Gallery 1516 latest version of MONA2Omaha, a collaboration with the Museum of Nebraska Art, features Fred Otnes: A Collage, opening February 5. Otnes enjoyed extraordinary success designing stamps for the U.S. Postal Service and creating posters for 34 movies, album covers, and a mural for the Ronald Reagan Library and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
His most recognized work are his complex collages that combine old photographs with torn paper and fabrics, drawn and found imagery, and incorporate a variety of print making techniques. Through his multi-layered process, he created modern, abstract works that often carry a strong nostalgic connection. His career garnered him more than 200 awards from a variety of prestigious arts organizations.
Born in Kansas in 1925, Otnes and his family moved to Lincoln while he was still young. His first position was with the Lincoln Journal. Otnes’ illustrations have appeared in magazines ranging from Penthouse to Saturday Evening Post, Colliers and Atlantic Monthly.
The exhibit, organized by the Museum of Nebraska Art, will be on display until April 11th. Gallery 1516 is located at 1516 Leavenworth, just a few blocks southwest of the Old Market. Masks are required and the show is open by appointment only. Viewing hours are limited to Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 11AM to 5PM. Contact the gallery’s website for appointment info. www.gallery1516.org/current-exhibition.