Caption: The sign in front off the Union for Contemporary Art’s building in North Omaha.
The Union for Contemporary Art is helping bring out the cultural and artistic scene that has always existed in North Omaha but hasn’t always had the resources.
Although the Union has only been in the current location at 2423 North St for about a year, the organization has been operating since 2011. Since its foundation, the Union has been bringing artistic talent, community oriented programs, and social progress to the area.
“We’re helping artists learn how to use their medium and their practice to focus on social engagement and social justice,” said Dawaune Hayes, the Union’s communications manager.
The Union for Contemporary Arts was formerly located off of 24th and Burnett Street. The rapid growth experienced by the organization demanded a larger space, which resulted in last year’s move to the Union’s current residence.
“It was good a space for where we started,” Hayes said. “But after three years we had out grown the space.”
The former building had only 3,000 square feet compared new location’s 16,000 square feet. Before the Union would have to seek out satellite galleries to host events, but now exhibits are all hosted in house.
Subsequent successes are continuing to allow the organization programs to grow and take on more employees.
Fellowship program
The fellowship program is the foundation of the Union’s mission. It aims to provide mutually beneficial opportunities for artists and community members, while fostering creativity at large.
“Our mission is to connect artists and communities to inspire social change.” Hayes said. “The fellowship is just one of the many ways that we are able to work towards that mission.”
Current members of the fellowship include:
- Celeste Butler
- Samone Davis
- Slowed Soul (Noah Sterba and Jeff Sedrel)
- Edem Kegey
- Jamie Hardy
In the past the program had fellowship members stay in their studio spaces for six months. Now the Union gives fellows a full year to flesh out their projects and contributions to the organization.
“I think they felt that by that sixth month point artists were getting a real good flow going, so they wanted to make that longer,” said Jamie Hardy, a current fellow at the Union.
Hardy is a University of Nebraska-Omaha art graduate who’s been able to continue practicing her craft locally due to the Union’s fellowship program. Most of Hardy’s recent work has featured the use of projections and mirrors. By manipulating the projector’s light with mirrors, she creates scenes of scattered lights.
“I’m kind of dealing with moments in time,” Hardy said. “I’m dealing with memory a lot and what that feels like.”
Hardy has collaborated with the other fellows to help create the Union’s current exhibition in their main gallery space. The fellowship art will be on display until December 16.
Engaging the community
A primary objective the of the Union has always been to include surrounding community members. The organization has been doing this through a variety of outreach programs and community group projects.
Currently on display is a quilt that was built by Celeste Butler, a current fellowship member, who invited community members of ages to “quilting nights” where they would work on this group project.
“Celeste is our eldest fellow, and I think that really serves to her benefit in how she connects with people. She tends to have a matriarchal effect and appeal to her,” Hayes said.
Workshops are one way that the Union offers its services to the community. These are typically hosted by local artists or past fellows. No artistic experience is required or expected for people to attend.
“I’ll often hear people say ‘I’m not really creative’ or ‘I’m not really the artistic type,’” Hayes said. “I’m quick to tell people that everyone is creative, everyone is an artist. Just not everyone has had the opportunity to explore and find their medium.”
Open studios events throughout the year give community members a chance see how the Union’s fellows utilize their workspaces and talents. This includes meeting the artists and seeing their work in progress.
Details about public events at the Union can be found on their website calendar, which can be found here.
The Union also hosts youth programs that meet every Tuesday through Saturday evening. Since moving into their new location, the organization has been able to employ dedicated program managers. This has produced a “dynamic curriculum” according to Hayes.
Hayes said that the after-school youth programs are coordinated with local schools, but the weekend ones are available to anyone. While enrollment is currently at capacity, Hayes advises that interested parents and guardians keep a watchful eye for openings.
Additionally, the Union isn’t just confining their efforts to artistic causes. To help combat the scarcity of nutritious food in North Omaha, they are currently securing funds to build a garden. Hayes said this will be operated by volunteers and help provide food those in need.
Planning for the future
Megan King, the Union’s development associate, joined the staff this past year to help plot the organization’s path.
“I’ve been a fan of the Union since Brigitte got things going in 2011,” King said. “I knew her on a personal level when she owned Pulp, her store in Benson.”
King describes the Union’s future as uncertain but bright. While there are several ideas being floated around amongst the organization’s leadership, they aren’t quite sure what direction they are going to decide on.
“We got through this awesome year. We had some great results,” King said. “Now we’re asking ‘what are we going to do now?”
Details about the Union for Contemporary Art’s upcoming programs, galleries and community projects can be found at their website.
Will Patterson 