By: Stephanie Veloso, Reporter
OMAHA, Neb. – What started off as a warehouse and production plant in the early 1900’s, is now an interactive art hub in the middle of the Old Market.
Within the last decade, Omaha has become more and more noticeable for its art scene. KANEKO, a nonprofit art museum, has paved the way for artists to showcase their work in a new and interactive way.
The KANEKO building was purchased in 1998 by artist Jun Kaneko and Ree Schonlau. After several additions and years of remodeling, the organization began programming in 2009 and it officially opened as a public gallery in 2010.
The dynamic spaces within KANEKO allow for flexibility in displaying a variety of art pieces.
Executive Director, Stephan Grot, says their latest exhibit, “MONUMENTAL” will feature a collection of artists: “It is all about the idea of the modern monument and Richard’s approach to creating monuments about important people and places. We also have 2 locals, Sarah Rowe and Charles K. Junior and also another Chicago artist named Faheem Majeed upstairs. We’re open to the public next Thursday on the 13th.”
These installations and others would not be possible without the support and funding from the Omaha Community.
Community Engagement and Public Program Manager, Amanda Kephart, says all donations, big and small, help KANEKO thrive: “We do a lot of grant writing, we also have donations that come from our community. Omaha is an incredibly philanthropic town, we are incredibly lucky because of that,” she said.
KANEKO also provides programs and resources for the community such as creative camps and workshops over the summer that include interactive technology and several other art forms.
KANEKO also houses the only off-campus UNO library in the state, where students can check out books and other resources that relate to the metro art scene.
No matter the age or art experience, KANEKO has something for everyone.
