Thursday at Bemis brings the art talk with James Murray (painting), Catherine Lane (drawing) and Julie Schenkelberg (installation). At Modern Arts Midtown, Silent Waters opens May 3, featuring new work by Judith Burton (oil painting), Michael James (fiber art), and Amy Smith (clay works). The Lincoln artists share an “understated, sophisticated palette.” Modernartsmidwest.com.
EVENTgelical Productions’ weekend of creative events is DREAMING at Diamond on 16,th May 4-6. Art highlights include live painting duo Luke Armstrong and Molly Nicklin who will perform “art prov” Friday night; Samurai of the Spoken Word bringing “bizarre” slam poetry Saturday evening; open mic Sunday afternoon followed by community art talks “Omaha’s Art Scene Side B,” “Nebraska Arts Council Grants,” and “Celebrating Women in Art” (Full Disclosure: I’m giving this talk). Art by local artists for sale to benefit St. Monica’s Behavioral Health Services for Women thru the weekend. Wemustbedreaming.com.
Opening Friday, The NEW BLK Gallery Presents: ExhiBIKEtion in collaboration with Community Bike Project Omaha to raise funds for the organization that promotes the bike as a reliable, viable and fun means of transporation. Over twenty local artists using the bike as inspiration are exhibiting with a silent auction running thru May 16. thenewblk.com.
Hot Shops Art Center 11th Annual Spring Open House is May 5-6. Folks can get to know the new resident artists like minimalist painter Tony Oliveto in Studio 313. Other artists have moved and taken on bigger projects like photographer g thompson higgins who will be introducing his new creative group project October Faction with collaborators Fran Higgins, art director, and Elliot Dougherty, head stylist, in his new Studio 218. Artists will give demos like Les Bruning sculpture, Crystal Forge glass blowing and Dar Vandevoort painting. Along with 54 open studios, exhibits in the galleries include Old Market Artists, Scott Papek photography and Joseph Vavak photography. hotshopsartcenter.com.
Grasshopper Synapse opens at The Kent Bellows Studio & Center for Visual Arts Friday, May 4. This event, curated by students Bless, Kolby Giddings, McClaren and Reilly and mentor Laurie Sewell, is the culmination of the Spring semester of the Young Artist Mentoring Programs. “Grasshopper Synapse is our most diverse show to date with work ranging from painting to textiles to bronze to 3D printing and game design,” Weston Thomson, Education Manager said. “Young artists from over 20 area high schools will exhibit work and be present to discuss and show off their art.” Proceeds benefit the young artists and the Center’s programs. Kentbellows.org.