Odds-on Favorites

by Michael J. Krainak

Well, the world didn’t end in 2012 despite such predictions by those who misinterpreted the Maya calendar. Fittingly, while many were preparing for doomsday or using it as an excuse to party and dance like a Mayan, it appears those of that descent simply celebrated Dec. 20^th as an end of a 5,125-year cycle and the beginning of a new one.

Meanwhile, those disappointed with the 2012 presidential election licked...

A-List Flirts with Absurd

by Michael J. Krainak

A year ago this reviewer prefaced the 2011 A-List: the most significant visual art events and exhibits in the Metro with “one thing can be certain, very little of it (art) was political or controversial…where were the arts events and exhibits that celebrated, satirized or expressed our national, regional or local concerns and conscience? Or are artists just saving it up for 2012 election year rise and fallout?”

‘Hugs & Kisses’

by Laura Vranes

Artists Jeff King and Anthony Brown’s group show XO at New BLK Gallery can be described as a titillating stimulation of your eyes and sensibilities.  King’s stark urban influences create an interesting juxtaposition to Brown’s more voluptuous female forms. 

This show is unique as it features both individual and collaborative paintings from both King and Brown.  Their styles may be different, but the...

Deskins Les Femmes Folles

by Mary Day

During this Holiday season artful gifts are always welcome. Original art work such as ceramics, paintings, sculpture, jewelry, limited edition photography, and more can be found at local Omaha galleries. Anderson O’Brien Fine Arts Gallery, Artists’ Cooperative Gallery, Dundee Gallery, and Modern Arts Midtown are but a few to check out. A unique option might be an artist’s book. Omaha artist and arts activist Sally...

Bemis Underground

by Michael J. Krainak

In a reorganization move at the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, with several staff members let go, the buzz around town is the apparent closing of Underground and the departure of the venue’s third official manager and curator, Joel Damon. According to Todd Simon, Bemis board of directors vice president, "In an effort to optimize the exhibition program at Bemis, we made the decision to bring the activities at...

‘Prime’ Time

by Mary Day

Go to New York City and wonder at the sight of the Statue of Liberty rising out of New York Harbor. On a tablet within the pedestal on which the statue stands is an engraved poem by Emma Lazarus, “The New Colossus”, containing the often quoted lines "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…” The poem was written to commemorate the installation of Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi’s...