By: Gizela Kwihangana
OMAHA, Neb. — A silent auction, glassblowing demonstrations and open artist studios brought visitors to Hot Shops Art Center for its annual fundraiser, which helps cover operating expenses and keep studio rentals affordable for working artists.
“The money at our annual fundraiser is used to offset operational expenses, which allow us to then in turn provide affordable rental space for our working artists to work in their studios,” said Kim Sellmeyer, the center’s executive director.
Hot Shops uses rental income, programming and fundraising to help cover operating expenses. That financial support helps keep studio space affordable, allowing artists to create their work and share their skills through educational opportunities for the public.
During the event, visitors scanned codes to bid on silent auction items, with winners announced toward the end of the evening.
Anthony Pena, a digital and acrylic artist who creates murals, contributed two pieces to the auction. Before joining Hot Shops, he worked from his apartment.
“If you need a space to do your art, this is the perfect place,” Pena said.
Artist and art teacher Andre Watts said the fundraiser also helps introduce artists to new audiences.
“When you have a fundraiser like this and you get support from the community, obviously, it provides financial support for the place to continue, but it also provides just visibility,” Watts said.
Hot Shops artists also share their skills through classes, workshops, and demonstrations.
“Our artists last year provided over 1,000 different sorts of educational experiences for the Omaha community, including over 8,000 people that came in through educational experiences here,” Sellmeyer said.
Glass studio manager Matthew Schrader recalled a semester long glassblowing program for high school students. One participant eventually became a resident artist.
That former student is Samuel Logeman, who began visiting Hot Shops during his senior year of high school.
“I was hooked, so I just kept going back once a week,” Logeman said.
The public can continue supporting Hot Shops throughout the year by attending workshops, exhibitions and open houses or making donations to the nonprofit.
