March Gallery A: Fremont Public Schools K-12 Select Student Art

Posted on March 4, 2014 by FAAA
In celebration of National Youth Art Month, (March) we are pleased to present the wonderful artwork of Fremont youth grades kindergarten through high school seniors. Thanks to the hard work of dedicated art teachers: Mora Hornig, Christie Gutzmann and Cody Wheelock at senior high level; Andrea Rockeman and Amy Gillespie at the Johnson Crossing Academic Center, Axton Kahler at the middle school; and Julie Bristol, Erin Wesely and Jesse Kiefer at the elementary level; we have another fantastic display of children’s artwork! Gallery B

As an organization dedicated to the visual arts, we are so thankful that the Fremont Public School System continues to support and fund the visual arts for the students of Fremont, continuing quality programs for our children. This is not true of all school systems. Creativity is a huge part of a child’s development and strikes a wonderful balance with the core classes – actually enhancing performance in all areas of the curriculum.

fps 1
If you have never attended a reception for this show, you don’t know what you have missed. The children and their families know they have a piece of artwork there, but no clue what it might be.
The excitement as the families enter our doors, and their search for that special piece, is a joy to behold. Mark March 9th on your calendar, and plan to attend the reception for these young artists. It will be one of those warm and fuzzy experiences!

March Gallery B:  The Department of Agriculture Nebraska Children’s Poster Contest

National Agriculture Week runs March 23rd through March 30th. In recognition, the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce Agricultural Business and Natural Resources Council and the Fremont Tribune have invited area children in Kindergarten through 5th grade to create a poster depicting what Agriculture means to them!

Children are given the opportunity to create an original work of art. An entry form is sent home to students in Fremont and the surrounding area schools. Some teachers take advantage of the opportunity and make the poster contest into a class project. There are three age categories: kindergarten and 1st grade; 2nd and 3rd grades; and 4th and 5th grades. The top three entries in each category are awarded prizes donated by local businesses. ag 3
The objective of the Council’s contest is to encourage children to think about how Nebraska’s agriculture affects them. It is evident that children clearly understand the significance agriculture has on the state and their community. Farming seasons, livestock production, ethanol and feeding the world are just a few of the subjects drawn. The creative ways these students portray the concept of agriculture’s place in their lives is truly amazing. ag 1
We are pleased to host the show for these wonderful works of art during the month of March. The reception for the Nebraska Agricultural Week Children’s Art show, is sponsored by Cleary Building Corporation.

The contest winners will be announced at the reception, March 8th, at 2:30 p.m.

The reception for the young artists in the Ag Poster Contest will be Saturday, March 8th from 2 to 4 p.m.

The reception for the Fremont Public Schools K-12 artists will be Sunday, March 9th, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Gallery Hours:  1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.  Closed Mondays.

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February Gallery A: “We Love Fiber” Omaha Weavers & Spinners Guild

Posted on February 1, 2014 by FAAA

This month, Gallery A features a myriad of hand- crafted items created by the Omaha Weavers and Spinners Guild. This group was organized over 50 years ago to improve techniques in hand-weaving and hand-spinning, to help all weavers and spinners achieve the highest standard of excellence by providing exhibition of members’ articles, and to further the education of hand-weaving and hand-spinning among the general public.

Spinner  Yarn

Weaving on loombaskets-1008x500

The Omaha Weavers and Spinners Guild has grown to include and appreciate all aspects of the field of fiber arts. This includes but is not limited to knitting, crocheting, surface design, dyeing, basketry, felting, beading and paper. This show encompasses many of these techniques, and promises a wide variety of artistic creations as well as beautiful functional and wearable items. Members of the guild, including several who are also members of the Fremont Area Art Association have prepared new works of fiber art for their debut in Fremont.

For more information about the Omaha Weavers & Spinners Guild, go to www.owsguild.com

This is a fiber arts show not to be missed!

 

 

February Gallery B:  Fremont Public Schools Elementary Select Show

What happens when the Fremont Public Schools Art Specialists enter the kindergarten through 4th grade classrooms in our elementary schools? Wonderful things!

Early exposure to the fine arts (including visual arts and performing arts programs) promotes healthy activity in the brain.

In the elementary years, children begin to develop important aspects of self-concept. At this age, they begin to make social comparisons, these comparisons help them to understand who they are and their place in the world. Through art courses students are encouraged to communicate their thoughts and ideas in a way that is clear and representative of their personal ideals and beliefs. Participating in Art activities helps students to gain the tools necessary for under- standing human experience, develops tolerance and respect for others’ ways of working and thinking, and the refines of creative problem-solving skills.

Kinder Art

The kids learn about artists, the Elements of Art(space, line, shape, form, color, value and texture); they learn about different media and techniques. They are able to express themselves in ways no other school subject allows.

Fremont Public Schools Art Specialists Julie Bristol, Jesse Kiefer and Erin Wesely enter the classrooms, inspiring wonderful works of art. This select show is representative of work created daily in the elementary schools of FPS. Stop by to view the young artists’ work - there is nothing else quite as insightful, and full of the personality of the children. It’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face! K-4

 

 

 

 

 

The reception for the Omaha Weavers & Spinners Guild, the Elementary Students of Fremont Public Schools, and loft artist of the month, Richard Charter, will be Sunday, February 9th, from 2 to 5 p.m.

Gallery Hours:  1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.  Closed Mondays.

 

 

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January Gallery A: “The Road Not Taken” themed and juried show

Posted on January 5, 2014 by FAAA

How would you visually interpret this?

The Road Not Taken
                                  by Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back,

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

This was the challenge issued to artists from across eastern Nebraska. Come see what this poem inspired! The artists were also asked to write a narrative explaining the creative process utilized in making their entries. This show was not only themed, but juried, with Awards given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places. In addition to the Judge’s awards, YOU will have the opportunity to vote for the Visitors’ Favorite-Best of Show.

The judge for the exhibition is Denise Brady. Denise has edited, published, printed and bound letterpress limited editions of contemporary poetry through her Bradypress imprint since 1989. She holds an MFA in studio arts from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln and currently works as gallery coordinator for the Department of Art & Art History at the University of Nebraska – Omaha. For many years prior to that she directed activities of the Nebraska Book Arts Center at UNO. She was executive director of the Kimmel Harding Nelson Center for the Arts in Nebraska City from 2006 – 2010.

This challenge was accepted by over 40 artists, with amazing results.  Each artist was asked to submit a written statement along with their work, which adds another dimension. Even the 4th graders from Fremont’s Howard Elementary (not juried) have risen to the challenge! Come check it all out and cast your “Viewer’s Choice” vote! (Show runs from Jan. 7th – Feb. 2nd.)

 

 


 

January Gallery B:  ”The Cure”  paintings by Anthony Deon Brown

Anthony Brown was born on March 19, 1990, in Oklahoma City, OK, but grew up in Fremont, NE. He began drawing at the early age of three and was inspired by a large number of cartoons and classic films. Some standout films that still find their way into his art are: A Place in the Sun, based on the novel An American Tragedy, by Theodore Dreiser; Reflection in a Golden Eye, based on Carson McCullers’ novel; and Darkwing Duck. :)

Brown’s abilities in art continued to progress throughout his youth. At the age of 19 he started painting on a more serious level. He began signing his paintings “DEONxo”. Deon was used because this is his middle name and the xo is a reminder of the genuine hug and kiss for the people he meets that appreciate and/or purchase his artwork.

Not having any training in painting techniques, he began to learn various methods through trial and error, copying many of the styles that were demonstrated by the old masters. Anthony is proud of the fact that through this process he has grown quickly and gained a love for seeking out new techniques, and creating some of his own.

Anthony“I think of my artwork to be a style of allegorical painting. When we think of an allegory, it’s often in the form of an abstract idea or something that doesn’t have a physical or tangible mani-festation – like an emotion. So when I paint, I take something that doesn’t yet have a physical manifestation, or tangible representation. I (the painter), then try to find a symbol (nature, world symbols, space, animals), which can express the intangible and make it into something that can be witnessed and allow the viewer to believe and experience its existence.

In this series, I have focused on nature, world symbols, and animal protagonists to create a world, or space, where the viewer can explore and feel the intended concept, or emotion.”

A few of the venues “DEONxo” has exhibited at are P. S. Collective, The Slow Down, Bemis Underground, Blue Bottle and The NEW BLACK.

 

 

The reception for the artists of “The Road Not Taken” show, Anthony Deon Brown, and loft artist of the month, Linda McCrea, will be Friday, January 10th, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Gallery Hours:  1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.  Closed Mondays.

 

 

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December Gallery A: Robert C. Therien, Jr. – “Recent Works”

Posted on December 5, 2013 by FAAA

We are very fortunate to host celebrated artist, Robert C. Therien, Jr., at Gallery 92 West for the month of December. After his retirement as Art Department Chairman at Midland University, Bob re-entered the world of “creating”, and has amassed an impressive show which includes drawings, watercolors, and oils he has created during the last two years. We are his debut venue.

Robert C. Therien, Jr., holds degrees from Gustavus Adolphus (Bachelor of Arts), and the University of Wisconsin (Master of Arts and Master of Fine Arts). He spent 38 years teaching at Midland University, retiring as Full Professor of Art and chairman of the department in 2011. He is a Signature Member of the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society, Taos National Society of Watercolorists and Watercolor USA Honor Society. He holds Member Associate status in Allied Artists of America, NYC, and in American Artists Professional League.

He received our Pathfinder Award in 2006 in recognition of national prominence in the art world. His work is housed in art museums throughout the world, including the Albrecht Art Museum, St. Joseph, MO; The College of  William and Mary, Muscarelle Museum of Art, Williamsburg, VA; Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha, NE; Middlesbrough Art Gallery, Middlesbrough, Cleveland, England; Museum of Nebraska Art, Kearney, NE; Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery – F.M. Hall Collection, University of Nebraska at Lincoln, NE; and Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery, Thompson Drawing Collection, University of Nebraska at Lincoln, NE, to name just a few.

His work is included in public and corporate collections throughout the United States, most notably the University of Nebraska Medical Center, McGoogan Library of Medicine, Omaha, NE; College of Notre Dame of Maryland, Baltimore, MD; 1001 Pennsylvania Avenue Building, Washington, D.C.; United States Naval Hospital, Oakland, CA; Microsoft Corporation; Fremont National Bank and Trust, Main Bank, Fremont, NE;
Con Agra, Omaha, NE; Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, Omaha, NE; and U.S. West, Northwestern Bell Corporate Head- quarters, Omaha, NE.

Bob has received awards garnered from competitions throughout the United States, including awards from the prestigous Watercolor USA competitions. He has held One Man Exhibitions, and been included in juried exhibitions nationally, and internationally.

Bob discusses his most current work by stating, “My paintings deal with plant, greenhouse and isolated water images that are, by their nature, dramatic and subjectively appealing. I prefer to use fragmented designs that give the viewer a partial scene of the flow or continuum of the subject that reinforces the random, heightening references to the abstract.”

Bob Therien works from many drawings, photographs and conceptual images to enhance the mystical nature of the compositions’ designs and color orchestrations. His intent to capture the freshness and luminosity of the settings as well as the spontaneity evident in the patterns of growth. In water images, he makes use of the natural distortions of the submerged organic landscape and ever-changing patterns on the water’s surface.

Therien

Bob’s most recent paintings are derived from the Lied Jungle at the Henry Doorly Zoo and the McNeeley Conservatory at Como Park. The images feature the lush jungle foliage, Gothic vine structures, water events and gold- fish.

To say Robert Therien is an accomplished, recognized, and celebrated artist is an understatement.

Don’t miss this show!

 

 

December Gallery B:  Omaha Marian High School Select Student Work

MHS portraitsGallery B will feature select student artwork from Omaha Marian High School. Art teachers, Kathy McPherson and Ashley Thompson have chosen an excellent showcase of the girls’ work in a variety of media from Marian’s Art I, Art II,
Sculpture and Pottery classes. The show includes several Gold Key and Silver Key Award Winners from the national Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, the longest-running, most
prestigious recognition program for creative teens in the U.S., and the largest source of scholarships for young artists.

 

 

 

The reception for Robert C. Therien, Jr., the Omaha Marian Students, and loft artist of the month, Ken Shuster, will be Friday, December 6th, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Gallery Hours:  1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.  Closed Mondays.

 

 

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November Gallery A: Barbara Gehringer – “50 New Works Celebrating Fifty Years”

Posted on October 29, 2013 by FAAA

Barbara Gehringer, the Executive Director of the FAAA and Gallery 92 West, is the featured artist in Gallery A. Barbara graduated from the University of Nebraska-Omaha with degrees in both Studio Art and Art History. Her areas of concentration were papermaking and printmaking, (and Chemistry, if you count the BA “Before Art” years!)

N Central ParkShe has carried around a camera pretty much non-stop since her brother taught her how to use one when she was nine.  Since college, she has been a Certified Picture Framer and co-owner of Clarkson Street Gallery in Fremont for over 20 years.

This show is a combination of all of those passions, with works in a variety of media including photography, papermaking, papermarbling, and collage. “I enjoy working with all kinds of papers, especially those I have made myself.  Those can have such a rich textural quality and yet a soft hand. I have found the art of making hand-pulled marble papers the most captivating and intriguing. The opportunity for this show has allowed me to explore that whole process at a more intense level, and push beyond just producing decorative sheets to seeing and creating considerably more!”

Blue Moon     White on White


“The auspicious timing of this exhibit coinciding with my 50th birthday has been genuinely special! It provided a wonderful challenge to create new work, allowed time for reflection, and exploration, and instigated an awesome excuse to celebrate a big birthday besides! I can think of no more extraordinary way to celebrate the Art of Living than to Make Art!”

 

November Gallery B:  Julie Schram – Pencil Drawings

Omaha native Julie Schram was always drawing or painting as a child, “I always had to be busy or making something.” Upon high school graduation, Julie headed for Denver to attend and graduate from the Colorado Institute of Art. Her first employment was at a tile import store, where she designed and hand-painted custom tiles. After a visit to the East Coast, Julie enjoyed the area so much she decided to move there, opening her own hand-painted tile studio. However, by 2003, Omaha was calling and she moved back to Nebraska.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAHer life changed with the birth of her two children, and she decided to devote all her time to them, becoming a stay-at-home mom. But the art never left her bloodstream. Her mother convinced her to become a Docent at the Joslyn Art Museum, thus nurturing her need for art in her life, yet allowing her to devote most of her time to her children.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThe docent position allowed her to observe and study the variety of shows the Joslyn offers the Omaha area. One show, “Beyond Realism; The Works of Kent Bellows” had a pro- found impact on Julie.  She realized the pencil media could allow her to work on her art while the children were involved in their activities – it’s very easy to transport anywhere she goes, doesn’t need to dry. Her need to artistic endeavor, which she had put aside, is now sated.

Julie loves to take pictures of her kids and their friends, using them as subjects for her drawings. She likes to use shots in which the kids are not posed, but rather going about their daily routine. “I love the emotion in their eyes.”

 The reception for Barbara Gehringer, Julie Schram, and loft artist of the month, Pat Lontor, will be Saturday, November 16th, from 5 to 8 p.m.

Gallery Hours:  1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.  Closed Mondays.

 

 

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