-square-

foot space.

Located in the Passport Building, the loft serves a dual purpose. “It was originally designed as a studio space,” Joy says, “but I live and work here.”

That switch was in part because of architect Paul Nelson. An associate principal with Bahr Vermeer Haecker Architects, Nelson embraced the project. “We were able to break all the rules with Steve,” he says. “It’s an urban environment, so you can throw away all the conventions. You don’t have to have doors, for example.” Joy adds, “I got the idea that Paul wanted a bit of artistic license.”

The main challenge? Making much out of little. Joy says, “With a larger space, you can indulge. We had to use every single square foot.” Nelson agrees, “We wanted to maximize the perception of its being large. We made it very compact by using a lot of vertical space to keep things off the floor. We used air and volume as much as possible.”

Every inch was therefore meticulously planned. The entryway, which Nelson describes as a “canyon,” is a long, narrow hallway that bursts into wide-open living space. “It’s important to enter a space with a certain spirit,” says Joy. And what spirit it has: a wall of green opaque glass turns the bathroom into an unexpected focal point. Says Nelson, “The bathroom is the No.1 program piece of the whole design.

We moved everything around it and made it into a display box and staged it.” Explains Joy,

departments

“I’ve lived in lofts for years with bathrooms that have no windows and no light. This is the height of luxury.”

In contrast, the kitchen is easy to overlook. Joy was uninterested in a culinary showcase, and his kitchen consists solely of a miniature fridge and two-burner hot plate. But it’s more than adequate for an artist who travels frequently, dines out often, and occasionally entertains. Plus, everything is in place if Joy changes his mind. “The kitchen can be installed on a day’s notice,” he says.

One of the more interesting pieces is a set of industrial stairs leading to the bedroom. Sparse, steel and steep, they consume minimal space but deliver maximum impact. “You see them in factories,” says Nelson. “They save space. We couldn’t afford the square footage.” Instead, the architect used the extra room for a hidden

nook, which provides compact storage for art supplies.

The main living area is anything but compact. Wide and open, the space’s southern exposure turns Joy’s loft into an artist’s aerie. “The light is always changing,” says Joy, “And during winter in January, I’ll have sunshine at 5 p.m.” All this greatly enhances the artist’s work. He uses the loft to finish many of his paintings, and large-scale pieces rotate in and out of the space, leaning against the walls, subtly changing light throughout the day.

Innovative space-saving features heighten the light, airy feel. For example, a 17-foot-tall narrow bookcase — complete with ladder — remains hidden from view on the side of an extended wall. “A traditional bookcase would consume a lot of room,” says Nelson, “so we pushed everything up and squeezed it back.” This al-

lows Joy to store his numerous books, CDs and vinyl records out of sight but within easy grasp.

A paucity of furniture contributes to the minimal, contemporary feel. A dining table doubles as a desk, and a couple of chairs provide more than enough comfort. A room toward the back of the loft also serves as a den with a sleeper sofa for guests and a large-screen TV for unwinding.

All these elements combine to change an ordinary condo into an extraordinary experiment in contemporary living. Says Nelson, “Everything is about flexibility.

Steve has to be able to move things around constantly. An artist changes and can’t have a piece of architecture that’s limiting.” And how does the artist himself feel about his space? “I use this space for looking and thinking,” reflects Joy. “I’m in the best part of the Old Market.” the encounter | may/june 2009 23

10TH To 14TH STreeTS BeTween LeavenworTH & Farnam, omaHa 1

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8

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24 may/june 2009 | the encounter

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Merchants Attractions Old MArket / dOwntOwn / riverfrOnt

Antiques

Antiques & Fine Art...(16th St). ......... 341.9942 Fairmont Antique Mall...H4 .............. 345.1778 Joe’s Collectibles...H5 ..................... 612.1543 Retro Recycle...E5 ............................ 341.1969 Second Chance...G5 ........................ 346.4930

Book stores

Jackson Street Booksellers...H5 .....341.2664 New Realities Books & Gifts...E7 ..... 342.1863 Soul Desires Books & Coffee...G7 ...898.7600

Clothing & ACCessories

Lotus ...F4 .........................................346.8080 Namaste...E7 .................................... 341.7069 Nebraska Clothing Co...E8............... 346.6114 Nouvelle Eve...E6 .............................. 345.4811 Overland Outfitters...E8 ................... 345.2900 Retro Recycle ...E5 ........................... 341.1969 The Souq Ltd...E7 ............................. 342.2972 Trocadéro...E4 ..................................934.8389

Downtown hotels

Courtyard by Marriott...(10th & Douglas) .......

346.2200 DoubleTree Hotel...(16th & Dodge)...346.7600 Embassy Suites Hotel...F9 ...............346.9000 Hilton Convention Center Hotel .......998.3400 Hilton Garden Inn...(10th & Dodge) .. 341.4400 Redick Plaza Hotel...(15th & Harney) ..............

342.1500 Magnolia Hotel...(16th & Howard) ... 342.2222

home Furnishings

Crawdad’s...E5 ................................. 341.3930 Habitat .............................................. 342.0044 Julia Russell ...(11th & Douglas) ....... 891.0691 Kraft DC ...(16th & Leavenworth)......342.2790 Room...E7 ......................................... 342.7666 Zongkers Custom Woods ................ 344.7784

gAlleries

1301 Gallery...(13th & Nicholas) .......342.6452 Artists’ Cooperative Gallery...D7 ..... 342.9617 Bemis Ctr. for Contemporary Arts...K4 ..........

341.7130 Fred Simon Gallery...A8 ................... 595.2122 Garden Of The Zodiac...E7 .............. 341.1877 Hot Shops...13th & Nicholas ............342.6452 Images of Nature...D5 ......................341.8460 Jackson Artworks...G6 ..................... 341.1832 Julia Russell ...(11th & Douglas) ....... 891.0691 Omaha ClayWorks...H5 ....................346.0560 Passageway Gallery...E7 .................. 341.1910 Sirens at the Loft...F6 .......................933.3333 White Crane Gallery...E7 .................. 345.1066

heAlth serviCes

Acupuncture Libba Harmon, LAc .......................... 214.6265 Massage Therapy Sandy Aquila LMT...E3 .....................345.5078 Lisa Christensen LMT...E3 ............... 850.6651 Barb Rost LMT (19th & Douglas)...... 345.7500 Medical Dr. John Bartholet, DC...E3 .............. 342.2216 Downtown Chiropractic (2111 Douglas) .........

345.7500 Derek Fender, DDS...D4 ...................342.3901

Dr. Mark Goodman, MD...L1 ............280.5500 Dr. Stephen Peterson MD...L1..........280.5500 Dr. James Polerecky DDS (19th & Farnam) ....

341.7576 Dr. Ritch Miller DC (2111 Douglas) ... 345.7500 Heartland Pathology (310 S. 16th) ... 346.0195 Omaha Dental Spa (11th & Howard) 505.4424 Physical Therapy East & West Physical Therapy...E3 ..345.5078 Psychotherapy, EMDR, Hypnotherapy Jannette Davis, MS, CST .................341.2230 Cynthia Duggin, MSW, LCSW ..........345.5078 Bobby Escolas, CMHT (Hypnotherapist) ......

990.2979 Jeff Stormberg, PhD (Psychotherapist).........

393.0642 Tim Swisher, MHR, LMHP, LADC ....341.2230 Pharmacy Depot Drug (1416 Dodge) ................. 544.DRUG

museums & AttrACtions

Omaha Children’s Museum...(500 S. 20th) ..........

342.6164 The Durham...J9 ...............................444.5071 Joslyn Art Museum...(24th & Dodge) ..............

342.3300 Lauritzen Gardens...(100 Bancroft)..346.4002 Henry Doorly Zoo...(3701 So 10th St) .............

733.8401 Qwest Center Omaha (10th & Capitol)............

341.1500

olD mArket ProPerties

Brandeis Building .............................934.1224 Farnam 1600 Building ......................342.1616 Grubb/Ellis Pacific Realty ................345.5866 Old Market Lofts...J7 ........................345.8000 Riverfront Place ................................397.4837 Shamrock Development/Paxton Building ......

934.7711 Skinner Macaroni Apartments...H1 .346.2346 The Greenhouse Apts...A9 ...............342.3100 TipTop Building...(16th & Cuming)....345.8000

PuBs & tAverns

Bar 415...E3 .......................................346.7455 Barry O’s ...E8 ..................................341.8032 Billy Frogg’s Grille & Bar...E5 ...........341.4427 Bullpen...G6 ...................................... 502.5150 Dubliner Pub...D4 .............................342.5887 J.D. Tucker’s Bar...E8 .......................934.5190 Julio’s...F2 .........................................345.6921 Irie...D7 ..............................................504.4901 La Buvette Wine & Grocery...F7.......344.8627 M’s Pub...E6 ......................................342.2550 Mr. Toad’s...E8 ..................................345.4488 Myth Lounge...F6..............................884.6985 Nomad Lounge...(J8) ........................884-1231 O’Connor’s Irish Pub...F3 .................934.9790 Old Market Tavern...F8 .....................341.0191 The Stadium Club Sports Bar & Grill...E8.......

359.1290 T Henery’s Pub...C6 .........................345.3651 The Underground...F7 ......................341.3547 Upstream Brewing Co...G6 .............344.0200 Urban Wine Company...J7 ...............934.0005 Waters Edge Lounge @ Embassy Suites...F9 .....

346.9000

the encounter | may/june 2009 25

Merchants Attractions Old MArket / dOwntOwn / riverfrOnt

restAurAnts

Farrells Bar...(902 Dodge) ................884.9947 Ahmad’s...E8.....................................341.9616 Billy Frogg’s Grille & Bar...E5 ...........341.4427 Delice European Bakery...E4 ...........342.2276 Falling Water Grille @ Embassy Suites...F9 ........

346.9000 Famous Dave’s...D6 .........................614.9333 Flatiron Café...(17th & Howard) ........344.3040 House of Lee...F4 .............................991.9330 Indian Oven...E7 ...............................342.4856 Joe Banana’s ....................................346.7227 Julio’s...F3 .........................................345.6921 La Buvette Wine & Grocery...F7.......344.8627 Liberty Tavern (10th & Davenport) ...998.4321 Little King...H21 ................................344.2264 Lucky’s 10-0-One (10th & Pacific) ...991.1001 M’s Pub...E6 ......................................342.2550 Matsu Sushi...B8 ..............................346.3988 Michael’s at the Market...C6 ............346.1205 Nicola’s...G3 .....................................345.8466 O Dining...A8..................................... 502.7888 Old Chicago...D6 ..............................341.1616 Omaha Prime...E7.............................341.7040 Passport Restaurant...H6 ................344.3200 Rick’s Cafe Boatyard........................345.4545 Sam & Louie’s Pizza...H6 .................884.5757 Spaghetti Works...F6 ........................422.0770 Stokes Bar & Grill...(E5) ................... 408-9000 Subway...E4 ......................................341.8814 Sullivan’s Steakhouse (222 S. 15th St.) ..........

342.4432 The Diner...D5 ...................................341.9870 The French Café...F7 ........................341.3547 The Paxton Chop House...B1 ..........341.1222 Trini’s...E7..........................................346.8400 Twisted Fork...E7 ..............................932.9600 Upstream Brewing Co....G6 .............344.0200 V. Mertz...E7......................................345.8980 Vincenzo’s Ristorante...D4 ...............342.4010 Vivace...E6 ........................................342.2050 Zio’s Pizzeria...F4 .............................344.2222

sPeCiAlty FooDs & CoFFee

13th Street Coffee C0....G3 ..............345.2883 Aromas...I8........................................614.7009 Bickford Bakery...I8 .......................... 934.7450 Cubby’s Old Market Grocery...H3 ...341.2900 Delice European Bakery...E4 ...........342.2276 Hollywood Candy...F3 ......................884.7688 La Buvette Wine & Grocery...F7.......344.8627 Maggie Moo’s Ice Cream...H21 .......933.5280 MJ Java...B3 & F7 .............................342.5282 Old Market Candy Shop...F8 ...........344.8846 Old Market Eea House...G3 .............934.8538 Patrick’s Market...(E1).......................884-1600 Soul Desires Books & Coffee...G7 ...898.7600 Ted & Wally’s Ice Cream...G5 ........... 341.5827

sPeCiAlty shoPs

Ashley Collectibles...E3....................934.3100 Big Brain Productions...H5 ..............342.2885 Chameleon...E7 ................................342.4444 Cibola of Omaha...F7 (509 S 11th) ...342.1200 City Limits...E3..................................345.3570 Cornerstone Gem & Bead Co....G3 . 346.4367 Drastic Plastic...F4 ........................... 346.8843 DSR Power Sports...E3 ....................991.1383 Etc. Gifts...F7 ....................................342.2846

26 may/june 2009 | the encounter

Garden Flowers...F7 ......................... 614.5661 Garden Of The Zodiac...E7 .............. 341.1877 Goldsmith Silversmith...F7 ...............342.1737 Homer’s Records...E5 ......................346.0264 Iron Decor & More...G5 ....................346.6123 Jay Welter Cigars...(18th & Jackson)345.1965 Kessler’s...H5 (1125 Jackson) ..........715.5888 Mairzy Doatz...F6.............................. 934.4815 Namaste...E7 .................................... 341.7069 New Realities Books & Gifts...E7 ..... 342.1863 Old Market Habitat Floral...E6 ......... 342.0044 Old Market Sundries...F8 ................. 345.8198 OM Gifts & Imports...E3 ................... 345.5078 Overland Outfitters...F8 ................... 345.2972 Perspective Jewelry...D4.................. 934.4416 Red Square...E7................................ 342.8878 SG Roi Tobacconist...F7 .................. 341.9264 Souq Ltd...E7 .................................... 342.2972 Tannenbaum Christmas Shop...F8 .. 345.9627 Trocadéro...E4 ................................. 934-8389

serviCes

At the Loft Spa...F6...........................505.4100 Michael Boyle, Attorney...E7 ............359.1000 Centris Federal Credit Union...C3 ...334.2000 Commercial Optical...G3 .................. 344.0219 Dietz United Methodist Church ....... 346.9115 Don Fiedler Law Offices...F7 ........... 346.6263 First National Bank...(F5) ..................885-2574 Fringes Salon & Spa...G8 ................. 345.0404 Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce...D2 346.5000 Omaha Convention & Visitors Bureau...B8 ....

444.4660 Hair Market Salon...E7 ..................... 345.3692 J P Cooke Rubber Stamps...F2 ....... 342.7175 Klein Law Offices...H3 ...................... 391.1871 Magical Journeys Carriage Service...E7 ........

453.6745 Movers Not Shakers ......................... 614.9770 Old Market Car Wash...J2 ................ 393.2819 Old Market Encounter ......................884.2000 Old Market Mini Storage .................. 342.0022 Old Market Web Site .....www.oldmarket.com Omaha Healing Arts Center...E4 ......345.5078 Omaha Public Library...(15th & Farnam) .........

444.4800 Omaha Yoga School...E7 .................346.7813 Pinnacle Bank...(10th & Douglas) ..... 346.9180 Security National Bank...(11th & Howard) ..........

344.7300 Sirens...F6 ......................................... 933.9333 Stinson, Morrison, Hecker LLP...C3 342.1700 Urbane Salon & Spa...B8 .................934.2909 Susie’s Baskets...D4......................... 341.4650 Sutera Law Offices...E6.................... 342.3100 Visions Framing Studio...K4 .............342.0020

theAtres & entertAinment

Blue Barn Theater...G6 ..................... 345.1576 FilmStreams...(14th & Webster) ........ 933-0259 Holland Performing Arts Center...(12th & Douglas) .............................................345.0606 Omaha Symphony...(16th & Howard)..............

342.3836 Opera Omaha...(17th & Farnam)....... 346.4398 Orpheum Theater...(16th & Farnam).345.0606 The Rose...(20th & Farnam) .............. 345.4849

Pinnacle Bank would like to welcome you downtown.

Visit us in the historical Riley Building at 1016 Douglas On The Mall, 402.346.9180 or online at pinnbank.com

t h e

w a y

b a n k i n g

s h o u l d

Downtown and Council Bluffs 09_POG14_DOWNTOWN.indd 1

MAY EVENTS 5/1: Opening reception: adam Frelin: let’s Pretend Weathermen.

Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts. The summer’s tumultuous weather -- tornadoes, thunderstorms and a hurricane -- provides the backdrop for the film’s protagonists, Joe and Jim, who share a special interest in the weather. 724 S. 12 St. www.bemiscenter. org 5/1: Opening reception: Paul renner: the Omaha Diner. Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts. Paul Renner is a singularly bold artist, whose works span painting, performance art, jubilant social theater and a hyper-adventurous cuisine. Renner’s ecstatic feasts present food as sculpture and paintings as mythic backdrop, creating environments that transform the experience of his guests/eaters into art. 724 S. 12 St. www.bemiscenter. org 5/1 - 5/3: Omaha Symphony Pops Series: tribute to Benny goodman.

Omaha Symphony. Clarinet prodigy Dave Bennett pays tribute to the undisputed “King of Swing” and his biggest hits including “I G ot Rhythm”, “Sing, Sing, Sing”, “Moonglow”, and many others. The leading star of the swing and big band. www.omahaperformingarts.org 5/1 - 5/17: Charlotte’s Web. Rose Performing Arts Center. Based on the award-winning classic, this beautiful play about friendship features all of

E.B. White’s enchanting characters: Wilbur, the pig avoiding the butcher; Fern, a young girl with a big heart; Templeton, the rat, the Zuckerman family; and the extraordinary spider, Charlotte. 2001 Farnam St. www.rosetheater.org 5/1-5/31: anthony Davis art: A collection of paintings. In the Nicholas St. Gallery in the Hot Shops Art Center, 1301 Nicholas St. www.hotshopsartcenter.com 5/1 - 6/1: Paul renner: the Omaha Diner. Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts. 724 S. 12 St. www.bemiscenter.org 5/1 - 6/25: Film Streams repertory series: henrY FOnDa. Film Streams at the Ruth Sokolof Theater.

A special repertory film series in tribute to Henry Fonda, featuring 12 Angry Men, Jezebel, Mister Roberts, The Wrong Man, The Grapes of Wrath, The Best Man and Once Upon a Time in the West. 1340 Webster. www.filmstreams.org 5/2: Bancroft to Bayliss Bicycle loop. Bancroft Street Market. Join area artists on a bicycle ride from Bancroft Street Market in Omaha to Bayliss Park in Council Bluffs and back. See the Omaha Farmers Market, the Bob Kerrey pedestrian bridge, and the Bayliss Park fountain. Bring your bike and helmet. 2702 S. 10 St. www.bancroftstreetmarket.com

5/2 - 5/3: hot Shops annual Spring Open house/ Open Studios. Hot Shops Art Center. Artist demonstrations, live music, refreshments! Eighty+ artists invite you to visit the studios, view the artwork, and see how it is created!

Four “hot shops” featuring glassblowing, pottery, bronze casting, and blacksmithing, as well as over fifty individual studios and four art galleries. 1301 Nicholas St. www.hotshopsartcenter.org 5/2 - 10/10: Omaha Farmers market. Old Market.

Buy Local. Eat Fresh! Presented in Omaha’s colorful Old Market District, the Omaha Farmers Market offers the city’s best selection of farm-fresh produce and meats as well as a wide variety of unique specialty items. The selection includes gourmet prepared foods, organic fruits and vegetables, dairy products, cut flowers and bedding plants, handmade jewelry and toys, unique decorative items for home and garden and more. 11th & Jackson St. www.omahafarmersmarket.org 5/3: Jeff Dunham. Qwest Center Omaha. 455 N. 10 St. www.qwestcenteromaha.com 5/4: the Salvation army luncheon - Featuring Chris gardner. Qwest Center Omaha. Hear the inspiring story of Chris Gardner at The Salvation Army D.J.’s Hero Awards Luncheon. Gardner”s struggle with homelessness while raising his toddler son was made into the 2006 motion

b e

Member FDIC

May/June Calendar of Events 3/31/09 10:27:28 AM

picture, “The Pursuit of Happyness,” starring Will Smith. The luncheon honors six Nebraska youths with Scholarship Awards.

455 N. 10 St. www.qwestcenteromaha.com 5/4 - 6/19: the Fred Simon gallery: Brett anderson.

Fred Simon Gallery. Displaying the paintings of Lincoln artist Brett Anderson. The gallery is located in the Nebraska Arts Council offices. 1004 Farnam Street, Lower Level. www. nebraskaartscouncil.org 5/6 - 5/31: Wicked. Orpheum Theater. So much happened before Dorothy dropped in. On Broadway and around the world, Wicked has worked its magic on critics and audiences alike. Winner of 20 major awards, including a Grammy and three Tony Awards, Wicked is “Broadway’s biggest blockbuster” (The New York Times).

5/7: arttalk: Yumi roth & Sterling allen. Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts.

Held the first Thursday of every month at 7pm, current artists-in-residence give presentations of their work and discuss their creative processes. 724 S. 12 St. www.bemiscenter.org 5/7: Cooking for Vna Fundraiser.

Inaugural event at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs to feature cooking demonstrations by community leaders. Attendees are encouraged to vote for their favorite dish by making a contribution to the chef’s “tip jar.” Event features dinner, cash bar, silent auc-

tion and entertainment.

Proceeds to benefit Project WIN, which provides free public nursing visits to any family who is expecting or has a new baby. Tickets, $50. Event will be from 6 to 8:30 p.m. www.theVNAcares.org or call 930-4021.

5/7: Fleetwood mac.

Qwest Center Omaha. 455 N. 10 St. www.qwestcenteromaha.com 5/7 - 5/10: 14th annual Young Playwrights Festival. Omaha Theater Co. This festival showcases scripts by some of the best teenage writers in Omaha.

2001 Farnam St. www. rosetheater.org 5/8: 1200 Club at the holland: Dobet gnahoré. Afro-Pop. A delicate, danceable whirlwind – worldly pop with charismatic range. Doors open 7:15 p.m. Cash bar with light menu.345-0606 www. omahaperformingarts.org.

5/9 – 10: 1200 Club at the holland: Frank Ferrante in An Evening with Groucho. Comedy Theatre. Arthur Marx, son of Groucho, declares, “Nobody does Groucho better than Frank Ferrante.” Doors open 7:15 p.m. on Saturday, at 1:15 on Sunday. Cash bar with light menu.345-0606 www. omahaperformingarts.org.

5/9: Omaha Symphony Chamber Series: mozart and Salieri. Holland Performing Arts Center. This program features recitations from the play Amadeus along with some of Mozart’s most popular compositions. 1200 Doug-

las St. www.omahaperformingarts.org 5/10: Sentimental Journey: the art of alfred Jacob miller. Joslyn Art Museum. Approx. 70 sketches, watercolors, paintings and collateral. 2200 Dodge St. www.joslyn.org 5/10: Spring Flower Shot “moonlight and magnolias”. Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha’s Botanical Center.

Southern gardening is the theme of this indoor floral show with themes from “Moonlight and Magnolias” and “Gone with the Wind.”

100 Bancroft St. www.omahabotanicalgardens.org 5/12: Billy Joel and elton John Face 2 Face. Qwest Center Omaha. 455 N. 10 St. www.qwestcenteromaha.com 5/16: Playing With Fire Concert Series. Lewis & Clark Landing. Blues music Concert at Lewis & Clark Landing Park. Free will donations accepted at the gate, with a portion going to The Food Bank. Featuring Gaetano Pellini Band and Ronnie Baker Brooks.

515 N. Riverfront Dr. www. playingwithfireomaha.net 5/16: matthew Dehaemers: (402) DisConnect/reConnect. Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts. Matthews Dehaemers utilizes the social and cultural histories of a region to make unforeseen connections with diverse contemporary communities. Gallery talk on Sat 3/14 noon. 724 S. 12 St. www.bemiscenter.org

the encounter | may/june 2009 27

Word from the Mayor

Sponsored by Pinnacle Bank 5/16: regina Carter.

Holland Performing Arts Center. One of the most popular young violinists in modern music today, Regina Carter and her group have brought audiences to their feet with exhilarating performances worldwide.

1200 Douglas St. www. omahaperformingarts.org 5/17: Joe Cocker live in Concert. Stir Summer Concert Series at Harrah’s Outdoor Concert Cove. 8 p.m. Tickets, $34.50. www. stircove.com.

5/21: John Pizzarelli Presents. Holland Performing Arts Center. An internationally acclaimed jazz vocalist and guitarist presents favorites from the Sinatra songbook. 1200 Douglas St. www.omahaperformingarts.org 5/22: Omaha Beef vs.

Colorado ice. Omaha Civic Auditorium. Arena football. 18th & Capitol Sts. www.beeffootball.com

“Shadow Box” sculpture , by tom Sitazman.

Photo taken by Joan Baillon

Downtown Public Art tour Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey is pleased to announce guided public walking tours of downtown art to be held on Sunday, May 17. Those interested should meet at the Omaha Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1001 Farnam, Suite 200 for one of three start times: 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Walkers may choose a ½ mile short tour or a 2-mile long tour. Tours are open to the public and free although donations to the Public Art Maintenance Fund will be accepted. The tours are guided by members of the Public Art Commission, an official City commission which aims to maintain a system for reviewing, accepting, and maintaining public art, to increase the public’s exposure to art, and to educate the public about visual and cultural aspects of the city. For more information on the Downtown Public Art Tours, contact Ashley Hinck in the Mayor’s Office at 444-6410.

28 may/june 2009 | the encounter

5/22: From the top live with host Christopher O’Riley. A live radio performance showcasing top young classical musicians.

Holland Performing Arts Center. 7:30 p.m. Presented by KVNO Classical 90.7 FM in collaboration with Omaha Performing Arts.

Tickets, call 345-0606.

5/22: robert earl Keen & Cross Canadian ragweed. Stir Summer Concert Series at Harrah’s Outdoor Concert Cove. 8:00 p.m., Tickets $29. www. stircove.com 5/23 - 9/7: moneyville.

The Durham Museum. This highly interactive exhibit promotes economic literacy in a fun, immersive urban environment. Embark on an exciting hands-on tour through a money factory, anti-counterfeiting forensics lab, bank, shopping district, stock market, and international shipping dock. 801 S. 10 St. www. durhammuseum.org 5/24: Wood. Joslyn Art Museum. An exhibition celebrating the history and unique characteristics of the woodblock print.

The Wood exhibition inauqurates a series of three

annual exhibitions - Wood, Metal and Stone. 2200 Dodge St. www.joslyn.org 5/24: the indian Portrait gallery of thomas l. mcKenney. Joslyn Art Museum. An impressive portfolio of Indian portraits documents an important part of American history with likenesses of individuals who represented the Indian nations. 2200 Dodge St. www.joslyn.org 5/25: andre rieu. Qwest Center Omaha. 455 N. 10 St. www.qwestcenteromaha.com 5/29 - 5/30: Omaha Symphony masterworks Series: mahler’s Fifth.

Omaha Symphony. Mahler’s work is remarkably distinctive—from its opening funereal trumpet solo and beloved adagietto to the finale that almost forces you to hold your breath.

Acclaimed young cellist Alisa Weilerstein performs Haydn’s mercurial, brilliant Cello Concerto in C Major. w w w.omahaper formingarts.org 5/29 - 6/28: gypsy.

Omaha Community Playhouse. The ultimate story about an aggressive stage mother. Join Rose, June, and Louise on their trip across the US during the 1920s – when vaudeville was dying and burlesque was born. Considered one of the crowning achievements the mid-twentieth century’s conventional musical theatre art form.

6915 Cass St. www.omahaplayhouse.com 5/31: artists’ Cooperative gallery. Artists’ Cooperative Gallery Ltd. All Members Show. Opening party open to the public on First Saturday of each month 7-10pm. Food and Drinks & Live Music. 405 S. 11 St. www.artistscoopgallery.com 5/31: Becoming american: teenagers and immigration. The Durham Museum. A compilation of gripping black and white photography taken by Barbara Beirne and captioned in the subjects own words.

801 S. 10 St. www.durhammuseum.org

JUNE EVENTS 6/3 - 6/28: artists’ Cooperative gallery. Artists’ Cooperative Gallery Ltd. New works from Jim Brummel, Lori Elliott-Bartle, Tom Hamilton and Jean Mason.

Opening party open to the public on First Saturday of each month 7-10pm. Food and Drinks & Live Music.

405 S. 11 St. www.artistsco-opgallery.com 6/5 - 6/7: 12th annual taste of Omaha. Heartland of America Park & Fountain. Along Omaha’s riverfront, the event showcases area restaurants with exciting live entertainment and activities. Watch cooking demonstrations, browse displays, enjoy music, amusement rides, face painting and much more!

8th & Farnam Sts. www. tasteofomaha.info 6/5 - 6/7: Sand in the City.

Corporate sand sculpting competition. Concessions available. Vote for your favorite sculpture and help determine who will win the People’s Choice Award.

Free. Donations welcome.

Qwest Center Omaha. 455 N. 10 St. www.nchsfoundation.org 6/5 - 6/28: Disney’s high School musical. Rose Performing Arts Center. The smash Disney Channel movie on stage! East High will never be the same when basketball star Troy and the brainy new student Gabriella break out of their groups to audition for the school musical. 2001 Farnam St. www.rosetheater.org 6/5 - 8/15: hope tucker: the Obituary Project.

Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts. 724 S. 12 St. www.bemiscenter.org 6/5: Sculpture garden gala. Joslyn Art Museum.

A gala event for the opening of the new Peter Kiewit Sculpture Garden. 2200 Dodge St. www.joslyn.org 6/5: Omaha Beef vs.

Sioux City Bandits. Omaha Civic Auditorium. Arena football. 18th & Capitol Sts. www.beeffootball.com 6/6 - 9/6: river of gold: Precolumbian treasures from Sitio Conte. Joslyn Art Museum. This exhibi-

tion surveys the first artist to travel across the plains and into the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Approximately 70 sketches, watercolors, paintings and collateral materials. 2200 Dodge St. www.joslyn.org 6/6 - 10/18: masterpieces of mexican Folk art from the Pat & Judd Wagner Collection. Joslyn Art Museum. This exhibition features traditional and contemporary Mexican folk art objects collected

by Omahans Pat & Judd Wagner. 2200 Dodge St. www.joslyn.org 6/11: Dane Cook. Qwest Center Omaha. Fresh on the heels of the announcement of his Comedy Central special and comedy album, ‘ISolated INcident,’ comedian Dane Cook has now announced plans to take his material on the road with the ‘ISolated INcident - Global Thermo Comedy Tour.’ Touted as the largest comedy tour in history, Cook will travel within the US, Canada, Africa, Brazil, Australia, UK and Germany. 455 N. 10 St. www.ticketmaster.com 6/13 - 6/24: nCaa College World Series. Rosenblatt Stadium. Team autograph sessions, Fan Fest activities and Opening Ceremonies and fireworks will be Fri 6/12. For information on ticket purchases, including dates they go on sale, please refer to www.cwsomaha.com or call 402-5544404. www.cwsomaha. com 6/13: Playing With Fire Concert Series. Lewis & Clark Landing. Blues music Concert at Lewis & Clark Landing Park. Free will donations accepted at the gate, with a portion going to The Food Bank.

Featuring Angel Forrest and Trampled Under Foot.

515 N. Riverfront Dr. www. playingwithfireomaha.net 6/14: Second Sunday talk: Flag Day. General Crook House. Featuring Omaha attorney Larry Dwyer speaking on “Lincoln-the Law Years”. 30th & Fort Sts. www.omahahistory. org

6/14 - 10/4: golden legacy: 65 Years of golden Book illustrations. Joslyn Art Museum. Original illustration art from the vast Random House archive including The Poky Little Puppy, Tootle, I Can Fly and more. 2200 Dodge St. www. joslyn.org 6/16 - 8/25: tempo of twilight Concert Series. Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha’s Botanical Center. From alltime favorite cover songs to artistic originals, talented local bands will create a memorable musical experience for visitors of all ages. Purchase delicious and affordable meals from the café or bring your own snacks and beverages. Bring blankets or chairs to relax in the garden. 100 Bancroft St. www.omahabotanicalgardens.org 6/18 - 7/11: reefer madness: the musical. Blue Barn Theatre. An outrageous tongue-in-cheek musical comedy adaptation of the classic 1936 anti-marijuana propaganda film. 614 S. 11 St. www.bluebarn.org 6/19 – 21: nebraska gay Pride Week. For updates, see www.nebraskapride. com.

6/20: adam Frelin: let’s Pretend Weathermen. Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts. 724 S. 12 St. www. bemiscenter.org 6/20: Scavenger Dash Urban adventure. Downtown Omaha. Teams of two solve twelve clues, visit checkpoints and complete challenges while running, walking or riding the bus for a max of 5 hours. visit ScavengerDash.com for full details. http://scavengerdash.com/ 6/20: 3 Doors Down. Stir Summer Concert Series at Harrah’s Outdoor Concert Cove. 7:30 p.m., Tickets $45.50. www.stircove.com 6/20: Omaha Beef vs. San angelo Stampede. Omaha Civic Auditorium. Arena football. 18th & Capitol Sts. www.beeffootball.com

Cubby’s Old Market Grocery 601 S. 13th St.

the encounter | may/june 2009 29

Sponsored by Pinnacle Bank

Now serving

concept

be daring

6/20: eric Clapton and Steve Winwood. Qwest Center Omaha. 455 N. 10 St. www.qwestcenteromaha.com

Sushi

Mondays 9am - 5pm Tuesday thru Friday 9am - 8pm Saturday 8am - 5pm © Aveda Corp

6/20 - 6/21: railroad Days. Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha’s Botanical Center.

A celebration of all things train and track at Lauritzen Gardens, The Durham Museum in Omaha, Union Pacific Railroad Museum, RailsWest Railroad Museum and the General Dodge House in Council Bluffs.

Sponsored by Union Pacific Railroad and the Iowa West Foundation. 100 Bancroft St. www.omahabotanicalgardens.org

Served ThursdaySaturday from 5pm-1am

1037 Jones St. 934-0005

6/23: mormon tabernacle Choir. Holland Performing Arts Center.

Don’t miss this once-in-alifetime chance to experience the 360 heavenly voices and 110 musicians of “America’s Choir” inside Omaha’s own celebrated Kiewit Concert Hall. One performance only and seating is limited, so mark

your calendar now. 1200 Douglas St. www.omahaperformingarts.org 6/26 - 6/28: Summer arts Festival. Farnam St. between 10th & 15th St. 135 of the nation’s finest visual artists, three stages of continuous entertainment including national performers and a large hands-on Children’s Fair. Food, Nebraska craft brews, special events and artist demonstrations. One of the city’s premier destinations for exceptional art, atmosphere and entertainment. www.summerarts.org 6/27: Chicago live in Concert. Stir Summer Concert Series at Harrah’s Outdoor Concert Cove. 8:00 p.m.

Tickets, $41. www.stircove. com

Anthony Davis Art

a collection of paintings

opening May 1st showing all thru May Hot Shops Art Center 1301 Nicholas St. Omaha

$14,635

smart center La Vista 7010 S 124th Cir La Vista NE 68128 866.387.0859 phone www.smartcenterlavista.com Passion Coupe. MSRP of smart fortwo Passion Coupe as shown $14,635.

30 may/june 2009 | the encounter

Co m fo e In da r o ily ur sp lu ec nc ial h s!

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We offer a wide variety of great food from our kitchen. seventeen 48 in. flatscreen hd t.v.s Each w/ the cox digital and direct t.v. networks allowing us to watch any sporting event that is on at any time.

Great drink specials served up by a fantastic staff. darts, video games, and soon to come, KENO!!!

Also, a smoking area, with an outdoor beer garden in the works.

1125 Jackson St. • Omaha, NE 68102 • 402-502-5150

Dinner well done.

Or medium rare if you prefer.

At Upstream Brewing Company, we proudly serve hand-cut Omaha Steaks™ – filets, rib-eyes, New York strips. Are you getting hungry? We’re a city famous for steak so of course we serve the beef that bears our name. Our new American pub fare menu also includes delicious favorites, hearty sandwiches and burgers and a wide variety of appetizers and thin-crust pizzas. And with generous portions, scrumptious sides and a dessert menu second to none, we promise you’ll never leave hungry.

Old Market 11th & Jackson

402.344.0200

West Omaha

171st & W. Center Rd.

402.778.0100

We’re not called Upstream Brewing Company because of our iced tea.

Our award-winning, hand-crafted beers are brewed fresh on-site in a variety of styles – from our bitter Firehouse ESB to our sweet Honey Raspberry Ale. Stop in today, and find one to call your favorite.

Happy hour specials, hours of operation, full food, beer and wine menus. Find all this and more at UpstreamBrewing.com