Our concentration of 90 artists at the Hot Shops has forged a truly unique arts organization, and the work they do enhances the vibrant arts community in Greater Omaha. Check out the impact some of our resident artists have been making recently!
Amy Haney was accepted to a week-long residency at the Tyrone Gutherie Centre, in Annaghmakrrig, Co. Monaghan. Amy joined other visual artists and writers/poets/songwriters from the United States and Ireland for this competitive residency. While there, she worked in a couple of different printmaking techniques and made several watercolour plein air paintings.
Lily Stennis-Vinson had her first solo show at the African American Arts Gallery in Omaha.
James Hermsen has spent the past two months traveling and organizing Microtia and Atresia picnics for families and medical professionals in the ear community. James makes eyeglasses for children with Microtia and facial anomalies. Microtia is a rare congenital condition that causes one or both external ears to be underdeveloped or misshapen during development.During these events, James donated 100 pairs of glasses to children in Orlando, FL; Fullerton, CA; Edina, MN; Broomfield, CO; and New Orleans, LA.
It’s art fair season for Mell Smith and Greg Macdonald. Last month, the duo traveled to Brookings, SD, and Loring Park in Minneapolis, MN, to sell their creations made from cottonwood bark. Greg carves a variety of figurines, including Santas, Halloween characters, Uncle Sams, and Angels, while Mell paints them.
Valerie St. Pierre Smith was in Interlochen, Michigan teaching a costume design intensive at the end of June; and in dress rehearsal for a world premiere dance piece at American Dance Festival with Pilobolus Dance Theatre in July.
