By: Karlie Ryman
The Joslyn Art Museum opened a new exhibition on September 26th called Café Society Art and Sociability in Paris, 1855-1914. The exhibition showcases the development of French café culture and the impact it has on modern art through the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
The exhibition does have an entry fee, but there are opportunities for guests to visit for free. The community programs are free for anyone to attend. During the programs, guests can walk around the exhibition to get involved by creating their own art and watching ballet and opera performances.
The community programs here are meant to give opportunities to find inspiration and connection with art and others. They have self-guided activities and facilitated events that work with all ages. Community programs involved with cafe society immerse guests with French Cafe culture through their activities found throughout the exhibition.
Rae and Bill Dyer Curatorial Assistant Camryn Moore talks about how guests can learn beyond the time that the art took place in.
“One thing I hope that people take away is that even though this exhibition is very much rooted in the historic period, 1855 to 1914, it’s an exhibition title,” said Moore. “I hope that they see some of the resonance with the 21st century”
The America Midwest Ballet and Opera Omaha are some of the community partners that participate during the community programs. They perform in the fountain court across from the exhibition where guests can watch for free.
The America Midwest Ballet wants to help bring the community together. They want to give back to the community, and one way is through the community’s programs. During their performances they can show that dance and art is for anyone. They even welcome others to dance with them near the end of their performance.
American Midwest Ballet Community Engagement Coordinator, Kogan Larsen, is also a dancer and talks about how the Joslyn is a great place to perform as they bring people together through dance and art.
“I just think that dance, it’s for everyone,” said Larsen. “It reaches everyone. Everyone can move their body and find movement that feels good to them. And art is movement, dance is art, it all ties in together.”
