This column, highlighting the Remnants of the Past collaboration, appeared in the Aug. 4, 2024 edition of the Omaha World-Herald (NE), page 2E of the Living Section. It is also available at Omaha.com (opens in a new tab, opens a new window).
A new collaboration between Omaha Public Library and the MaMO Gallery combines artistic expression with the exploration of family history.
"Remnants of the Past" initiative brings arts engagement to Omaha Public Library
Housed in a converted semitrailer, the MaMO mobile gallery partners with communities and organizations, offering a platform for interdisciplinary programming, artist residencies and immersive installations. The Omaha Public Library successfully secured a proposal to host the mobile gallery through August outside its Genealogy and Local History Room at 3020 S. 84th St.
The partnership is complemented by MaMO artist-in-residence Amelia Broussard, whose program series “Remnants of the Past” is a centerpiece of the joint initiative.
Beginning Aug. 7, community members are invited to join OPL and MaMO for a series of engaging workshops and drop-in sessions. These sessions encourage participants to create new works of art by delving into their family histories, utilizing heirlooms such as family recipes, cherished letters and old photographs.
Under Broussard’s guidance, attendees can create stunning collages, heartfelt zines, personalized postcards and printed artwork that incorporate these historical remnants — as well as scans and printouts of resources found in the library — into new and meaningful pieces. Supplies will be provided, and all workshops are free and open to the public, no registration required.
Drop-in sessions hosted in the MaMO Gallery trailer will take place on Wednesdays, Aug. 7, 14 and 21. Artist-led workshops will take place on Saturdays, Aug. 10, 17 and 24 inside the Genealogy and Local History Room.
Poppy, OPL’s mobile library, will also be on-site and offering circulation services during the Wednesday drop-in sessions for those who’d like to browse and check out books.
This collaboration between MaMO Gallery, OPL and artist Amelia Broussard demonstrates the power of art to connect communities, preserve personal histories and foster creativity in unexpected places.
The culmination of these creative endeavors will be showcased in an upcoming exhibition titled “Remnants of the Past.” Scheduled to open Sept. 6, the exhibition will debut alongside Benson First Friday art openings, a celebrated event in the local arts community. Participants from the workshops will have the opportunity to display their creations within the MaMO Gallery, opens a new window itself, alongside Broussard’s final exhibition hosted within the trailer.
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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