After a year of social distancing and limited in-person events, Omaha Public Library (OPL) celebrates the return of community art to the Michael Phipps Gallery with a new exhibition opening on March 4, 2022, that celebrates the “Power of Story.” The call for artists from October 25 through December 17, 2021, drew an excellent response from local artists. Thirty-five submissions were received, and 10 artists were selected to exhibit their work throughout the year. Thank you to Shawnequa Linder, Ilaamen Pelshaw, and Kat Fackler for their service on the art selection jury.
The artists featured in “The Power of Story” create a literacy connection between their pieces and a story. Emmanuela Ahianti mainly focuses on realistic art and graphite. The artist strives to invoke happiness by connecting her pieces and their narrative. In a fanciful and otherworldly manner, C+C Mini Factory places miniatures and photography in a nostalgic, theatrical, sometimes absurd, and always playful environment. Larrison Seidle's work connects to storytelling in its inspiration and subject matter. It is influenced by myths and dramas of ancient Greece, a core foundation of modern literature.
This year marks 25 years of art exhibits in the Michael Phipps Gallery. During that time, the gallery has served as a tribute to the life and work of Phipps, and for his many contributions to OPL and the community. It also represents OPL’s commitment to connecting the community to local art and artists. With a year ahead that promises an array of changes, this commitment to building connections will carry on into the future.
Add a comment to: “The Power of Story” builds connections to local art in W. Dale Clark Main Library’s Michael Phipps Gallery