16 Local Artists Selected to Create Art for New Central Library
Artists Chosen out of 242 Local Applicants to Create Permanent Public Artwork for Civic Landmark
Omaha, Nebr., November 19, 2024 – Sixteen Omaha and Council Bluffs area artists have been selected to have their creations on permanent display at Omaha Public Library’s new Central Library, currently under construction at 72nd and Dodge streets and scheduled to open in 2026. The artists were chosen from 242 local applicants in a call for public art, coordinated by Omaha Public Library (OPL) and Omaha nonprofit Amplify Arts.
The selected artists’ planned works for Central Library include sculpture, photography, mixed media, video, and textile work. All 16 artists live in the Omaha metro area:
- Littleton Alston
- Celeste Butler
- Richard Chung
- Mari Dailey
- Dana Damewood
- Kim Hager
- Shelby Neeley
- Peyton Pearson
- Christopher Prinz
- Linda Rivera García
- Sarah Rowe
- Lee Emma Running
- Shelby Seier
- Angie Seykora
- Ashley Vak
- Cindy Weil
Meet the artists! 🖌️ Explore their bios , opens a new window
OPL’s Executive Director Laura Marlane said each of the selected artists will bring something unique to Central Library. “The variety of mediums and perspectives will result in one of the broadest, most accessible collections of local art in Omaha,” said Marlane. “And the work is especially meaningful because of the personal connections many of the selected artists have with libraries, including utilizing the libraries to help kickstart their careers as artists. We can’t wait to help them unveil their works!”
Central Library partners have committed 1% of the total building construction costs towards an investment in public art, with the majority of that budget already going to local artists through this call for art. The 16 artists selected in this call are receiving project budget awards ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 to help them in the creation of their new works. They will now work with Amplify Arts and the Central Library design team on final designs and plans for future placement and installation. The public is invited to meet the artists on Sunday, January 26, 2025, from 2pm to 4pm at OPL’s Downtown Branch and can find more details on each artist at OmahaCentralLibrary.org/art.
Amplify Arts, opens a new window, an Omaha nonprofit that provides resources to artists, organizers, and cultural workers, facilitated the call for art, including the selection process. “This is, by far, the biggest response we’ve ever seen to a public call for art in Omaha,” said Lauren Martin of Amplify Arts. “Local artists were excited about being part of such a beloved community institution like the library and thoughtful about the possibilities in this new, beautiful building.”
The selection process for the artists included a review and scoring process by a panel of arts professionals from across the United States. Top-ranking applications were then reviewed by a panel of representatives from various Central Library stakeholder groups, who made the final selections.
Launched by Omaha Public Library and the City of Omaha in partnership with three nonprofit organizations — Omaha Public Library Foundation, opens a new window, Heritage Omaha, opens a new window, and Do Space, opens a new window — the Central Library is an important cultural investment in literacy, digital equity, community, and individual potential. For more information about the Central Library, visit OmahaCentralLibrary.org, opens a new window.
About Omaha Public Library
Omaha Public Library (OPL) strengthens our communities by connecting people with ideas, information, and innovative services, acting as an essential catalyst, collaborator, and connector. Learn about OPL's collections, facilities, services, programs and more at omahalibrary.org., opens a new window
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