may/jun 09 - the encounter magazine

Old Market • Downtown • Riverfront

www.oldmarket.com May/June 2009

Summer

ArtsFestival

Condo Life:Steve Joy

Downtown Faces: Maggie Garcia

Downtown Living:Downtown Condo Tour

Omaha magazine • 5921 S. 118th CirCle • Omaha, ne 68137PRSRT STD

US POSTAGEPAID

OMAHAMAGAZINE LTD

At the Old Market’s Front Door10TH & HOWARD STREETS

Handmade chocolates & fudgeFeaturing gourmet chocolates and fudge – all handmade with thefinest ingredients in our own kitchen. Plus a tempting selection of other sweet treats including:• Vermont Truffles • International Licorice• Nostalgia Candies • Sugar-Free Varieties• Jelly Bellies • Salt Water Taffy• Molded Candies for Special Occasions

1005 HOWARD ST. (402) 344-8846

Gifts that any Mom would adoreMore than just Christmas, we celebrate every holiday! Visit us soon to see our special selection of Mother’s Day gifts, including:• Cottage Garden Music Boxes• Willow Tree Figurines by DEMDACO• Heartwood Creek by Jim Shore• Lolita Glass Collection

1007 HOWARD ST.402) 345-9627

Small in size, large in variety!Find souvenirs, downtown’s largest selection of Heartland t-shirts & hats,

Nebraska-made gifts, Husker items and essentials for the traveler. We’ve beencalled “the hotel gift shop, without the hotel prices.”

1003 HOWARD ST. (402) 345-8198

Hand-craftedCornhuskdolls andwheat weavings

Embroideredball caps

Nebraskashot glass

Large selection of

local T-shirts

1108 Howard Street • 342-2050www.VivaceOmaha.com

Italian & Mediterranean specialties servedin“the Old Market’s most beautiful dining room,” complemented with thearea’s largest selection of Italian wines.

The OldMarket’s favorite spotfor lunch & dinner.

Award-winning food & wine list – open late 7 nights a week.

Call for reservations.

422 S. 11th Street • 342-2550www.MsPubOmaha.comM’sPub

New Patients WelcomeEarly Morning

and Emergency Availability

Open 9-12 on Saturdays!

Downtown Omaha’s Premier Choice

for Collision Repair

2340 Paul Street (NE Corner of 24th & Hamilton)

402.344.4471www.bstreetcollision.com

the encounter | may/june 2009 3

Comments? Send your letter to the editor to: [email protected]

All versions of The Encounter are published bimonthly by O m ah a M a g a z in e, LT D, P.O. B ox 4 612 0 8, Omaha NE 68046-1208. Telephone: (402) 884-2000; fax (402) 884-2001. No whole or part of the contents herein may be reproduced without prior written permission of Omaha Magazine, excepting individually copyrighted articles and photographs. Unsolicited manuscripts are accepted; howev-er, no responsibility will be assumed for such solicitations.

may/june 2009

Publisher

Todd Lemke

editor

Sandra Lemke

AssistAnt editor

Linda Persigehl

Art direc tor / Gr APhic desiGn

Matt Jensen

PhotoGr APhy

Bill Sitzmann • Scott Drickey

technic Al Advisor

Tyler Lemke

contributinG Writers

Brian S. AllenKim CarpenterHeather LaneMike Watkins

Leo Adam Biga

Account executives

Gwen Lemke • Vicki VoetAlicia Smith • Greg Bruns

editoriAl Advisors

Rick Carey • David Scott

For AdvertiSing inFormAtion:

402.884.2000www.omahapublications.com

Owned and managed byOmaha Magazine, LTD

Old MarketDowntown • RiverfrontSecond Chance

Antiques & Collectibles

1116 Jackson St. � 346-4930Mon-Thurs 10am-6pm / Fri-Sat 11am-9pm / Sun 12-6pm

Furniture � Architectural Items �ChinaGlassware � Toys & Dolls �Books

Huge Selection of Vintage Clothing &Jewelry on our Lower Level

Bought and sold by the handful, or houseful

Over 30 Years in the Old Market

Large Conference Room24 hour accessUtilities and cleaningComplimentary coff ee for you and your clients

Terrie/Manager: 402-345-1600 • www.farnam1600.com • 1603 Farnam Street • Omaha, NE 68102

FarnamEXECUTIVE OFFICE SUITES

Convenient locationParking available in a security garageParking for your clients by our back entranceSignage for offi ce door and lobby

• 7+ years experience

• Downtown Condominium Management Expert

• Onsite Project Manager

• On Staff Maintenance

• Friendly Courteous Service

• 24 Hour Emergency Service

• Cleaning Staff Services

Terrie Busacker, Property Manager • 402.345.1600 • www.farnam1600.comFarnam 1600 Mgmt. Office • 1603 Farnam St. • Omaha, NE 68102

For more information please contact:

Currently Managing Farnam 1600 Condo Assoc., Farnam 1600 Executive Offi ce Suites & Harney Parking Garage

Call for References

GARDNER MANAGEMENT GROUP

photo by Patrick Drickey, Stonehouse Publishing Co.

may/june 2009 | the encounter4

Downtown Living: Downtown Living Tour .....................6Feature: What’s New .........................................................9Cover Story: Summer Arts Festival ...............................12History: Bahr Vermeer & Haecker Architects .................15Downtown Art: Saddle Creek Development Sign .........18Downtown Faces: Maggie Garcia ............................... 20Condo Life: Steve Joy .................................................. 22Old Market Map ........................................................... 24Calendar .......................................................................27

20

15

22

Tower II Now

50% Sold!

Remarkable Living.

Remarkable Living begins at $255,000. RiverfrontPlace.com 402·397·4837

Now c h e c k o u t e N co u N t e r Mag a z i N e o N l i N e . us i N g f l i p b o o k t e c h N o lo g y to g i v e yo u a w h o l e N e w M ag a z i N e r e a d i N g e x p e r i e N c e .

contents


Take a Hikean urban hike into downtown Omaha’s coolest dwelling spaces

story by Sandy Lemke

Saturday, May 30 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. is your chance to peek into downtown Oma-ha’s lifestyle. Start your tour at any of the locations and take a free shuttle to the other sites. Tour guides will be on hand to describe the architecture and amenities

of each property. It’s a perfect opportunity for homebuyers, or those who are just curious about downtown

properties. The sites on the tour range from lofts, condominiums, row houses to townhouses. The amenities are exciting as well: concierge service, private balconies, underground parking and workout facilities.

Ben Proctor, Sales Manager of Riverfront Place, said, “The tour is an event that has grown as downtown has grown since we started the event in 2005. Even if you’re not an urban condo or townhome buyer today, but think you may be in the future, you have the opportunity to visit each year and see the new amenities that have been added to downtown. There is a way of life that is improving year by year in downtown Omaha and the Downtown Living Tour is a showcase of exactly that.

“

”

The tour is

an event

that has

grown as

down-

town has

grown.

Riverfront Place taken by

Malone & Co.

Wall Street Tower taken by Matt Shepherd Advertising and Design

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Listing Brokers: CBSHOME, NP Dodge and Prudential AmbassadorIn Partnership With: Media Partner:

101 THINGSto do downtown

downtown living tour

Saturday, May 30th 11am-5pm

FREE ADMISSIONShuttle service providedFor more information visit DowntownOmahaLiving.com

2027 Dodge St. • Lower Level, Scoular Building(parking & entrance off 21st & Douglas)402-342-2582 • pinnacleclubomaha.com

Omaha’sdowntown,downstairs, down-to-earthhealthclub.

TWO-WEEK FREE TRIALA no-obligation test run...call or drop in for details.

Downtown Omaha Inc. is presenting the Downtown Living Tour in partnership with the following developers:WallStreet tower12th & Casswww.wallstreettowerofomaha.com

Jlofts12th & Jackson Streetswww.jlofts.com

the enclave at the Brandeis16th & Douglas Streetswww.atthebrandeis.com

Farnam 160016th & Farnam Streetswww.farnam1600.com

the rows at Soma12th & Leavenworth Streetswww.homesatsoma.com

Kimball lofts15th & Jones Streetswww.kimball-lofts.com

the Paxton14th & Farnam Streetswww.thepaxton.com

riverfront PlaceRiverfront Drivewww.riverfrontplace.com

giovanna rows6th & Pierce Streetswww.giovannarows.com

towns at little italy7th & Pierce Streetswww.townslittleitaly.com

Beebe+runyan luxury lofts9th Street, between Douglas and Dodge Sts.www.beebelofts.com

Dunsany Flats10th & Pierce Streetswww.dunsanyflats.com


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Old market tea houseTea isn’t just for grandma anymore.

If you are passionate about tea and more interested in the type that is fragrant, delicious and aromatic — never found stuffed in a tea bag or in a dusty old box — consider a trip to The Old Market Tea House. There you will find a wide selection of fresh loose leaf teas, selected by manager Linda Marshall from distributors in India and Sri Lanka. Green, white, black, oolong, pu-erh, herbal—they have them all. Newbies and aficionados alike will be able to find a tea suitable for their palate. Curious about tea but not sure what you are in-terested in? The Old Market Tea House features small sniffer jars that make it easy to see the tea and smell the bouquet before ordering. Marshall loves the ceremony of tea—picking a flavor, steeping the leaves, pouring a cup—and smiles when she says, “Teas awaken the senses.” Marshall knows all the details of every variety of tea in the shop, and will gladly talk you through each type, helping you settle on the perfect cup.

Originally opened as just a great place for great tea, The Old Market Tea House is planning to add wine and desserts from the popular Sweet Magnolias Bakery to its menu. Soon you can stop in for a cup of tea, a glass of wine, a scrumptious dessert—or all three if the mood suits you.

The Old Market Tea House, owned by 13th Street Coffee Company, is located at 517 S. 13th Street, and is open 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Monday through Saturday, and 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM Sunday. For more info contact 402.934.8538 or visit us at www.oldmarketteahouse.com.

Hot Spots to Sip, Snack, Chow down and groove in the old Marketby Heather Heier Lane photos by minorwhitestudios.com

everyone

needs

birthday

cakes and

a treat

now and

then.

LLinda Marshall, manager and Sergio

DeCesare, Old market Tea House owner.

departments


elegance

cuisine

intimacy

Lower Level Old Market Passageway • 402.345.8980 • vmertz.com

Matthew Stamp•General Manager•SommelierKyle Anderson•Executive Chef

Award of Unique Distinction •Wine Enthusiast

restaurant and wine bar

irieCome for the food, stay for the groove—or vice versa.

In Jamaican, Irie means good feelings and good vibes. In Omaha, it surely means the same thing—and it just happens to be the name of a new club and restaurant that is serving up good feelings and good vibes on a daily basis. Irie opened in Decem-ber and has quickly become a popular place to go get a taste of unique fusion food, where after dinner, you can stick around for some dancing and cocktailing if you’re feeling particularly groovy. Irie features a menu as unique as its name, and with items named The D.O.C. & Mama B Transfusion Salad and the Ni Hao Burger, it promises to pique your curiosity. With three floors and two VIP areas, Irie is filled with lounge areas for those wanting to chill a bit, as well as dance areas for the braver set ready to shake up some good feelings. A special VIP balcony area features a bird’s eye view of the action below, and offers a cozy seating area where you can settle in and enjoy the view. The third floor is often rented out for VIP parties, and is also the place where DJs from all over the country come and spin their magic.

Irie is located at 302 S. 11th Street and is open daily from 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM, with food served until 12:00 AM. Join them for happy hour from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Monday through Friday. Call 402.504.4901 for more info, or to place a to-go order.


Bickford BakeryNew Treats in the Old Market

The Old Market has a new bakery, and lucky for everyone, they are mixing up some very tasty treats. Taking over the space once part of Aroma’s Coffeehouse, Bickford Bakery opened its doors in March. Owners Allison and Davin Bickford have kept some of their favorite recipes, like crazy cocoa bars—huge slices of choco-laty, cheesecake-y deliciousness—but are also hoping to put their signature CakeTeenies on the culinary map. Part truffle, part moist and gooey cake, CakeTeenies are the creation of Allison, who used to whip up batches for baby showers and parties. Ev-eryone who ate the bon-bonesque cakes loved them, and even-tually Allison was searching for a commercial kitchen to make big-ger batches. Named after her Grandma Teenie, CakeTeenies come in many flavors and colors, and will surely become the next big thing for brides looking for something different than an ordinary wedding cake. But if it is a cake you’re looking for, Bickford Bakery can do that too. In addition to the usual muffins, bagels and bars, they also do custom cakes for weddings, birthdays and special occasions, as well as pies and all sorts of delicious treats. As Al-lison puts it, “Everyone needs birthday cakes and a treat now and then.” So splurge on something that tastes as good as it looks and head on down to Bickford Bakery.

Bickford Bakery is located at 1033 Jones Street—on the ground floor of the Old Market Lofts building, just inside the entrance of Aroma’s Coffeehouse. Business hours are 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM Monday through Friday, but you can also purchase baked goods at Aroma’s Coffeehouse when the bakery is closed. For more info, call 402.934.7450.

the BullpenWhat is better than beer and a dog? Beer and a dog on a patio.

The Bullpen may be the newest sports bar in the Old Market, yet with its great location, friendly staff and unique patio—which features a garage door that can be closed when things get cold or rainy—it is likely to become a favorite to sports fans, or pretty much anyone looking for a fun place to chill with friends. Owners Rod Nietfeldt and Mark Kroeger have two other successful bars in Omaha — The Draft House and The Observatory Lounge — so they know how to run a cool place, and what patrons are looking for in a hangout. With 20 hi-def televisions, you are virtually guar-anteed to find whatever game you’re looking for. If your game is not on when you get there, just ask and they will gladly find it for you. Looking for something to go with your cold beer? The Bullpen has an extensive menu, and even features 10 varieties of hot dogs ranging from a traditional Chicago dog, to a Reuben dog with sauerkraut and swiss, to a Hawaiian dog with ham, pine-apple and cheddar cheese. There are also great pizzas and sand-wiches, and of course, you can start with some wings or chips.

The Bullpen is located at 1125 Jackson Street in the old Sam and Louie’s and is open daily from 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM, with food served until 11:00 PM. Join them for daily lunch specials, or happy hour from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM weeknights. Call 402.502.5150 for more info, or to place a to-go order.

Allison Bickford


Co

ve

r S

Tor

yThe 35th Annual Summer Arts Festival, presented by First National Bank, will pro-

duce a healthy bustle in Omaha’s downtown June 26-28 along the Gene Leahy Mall. The Festival is open from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, June 26 and Saturday,

June 27, and from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 28.The Festival features artwork of 135 juried artists from across the country, including 19

Nebraska artists. These were selected from more than 200 applicants by a jury of local and regional art professionals. Media including jewelry, sculpture, photography, painting, fiber, wood and more will be on display. Browse or buy! Prices will range from $5 to $50 to $5,000. It’s your choice.

refreshmentsThe Festival also features a World Music Pavilion with beer, wine and more for purchase.

Just outside the Pavilion, the Taste Fest and Festival Cafes, attendees will encounter vendors offering pizza, gyros, wraps, barbecue, kettle corn, funnel cakes, shaved ice and more.

Children’s Fair and Young artist exhibitionThis year’s Children’s Fair, for children age 2 to 12, is themed “It’s Easy to Be Green” to

omaha Summer arts festivalstory by Sandy Lemke photo by Jim Scholz Cover Photo by Pitman Foxall“

”

The festival

features

artwork of

135 juried

artists from

across the

country.


BLU ESUSHI SAKE GRILL

Old Market Location

416 S. 12th StreetJust North of Howard

402.408.5566

Sake bombers Lounge

promote environmental responsibility. The Children’s Fair is pre-sented by Target and will be located at 11th and Farnam Streets.

Dozens of hands-on activities and art projects will be offered as well as live entertainment. Children will be provided recycled materials to work with and learn how they can conserve energy and recycle. Children will have nearly 20 activities to choose from, including cookie decorating, spin art, candy art, a balloon artist and face painters.

Participating organizations include:Presenting sponsor First National BankTargetOmaha Public Power DistrictThe Big GardenEl Museo LatinoGirls Inc. of OmahaLiteracy CenterNebraska Environmental TrustThe Octopuses Garden Art AllianceOmaha Children’s MuseumCoCo Key Water ResortOmaha’s Henry Doorly ZooMetro Community CollegeHy-Vee

Admission to the Children’s Fair is free. Several of the activities are free and tickets for many of the hands-on crafts and other activities are 50 cents each with most activities costing from one to three tickets.

Family entertainment StageLive entertainment will light up the crowd with acts from near

and far. Omaha’s well-loved Amazing-Arthur will perform both Saturday and Sunday at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. each day.

Seattle-based Roberto the Magnificent will juggle industrial tools while balancing on unicycles and pogo sticks. Roberto the Magnificent’s show will run both days at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.

In addition to these two stunning acts, the Blues Society Kids Band will open the live stage on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and the Cathedral Arts Project Kids Band will open Sunday at 11:30 a.m.

Young artist exhibitionIn the Michael Phipps Gallery of the W. Dale Clark Library, more

than 300 pieces of art will be displayed for the Festival’s 14th An-nual Young Artist Exhibition. These pieces were created by stu-dents in grades six through 12. Senior scholarships, recognition awards, art supplies and special prizes will be awarded at private receptions for students, teachers and parents on Saturday and Sunday.

For more information on the Summer Arts Festival and the Chil-dren’s Fair, see www.SummerArts.org.


Just Back From Market With New Stones & Pearls.

www.cornerstonegemsinc.com515 S. 13th • Old Market402-346-4367

Join the YMCA - No ContractsPool • Indoor Track • Pilates • Yoga • All-Day Child

Care • All Day School Age Summer Child Care Off-Site Corporate Services • Personal Trainers Separate Men’s and Women’s Workout Areas*

•Steam Room/Sauna*

*With Fitness Center membership.

430 S 20TH ST• OMAHA • 402-341-1600 • METROYMCA.ORG

at the Downtown Family YMCAGet Healthy


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”Through the collaboration of brick and steel, old and new, a glimpse around

downtown Omaha reveals the prominent impact of the mission embraced by Bahr Vermeer Haecker Architects.

Over the course of its 40-year history, BVH has been a major player in restructuring, redesigning, reinventing and revitalizing the once- dormant heart of the city into a thriv-ing epicenter of history, culture, entertainment and life.

Its commitment to recycling buildings and materials signature to Omaha’s formative years whenever possible has preserved and re-purposed landmarks that give downtown its flavor, and, largely, its identity.

“We, as a firm, have always believed in designing with adaptive reuses first; that is, tak-ing an existing building–historic or non-historic–and adapting what’s there to a new de-sign or use, especially in downtown where there is so much history,” said Paul Nelson, an associate principal who’s been with BVH since 1994. “We push the architecture beyond preservation into finding new uses, rather than replacing the building.”

Having recently celebrated its ruby anniversary, BVH intends to continue to impact downtown, as well as city, state and national architecture for another 40 years. Here are a few examples of how BVH has made what is old new again in downtown Omaha.

40 years ofPreserving the Pastby Michael Watkins | Photos by minorwhitestudios.com

we, as a

firm, have

always be-

lieved in de-

signing with

adaptive

reuses first.

George Haecker, AIA and Gary Bowen, FAIA

The Broatch Building

departments


The restaurant that adds spice to Omaha

LUNCH: Mon-Sat 11:30 - 2:00DINNER: Mon-Thurs 5:30 - 10:00

Fri & Sat 5:30 - 11:00, Closed SundayUpper Deck: Mon – Thur, “Indian Oven Bread Bar”

Friday & Saturday 9.30-11 pm, 1/2 Price Appetizers and Drinks

1010 HOWARD STREET • THE OLD MARKET • 342-4856

gene leahy mall (Central Park mall)The centerpiece of downtown Omaha for the past 30 years,

the Gene Leahy Mall was one of BVH’s first big projects, as the city concentrated on developing downtown by returning to its river roots under former Omaha Mayor Gene Leahy in the late 1970s.

The former site of historic but dilapidated and unused ware-houses and buildings, the Mall is regarded as a major impetus for the redevelopment and revitalization of downtown into a thriv-ing commercial, residential and cultural center.

Gene Leahy Mall was downtown Omaha’s first major green-space, and Omaha by Design describes it as one of the city’s “most successful and recognizable public spaces.” Two Omaha landmarks, both listed on the National Register of Historic Places, anchor the eastern side of the mall: The Burlington Building and the McKesson-Robbins Warehouse, now the Greenhouse Apartments.

The project, designed by Gary Bowen, won numerous awards for BVH, including the AIA (American Institute of Architects) Ne-braska Design Award in 1983, and the AIA Central States Regional Award of Excellence in 1989.

harriman Dispatch CenterOne of the largest and most technologically advanced dis-

patching facilities in the country is housed in the Harriman Dispatch Center, one of Union Pacific Railroad’s most significant historic landmarks, located near the ConAgra Foods campus.

Built in the late 1890s, the brick freight house served the rail-road until 1977, when it was abandoned. Union Pacific made a decision to utilize the historic structure for a high-tech dispatch-ing center 10 years later.

A key architectural component and identifying feature of the building is the cast iron truss system, which was built for the orig-inal depot. The trusses were razed in 1874, put into storage, and then salvaged by BVH for the second center design. Measuring 175 feet across, the long-span trusses create an open interior un-der a series of 20-foot bays. They continue to provide a functional purpose, an aesthetic focal point, and historic link to the early days of the railroad.

In conjunction with Leo A. Daly Co., BVH was faced with the challenge of reconstructing the facility in such a way to preserve the grandeur of the Classical-styled freight house while housing the most sophisticated rail command center in the world. The building’s weathered, red brick was repaired and tuck-pointed, all the limestone trim was restored or replaced, and the roof was recovered with standing-seam copper.

The Harriman Center is recognized as an Omaha Landmark and lies within the Omaha Rail and Commerce Historic District. BVH was recognized with the AIA Nebraska Design Award in 1990, and the Nebraska Chapter ACI Award of Excellence in 1991 for the project.


Broatch BuildingBuilt in 1880 as a warehouse distribu-

tion facility, the Broatch Building — named for William James Broatch, an early Omaha entrepreneur, civic leader and two-time mayor — served as the BVH office until 2005, when the busi-ness relocated to its current location, also in historic downtown Omaha. It was designated as an Omaha Landmark in December 1983.

Painted a soft corn yellow, the building was originally constructed as a three-story building before being enlarged to four stories in 1887. An example of the Itali-anate style of architecture, the Broatch Building was renovated by BVH for office and commercial space in 1979.

BVH spent two years renovating the historic “Yellow Building,” as it is known, and virtually gutted the interior, adding a five-story service core containing an elevator, heating and cooling system and restrooms. Inside the entry, one section of the first and second floors was removed to install an open stairway to the lower and second level. A two-story glass wall separates first- and second-floor tenant spaces, and the resulting atrium provides a common lobby for all tenants.

The building is currently used as com-mercial space and condominiums. BVH won an AIA Nebraska Design Award in 1981, and Preservation Award from Land-marks in 1982 for the project.

missouri river Pedestrian BridgeNow known as the Bob Kerrey Pedes-

trian Bridge, BVH provided the original conceptual design for the bridge that con-nects hundreds of miles of walking and biking trails between Nebraska and Iowa.

Located just north of Interstate 480, the bridge is one of the largest pedestrian bridges in the United States. BVH devel-oped the initial concept and served as de-sign consultant to Figg Bridge Engineers, the original firm of record.

The final project, which spans 3,000 feet across the Missouri River and ad-joining landings, was completed by

J.P. COOKECOMPANY

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“OLD MARKET”1311 HOWARD

OMAHA, NE 68102(402) 342-7175

FAX: 402-342-9426

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1205 Harney St.342-5887

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departments

Kansas City firm HNTB, based on the original BVH design, which called for a 500-foot center span and two, 200-foot towers reaching into the sky to symbol-ize the partnership between Omaha and Council Bluffs.

Douglas County Correctional CenterThe original Douglas County Correc-

tional Facility opened in 1979, housing all security levels of adult male and female offenders. In 2004, BVH served as the exterior design consultant to HDR for a 250,000-square-foot addition, which in-cludes nine housing units and one medi-cal unit of 62 beds.

Bordering the Omaha Rail and Com-merce Historical District, the facility need-ed to mesh aesthetically within the neigh-borhood while doubling in size. Because many buildings in the area were built in the late 1800s and early 1900s, brick exte-riors, stone bases, punched windows and strong vertical pilaster elements are com-mon design features. BVH incorporated these iconic elements into this project, as well as used a terra cotta color brick facade and gray concrete base in its exte-rior design, which served to complement nearby buildings.

The expansion’s design was well-re-ceived, earning BVH an AIA Nebraska Ma-sonry Design Award in 2008, as well as the praise of local and Old Market merchants, one of whom described the results as a “three-way win — for the downtown community, the corrections department and BVH.”

“It’s easy to tear down an older building and put up something new, but it’s more challenging to find ways to keep existing structures if they are sound and create something new and useful from them,” Nelson added. “Our identity is our history, and we have grown our consciousness to-ward preserving buildings that are histori-cally irreplaceable. Our finished products are the end result of a deep collaboration with our clients, which has always been a hallmark of who were are as architects and as a firm.”


reviving an art formads as art

by Brian S. Allen | photos by minorwhitestudios.com

Ghost Signs. A term I was not at all familiar with, but one I quickly discovered referred to an art form that I, in fact, already knew and loved. Ghost signs are those rare gems of the advertising world in which letters and logos are painted

on exterior building walls to promote businesses and products. After time, the paintings take on a weathered look, adding character and a familiar warmth to the neighborhood. These days, with bright billboards, neon lights and noisy vinyl signs flapping in the wind dominating the landscape, it seems as if ghost signs’ time has come and gone. But one new development is reviving the advertising method, bringing it back from the dead, if you will...

In North Downtown, the new development anchored by Slowdown unveiled its version of a ghost sign recently. The brick wall used to conceal the transformers near 14th and Cuming streets provided the perfect canvas for the area’s first retro-style ghost sign. “The vision for this area was like an extension of the Old Market, so a 30-foot neon sign did not seem to fit,” said Robb Nansel, president of Saddle Creek Records and part owner of Slowdown and the new development. Nansel continued, “I have always been a fan of the washed-out signs,

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John henry miller and michael Bartsch of What Cheer.


and it seemed like a good way to tie in with that.”

To seek out a designer, Nansel did not have to look very far. What Cheer, a local website and graphic design firm, is located on the south side of the complex along Webster Street next to Filmstreams, BBB, and Secret Penguin. After getting briefed on the criteria for the signage, What Cheer hit the design boards. “The biggest obstacle was that some of the logos looked too modern for this old-looking style. Robb helped push the sign further by suggesting to use type and altered logos that were more true to the retro period. For some of the companies, we made vintage versions of their logos. Fortunately, the corporate companies [Urban Outfit-ters and American Apparel] with brand requirements had pretty classic logos,” said John Henry Muller of What Cheer.

Next, Nansel tapped the local arts community and his friends at the Bemis Center For Contemporary Arts. Dan Richters, a San Diego transplant, was recommended and happily agreed to work on the project. One summer morning, as the regulars sipped their fair trade brew from Blue Line Coffee, something different but exciting happened. Dan, sporting a curly head of hair and an ominous presence, began diligently painting the brick wall as the patrons looked on. While logging 85-plus hours, Dan steadily brought to life the joint vi-sion of What Cheer and Nansel.

The sign may not have the ghostly affects of the century-old buildings in the heart of the Old Market quite yet, but this collaboration has brought forth a lost art that helps push a more environmentally friendly way of adver-tising. And in 40 years, if you’re lucky enough to be strolling along down-town to a live show or ballgame, you can share with the younger genera-tions what the area looked like when this sign was still vibrant and new. I can hear the stories now…

Creating Fresh Environments To Complement Your Lifestyle.

Lori AndersonLindsey Anderson

Amanda Koris

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19the encounter | may/june 2009

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what dreams May Comeby Leo Adam Biga | photography by minorwhitestudios.com

Magdalena “Maggie” Garcia lives a dream each day she arrives at El Museo Latino, where she’s executive director. She left a corporate career to study fine art, preparing for the day she’d open her own Latino art-history-culture

venue. Born in Mexico City, Mexico, Garcia’s the eldest of six sisters. She emigrated to Omaha with

her family at age nine. Fluent in Spanish, she stayed connected to her roots spending sum-mers with her large extended family in Mexico City, where she learned native folk dancing. As a 6th grader in Omaha, she formed a folklorico dance troupe which, under her direction, performed at Our Lady of Guadalupe church festivals. For years she dabbled in watercolor and pen-and-ink.

While deep in her career at Enron, she became a Joslyn Art Museum docent. Attending night school at the time, she switched majors from business to art history. She took art vaca-tions to visit major U.S. museums. That led to art study tours abroad — France, Italy, Spain. “The more art I saw, the more I found myself wanting to be around it more,” she said. “Trav-eling to exhibitions a few days a year wasn’t enough anymore. I wanted to make art my pro-fession..to work in a museum. I just didn’t know how I was going to get there.”

She eventually left Enron to work at two Houston museums. Then she entered a Syracuse (N.Y.) University graduate program, where she earned dual masters in art history and mu-seum studies. Latin American art became her main focus. Her studies took her to Mexico City. “It really brought me full circle,” she said. Back in Omaha, she bemoaned the lack of a year-round Hispanic art center. Despite opportunities to go elsewhere, she couldn’t shake the vision of an Omaha Latino art museum.

She realized her vision, founding El Museo in 1993 at the Livestock Exchange Building.

“The more

art I saw,

the more i

found my-

self want-

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20 may/june 2009 | the encounter

She moved the museum to its present location, 4701 South 25th St., in 1997, a Spanish-style brick building with a red-tile roof and a courtyard. Inside is a vibrant color palette of azure blue-greens, blood reds and sunflower yellows.

Garcia’s made El Museo a major attrac-tion and anchor in resurgent South Oma-ha’s Hispanic marketplace, presenting a full schedule of exhibits and educational programs from around the country, even across the border.

Her goals include getting the museum accredited. “That would put us in a whole different light in the museum field nation-ally,” she said. Upgrading/conditioning the galleries’ climate control and build-ing’s HVAC systems needs to happen first.

She can’t believe 16 years have passed, or that she’s curated 100-plus exhibits. “It’s gone by so fast. I do feel satisfied, but I’m never content. I think the moment you get content there’s no more room for growth.” She’s proud of El Museo’s “authentic, unique” exhibits-programs, especially the Chomari Ballet Folklorica Mexicano dance company she began. She looks forward to a May 5-Sept. 26 exhibit of ex-votos and retablos — folk art devotionals with painted images-text on tin that adorn altars/shrines. The objects coming to El Museo deal with immigra-tion — giving thanks for the safe return of family who’ve crossed the border.

On tap later this year are prints by politi-cal Chicano artist Carlos Cortez, and masks, costumes, photos and videos representing carnivale traditions around the world.

Silver and copper Santa Clara del Cobre objects from the museum’s permanent collection are on display year-round.

Special events include Dua del Nino (Day of the Child) on April 25, Cinco de Mayo in May, and Hispanic Heritage Month activities this fall. Garcia said El Museo’s art, music and dance classes have grown so much, “we’ve run out of class-room space.”

In her second decade living her dream, Garcia’s happy her work’s “still a passion.”

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Created light:Steve Joy’s Old Market Aerieby KIim Carpenter | photography by minorwhitestudios.com

Steve Joy’s recent retrospective at the Joslyn Art Museum was called Uncreated Light, so it’s maybe ironic that his Old Market loft is about the opposite: created light — lots of it — that fills just about every bit of the less than 1,000-square-

foot space. Located in the Passport Building, the loft serves a dual purpose. “It was originally de-

signed as a studio space,” Joy says, “but I live and work here.” That switch was in part because of architect Paul Nelson. An associate principal with Bahr

Vermeer Haecker Architects, Nelson embraced the project. “We were able to break all the rules with Steve,” he says. “It’s an urban environment, so you can throw away all the conven-tions. You don’t have to have doors, for example.” Joy adds, “I got the idea that Paul wanted a bit of artistic license.”

The main challenge? Making much out of little. Joy says, “With a larger space, you can indulge. We had to use every single square foot.” Nelson agrees, “We wanted to maximize the perception of its being large. We made it very compact by using a lot of vertical space to keep things off the floor. We used air and volume as much as possible.”

Every inch was therefore meticulously planned. The entryway, which Nelson describes as a “canyon,” is a long, narrow hallway that bursts into wide-open living space. “It’s important to enter a space with a certain spirit,” says Joy.

And what spirit it has: a wall of green opaque glass turns the bathroom into an unexpect-ed focal point. Says Nelson, “The bathroom is the No.1 program piece of the whole design. We moved everything around it and made it into a display box and staged it.” Explains Joy,

“

”

we were

able to

break all

the rules

with

Steve.

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“I’ve lived in lofts for years with bathrooms that have no windows and no light. This is the height of luxury.”

In contrast, the kitchen is easy to over-look. Joy was uninterested in a culinary showcase, and his kitchen consists solely of a miniature fridge and two-burner hot plate. But it’s more than adequate for an artist who travels frequently, dines out often, and occasionally entertains. Plus, everything is in place if Joy changes his mind. “The kitchen can be installed on a day’s notice,” he says.

One of the more interesting pieces is a set of industrial stairs leading to the bed-room. Sparse, steel and steep, they con-sume minimal space but deliver maximum impact. “You see them in factories,” says Nelson. “They save space. We couldn’t afford the square footage.” Instead, the architect used the extra room for a hidden

nook, which provides compact storage for art supplies.

The main living area is anything but compact. Wide and open, the space’s southern exposure turns Joy’s loft into an artist’s aerie. “The light is always chang-ing,” says Joy, “And during winter in Janu-ary, I’ll have sunshine at 5 p.m.” All this greatly enhances the artist’s work. He uses the loft to finish many of his paintings, and large-scale pieces rotate in and out of the space, leaning against the walls, subtly changing light throughout the day.

Innovative space-saving features heighten the light, airy feel. For example, a 17-foot-tall narrow bookcase — complete with ladder — remains hidden from view on the side of an extended wall. “A tradi-tional bookcase would consume a lot of room,” says Nelson, “so we pushed every-thing up and squeezed it back.” This al-

lows Joy to store his numerous books, CDs and vinyl records out of sight but within easy grasp.

A paucity of furniture contributes to the minimal, contemporary feel. A dining table doubles as a desk, and a couple of chairs provide more than enough comfort. A room toward the back of the loft also serves as a den with a sleeper sofa for guests and a large-screen TV for unwinding.

All these elements combine to change an ordinary condo into an extraordinary experiment in contemporary living. Says Nelson, “Everything is about flexibility. Steve has to be able to move things around constantly. An artist changes and can’t have a piece of architecture that’s limiting.” And how does the artist himself feel about his space? “I use this space for looking and thinking,” reflects Joy. “I’m in the best part of the Old Market.”

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AntiquesAntiques & Fine Art...(16th St). .........341.9942Fairmont Antique Mall...H4 ..............345.1778Joe’s Collectibles...H5 .....................612.1543Retro Recycle...E5 ............................ 341.1969Second Chance...G5 ........................346.4930

Book storesJackson Street Booksellers...H5 .....341.2664New Realities Books & Gifts...E7 .....342.1863Soul Desires Books & Coffee...G7 ...898.7600

Clothing & ACCessoriesLotus ...F4 .........................................346.8080Namaste...E7 ....................................341.7069Nebraska Clothing Co...E8 ...............346.6114Nouvelle Eve...E6 ..............................345.4811Overland Outfitters...E8 ...................345.2900Retro Recycle ...E5 ........................... 341.1969The Souq Ltd...E7 .............................342.2972Trocadéro...E4 ..................................934.8389

Downtown hotelsCourtyard by Marriott...(10th & Douglas) .......346.2200DoubleTree Hotel...(16th & Dodge) ...346.7600Embassy Suites Hotel...F9 ...............346.9000Hilton Convention Center Hotel .......998.3400Hilton Garden Inn...(10th & Dodge) .. 341.4400Redick Plaza Hotel...(15th & Harney) ..............342.1500Magnolia Hotel...(16th & Howard) ...342.2222

home FurnishingsCrawdad’s...E5 .................................341.3930Habitat ..............................................342.0044Julia Russell ...(11th & Douglas) ....... 891.0691Kraft DC ...(16th & Leavenworth)......342.2790Room...E7 .........................................342.7666Zongkers Custom Woods ................344.7784

gAlleries1301 Gallery...(13th & Nicholas) .......342.6452Artists’ Cooperative Gallery...D7 .....342.9617Bemis Ctr. for Contemporary Arts...K4 ..........341.7130Fred Simon Gallery...A8 ...................595.2122Garden Of The Zodiac...E7 ..............341.1877Hot Shops...13th & Nicholas ............342.6452Images of Nature...D5 ......................341.8460Jackson Artworks...G6 .....................341.1832Julia Russell ...(11th & Douglas) ....... 891.0691Omaha ClayWorks...H5 ....................346.0560Passageway Gallery...E7 ..................341.1910Sirens at the Loft...F6 .......................933.3333White Crane Gallery...E7 ..................345.1066

heAlth serviCesAcupuncture

Libba Harmon, LAc ..........................214.6265Massage Therapy

Sandy Aquila LMT...E3 .....................345.5078Lisa Christensen LMT...E3 ...............850.6651Barb Rost LMT (19th & Douglas)......345.7500

MedicalDr. John Bartholet, DC...E3 ..............342.2216Downtown Chiropractic (2111 Douglas) .........345.7500Derek Fender, DDS...D4 ...................342.3901

Dr. Mark Goodman, MD...L1 ............280.5500Dr. Stephen Peterson MD...L1..........280.5500Dr. James Polerecky DDS (19th & Farnam) ....341.7576Dr. Ritch Miller DC (2111 Douglas) ...345.7500Heartland Pathology (310 S. 16th) ... 346.0195Omaha Dental Spa (11th & Howard) 505.4424

Physical TherapyEast & West Physical Therapy...E3 ..345.5078

Psychotherapy, EMDR, HypnotherapyJannette Davis, MS, CST .................341.2230Cynthia Duggin, MSW, LCSW ..........345.5078Bobby Escolas, CMHT (Hypnotherapist) ......990.2979 Jeff Stormberg, PhD (Psychotherapist).........393.0642Tim Swisher, MHR, LMHP, LADC ....341.2230

PharmacyDepot Drug (1416 Dodge) .................544.DRUG

museums & AttrACtionsOmaha Children’s Museum...(500 S. 20th) ..........342.6164The Durham...J9 ...............................444.5071Joslyn Art Museum...(24th & Dodge) ..............342.3300Lauritzen Gardens...(100 Bancroft)..346.4002Henry Doorly Zoo...(3701 So 10th St) .............733.8401Qwest Center Omaha (10th & Capitol)............341.1500

olD mArket ProPertiesBrandeis Building .............................934.1224Farnam 1600 Building ......................342.1616Grubb/Ellis Pacific Realty ................345.5866Old Market Lofts...J7 ........................345.8000Riverfront Place ................................397.4837Shamrock Development/Paxton Building ......934.7711Skinner Macaroni Apartments...H1 .346.2346The Greenhouse Apts...A9 ...............342.3100TipTop Building...(16th & Cuming) ....345.8000 PuBs & tAvernsBar 415...E3 .......................................346.7455Barry O’s ...E8 ..................................341.8032Billy Frogg’s Grille & Bar...E5 ...........341.4427Bullpen...G6 ...................................... 502.5150Dubliner Pub...D4 .............................342.5887J.D. Tucker’s Bar...E8 .......................934.5190Julio’s...F2 .........................................345.6921Irie...D7 ..............................................504.4901La Buvette Wine & Grocery...F7 .......344.8627M’s Pub...E6 ......................................342.2550Mr. Toad’s...E8 ..................................345.4488Myth Lounge...F6..............................884.6985Nomad Lounge...(J8) ........................884-1231 O’Connor’s Irish Pub...F3 .................934.9790Old Market Tavern...F8 .....................341.0191The Stadium Club Sports Bar & Grill...E8 .......359.1290T Henery’s Pub...C6 .........................345.3651The Underground...F7 ......................341.3547Upstream Brewing Co...G6 .............344.0200Urban Wine Company...J7 ...............934.0005Waters Edge Lounge @ Embassy Suites...F9 .....346.9000

MerchantsAttractions

Old MArket / dOwntOwn / riverfrOnt


restAurAntsFarrells Bar...(902 Dodge) ................884.9947Ahmad’s...E8 .....................................341.9616Billy Frogg’s Grille & Bar...E5 ...........341.4427Delice European Bakery...E4 ...........342.2276Falling Water Grille @ Embassy Suites...F9 ........346.9000Famous Dave’s...D6 .........................614.9333Flatiron Café...(17th & Howard) ........344.3040House of Lee...F4 .............................991.9330Indian Oven...E7 ...............................342.4856Joe Banana’s ....................................346.7227Julio’s...F3 .........................................345.6921La Buvette Wine & Grocery...F7 .......344.8627Liberty Tavern (10th & Davenport) ...998.4321Little King...H21 ................................344.2264Lucky’s 10-0-One (10th & Pacific) ...991.1001M’s Pub...E6 ......................................342.2550Matsu Sushi...B8 ..............................346.3988Michael’s at the Market...C6 ............346.1205Nicola’s...G3 .....................................345.8466O Dining...A8 .....................................502.7888Old Chicago...D6 ..............................341.1616Omaha Prime...E7 .............................341.7040Passport Restaurant...H6 ................344.3200Rick’s Cafe Boatyard ........................345.4545Sam & Louie’s Pizza...H6 .................884.5757Spaghetti Works...F6 ........................422.0770Stokes Bar & Grill...(E5) ................... 408-9000 Subway...E4 ......................................341.8814Sullivan’s Steakhouse (222 S. 15th St.) ..........342.4432The Diner...D5 ...................................341.9870The French Café...F7 ........................341.3547The Paxton Chop House...B1 ..........341.1222Trini’s...E7..........................................346.8400Twisted Fork...E7 ..............................932.9600 Upstream Brewing Co....G6 .............344.0200V. Mertz...E7 ......................................345.8980Vincenzo’s Ristorante...D4 ...............342.4010Vivace...E6 ........................................342.2050Zio’s Pizzeria...F4 .............................344.2222

sPeCiAlty FooDs & CoFFee13th Street Coffee C0....G3 ..............345.2883Aromas...I8 ........................................614.7009Bickford Bakery...I8 .......................... 934.7450Cubby’s Old Market Grocery...H3 ...341.2900Delice European Bakery...E4 ...........342.2276Hollywood Candy...F3 ......................884.7688 La Buvette Wine & Grocery...F7 .......344.8627Maggie Moo’s Ice Cream...H21 .......933.5280MJ Java...B3 & F7 .............................342.5282Old Market Candy Shop...F8 ...........344.8846Old Market Eea House...G3 .............934.8538Patrick’s Market...(E1) .......................884-1600 Soul Desires Books & Coffee...G7 ...898.7600Ted & Wally’s Ice Cream...G5 ........... 341.5827

sPeCiAlty shoPsAshley Collectibles...E3....................934.3100Big Brain Productions...H5 ..............342.2885Chameleon...E7 ................................342.4444Cibola of Omaha...F7 (509 S 11th) ...342.1200City Limits...E3 ..................................345.3570Cornerstone Gem & Bead Co....G3 .346.4367 Drastic Plastic...F4 ...........................346.8843DSR Power Sports...E3 ....................991.1383Etc. Gifts...F7 ....................................342.2846

Garden Flowers...F7 .........................614.5661Garden Of The Zodiac...E7 ..............341.1877Goldsmith Silversmith...F7 ...............342.1737Homer’s Records...E5 ......................346.0264Iron Decor & More...G5 ....................346.6123 Jay Welter Cigars...(18th & Jackson) 345.1965Kessler’s...H5 (1125 Jackson) ..........715.5888Mairzy Doatz...F6..............................934.4815Namaste...E7 ....................................341.7069New Realities Books & Gifts...E7 .....342.1863Old Market Habitat Floral...E6 .........342.0044Old Market Sundries...F8 ................. 345.8198OM Gifts & Imports...E3 ................... 345.5078Overland Outfitters...F8 ...................345.2972Perspective Jewelry...D4 ..................934.4416Red Square...E7................................342.8878SG Roi Tobacconist...F7 ..................341.9264Souq Ltd...E7 ....................................342.2972Tannenbaum Christmas Shop...F8 ..345.9627Trocadéro...E4 ................................. 934-8389 serviCesAt the Loft Spa...F6...........................505.4100Michael Boyle, Attorney...E7 ............359.1000Centris Federal Credit Union...C3 ...334.2000Commercial Optical...G3 ..................344.0219Dietz United Methodist Church .......346.9115Don Fiedler Law Offices...F7 ...........346.6263First National Bank...(F5) ..................885-2574 Fringes Salon & Spa...G8 .................345.0404Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce...D2 346.5000Omaha Convention & Visitors Bureau...B8 ....444.4660 Hair Market Salon...E7 .....................345.3692J P Cooke Rubber Stamps...F2 .......342.7175Klein Law Offices...H3 ......................391.1871Magical Journeys Carriage Service...E7 ........453.6745Movers Not Shakers .........................614.9770Old Market Car Wash...J2 ................393.2819Old Market Encounter ......................884.2000Old Market Mini Storage .................. 342.0022Old Market Web Site .....www.oldmarket.comOmaha Healing Arts Center...E4 ......345.5078Omaha Public Library...(15th & Farnam) .........444.4800Omaha Yoga School...E7 .................346.7813Pinnacle Bank...(10th & Douglas) .....346.9180Security National Bank...(11th & Howard) ..........344.7300Sirens...F6 .........................................933.9333Stinson, Morrison, Hecker LLP...C3 342.1700Urbane Salon & Spa...B8 .................934.2909Susie’s Baskets...D4 .........................341.4650Sutera Law Offices...E6....................342.3100Visions Framing Studio...K4 .............342.0020

theAtres & entertAinmentBlue Barn Theater...G6 .....................345.1576FilmStreams...(14th & Webster) ........ 933-0259 Holland Performing Arts Center...(12th & Douglas) .............................................345.0606 Omaha Symphony...(16th & Howard) ..............342.3836Opera Omaha...(17th & Farnam).......346.4398Orpheum Theater...(16th & Farnam) .345.0606The Rose...(20th & Farnam) ..............345.4849

MerchantsAttractions

Old MArket / dOwntOwn / riverfrOnt


MAY EVENTS5/1: Opening recep-tion: adam Frelin: let’s Pretend Weathermen. Bemis Center for Contem-porary Arts. The summer’s tumultuous weather -- tor-nadoes, thunderstorms and a hurricane -- provides the backdrop for the film’s protagonists, Joe and Jim, who share a special inter-est in the weather. 724 S. 12 St. www.bemiscenter.org

5/1: Opening reception: Paul renner: the Omaha Diner. Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts. Paul Renner is a singularly bold artist, whose works span painting, performance art, jubilant social theater and a hyper-adventurous cuisine. Renner’s ecstatic feasts present food as sculpture and paintings as mythic backdrop, creating environments that trans-form the experience of his guests/eaters into art. 724 S. 12 St. www.bemiscenter.org

5/1 - 5/3: Omaha Sym-phony Pops Series: trib-ute to Benny goodman. Omaha Symphony. Clari-net prodigy Dave Bennett pays tribute to the undis-puted “King of Swing” and his biggest hits including “I G ot Rhythm”, “Sing, Sing, Sing”, “Moonglow”, and many others. The leading star of the swing and big band. www.omahaper-formingarts.org

5/1 - 5/17: Charlotte’s Web. Rose Performing Arts Center. Based on the award-winning classic, this beautiful play about friendship features all of

E.B. White’s enchanting characters: Wilbur, the pig avoiding the butcher; Fern, a young girl with a big heart; Templeton, the rat, the Zuckerman family; and the extraordinary spider, Charlotte. 2001 Farnam St. www.rosetheater.org

5/1-5/31: anthony Davis art: A collection of paint-ings. In the Nicholas St. Gallery in the Hot Shops Art Center, 1301 Nicholas St. www.hotshopsartcen-ter.com

5/1 - 6/1: Paul renner: the Omaha Diner. Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts. 724 S. 12 St. www.be-miscenter.org

5/1 - 6/25: Film Streams repertory series: henrY FOnDa. Film Streams at the Ruth Sokolof Theater. A special repertory film series in tribute to Henry Fonda, featuring 12 Angry Men, Jezebel, Mister Rob-erts, The Wrong Man, The Grapes of Wrath, The Best Man and Once Upon a Time in the West. 1340 Webster. www.filmstreams.org

5/2: Bancroft to Bayliss Bicycle loop. Bancroft Street Market. Join area artists on a bicycle ride from Bancroft Street Mar-ket in Omaha to Bayliss Park in Council Bluffs and back. See the Omaha Farm-ers Market, the Bob Kerrey pedestrian bridge, and the Bayliss Park fountain. Bring your bike and helmet. 2702 S. 10 St. www.bancroft-streetmarket.com

5/2 - 5/3: hot Shops an-nual Spring Open house/Open Studios. Hot Shops Art Center. Artist dem-onstrations, live music, refreshments! Eighty+ art-ists invite you to visit the studios, view the artwork, and see how it is created! Four “hot shops” featur-ing glassblowing, pottery, bronze casting, and black-smithing, as well as over fifty individual studios and four art galleries. 1301 Nicholas St. www.hotshop-sartcenter.org

5/2 - 10/10: Omaha Farm-ers market. Old Market. Buy Local. Eat Fresh! Pre-sented in Omaha’s color-ful Old Market District, the Omaha Farmers Market offers the city’s best selec-tion of farm-fresh produce and meats as well as a wide variety of unique specialty items. The selection in-cludes gourmet prepared foods, organic fruits and vegetables, dairy prod-ucts, cut flowers and bed-ding plants, handmade jewelry and toys, unique decorative items for home and garden and more. 11th & Jackson St. www.omaha-farmersmarket.org

5/3: Jeff Dunham. Qwest Center Omaha. 455 N. 10 St. www.qwestcentero-maha.com

5/4: the Salvation army luncheon - Featuring Chris gardner. Qwest Center Omaha. Hear the in-spiring story of Chris Gard-ner at The Salvation Army D.J.’s Hero Awards Lun-cheon. Gardner”s struggle with homelessness while raising his toddler son was made into the 2006 motion

picture, “The Pursuit of Happyness,” starring Will Smith. The luncheon hon-ors six Nebraska youths with Scholarship Awards. 455 N. 10 St. www.qwest-centeromaha.com

5/4 - 6/19: the Fred Simon gallery: Brett anderson. Fred Simon Gallery. Dis-playing the paintings of Lincoln artist Brett Ander-son. The gallery is located in the Nebraska Arts Coun-cil offices. 1004 Farnam Street, Lower Level. www.nebraskaartscouncil.org

5/6 - 5/31: Wicked. Or-pheum Theater. So much happened before Dorothy dropped in. On Broadway and around the world, Wicked has worked its magic on critics and audi-ences alike. Winner of 20 major awards, including a Grammy and three Tony Awards, Wicked is “Broad-way’s biggest blockbuster” (The New York Times).

5/7: arttalk: Yumi roth & Sterling allen. Bemis Cen-ter for Contemporary Arts. Held the first Thursday of every month at 7pm, cur-rent artists-in-residence give presentations of their work and discuss their cre-ative processes. 724 S. 12 St. www.bemiscenter.org

5/7: Cooking for Vna Fundraiser. Inaugural event at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs to feature cooking demon-strations by community leaders. Attendees are en-couraged to vote for their favorite dish by making a contribution to the chef’s “tip jar.” Event features dinner, cash bar, silent auc-

tion and entertainment. Proceeds to benefit Project WIN, which provides free public nursing visits to any family who is expecting or has a new baby. Tickets, $50. Event will be from 6 to 8:30 p.m. www.theVNAc-ares.org or call 930-4021.

5/7: Fleetwood mac. Qwest Center Omaha. 455 N. 10 St. www.qwestcen-teromaha.com

5/7 - 5/10: 14th annual Young Playwrights Fes-tival. Omaha Theater Co. This festival showcases scripts by some of the best teenage writers in Omaha. 2001 Farnam St. www.rosetheater.org

5/8: 1200 Club at the hol-land: Dobet gnahoré. Af-ro-Pop. A delicate, dance-able whirlwind – worldly pop with charismatic range. Doors open 7:15 p.m. Cash bar with light menu.345-0606 www.omahaperformingarts.org.

5/9 – 10: 1200 Club at the holland: Frank Ferrante in An Evening with Grou-cho. Comedy Theatre. Ar-thur Marx, son of Groucho, declares, “Nobody does Groucho better than Frank Ferrante.” Doors open 7:15 p.m. on Saturday, at 1:15 on Sunday. Cash bar with light menu.345-0606 www.omahaperformingarts.org.

5/9: Omaha Symphony Chamber Series: mozart and Salieri. Holland Per-forming Arts Center. This program features recita-tions from the play Ama-deus along with some of Mozart’s most popular compositions. 1200 Doug-

las St. www.omahaper-formingarts.org

5/10: Sentimental Jour-ney: the art of alfred Ja-cob miller. Joslyn Art Mu-seum. Approx. 70 sketches, watercolors, paintings and collateral. 2200 Dodge St. www.joslyn.org

5/10: Spring Flower Shot “moonlight and magno-lias”. Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha’s Botanical Center. Southern gardening is the theme of this indoor floral show with themes from “Moonlight and Magnolias” and “Gone with the Wind.” 100 Bancroft St. www.oma-habotanicalgardens.org

5/12: Billy Joel and elton John Face 2 Face. Qwest Center Omaha. 455 N. 10 St. www.qwestcentero-maha.com

5/16: Playing With Fire Concert Series. Lewis & Clark Landing. Blues music Concert at Lewis & Clark Landing Park. Free will donations accepted at the gate, with a portion going to The Food Bank. Featur-ing Gaetano Pellini Band and Ronnie Baker Brooks. 515 N. Riverfront Dr. www.playingwithfireomaha.net

5/16: matthew Dehaem-ers: (402) DisConnect/re-Connect. Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts. Mat-thews Dehaemers utilizes the social and cultural his-tories of a region to make unforeseen connections with diverse contemporary communities. Gallery talk on Sat 3/14 noon. 724 S. 12 St. www.bemiscenter.org

Downtown and Council Bluffs May/June Calendar of Events

t h e w a y b a n k i n g s h o u l d b e

Pinnacle Bank would like to welcome you downtown.Pinnacle Bank would like to welcome you downtown.

Member FDIC

Visit us in the historical Riley Building at 1016 Douglas On The Mall, 402.346.9180 or online at pinnbank.com

09_POG14_DOWNTOWN.indd 1 3/31/09 10:27:28 AM


Sponsored by Pinnacle Bank

5/16: regina Carter. Holland Performing Arts Center. One of the most popular young violinists in modern music today, Re-gina Carter and her group have brought audiences to their feet with exhilarating performances worldwide. 1200 Douglas St. www.omahaperformingarts.org

5/17: Joe Cocker live in Concert. Stir Summer Concert Series at Harrah’s Outdoor Concert Cove. 8 p.m. Tickets, $34.50. www.stircove.com.

5/21: John Pizzarelli Presents. Holland Per-forming Arts Center. An internationally acclaimed jazz vocalist and guitarist presents favorites from the Sinatra songbook. 1200 Douglas St. www.oma-haperformingarts.org

5/22: Omaha Beef vs. Colorado ice. Omaha Civic Auditorium. Arena football. 18th & Capitol Sts. www.beeffootball.com

5/22: From the top live with host Christopher O’Riley. A live radio per-formance showcasing top young classical musicians. Holland Performing Arts Center. 7:30 p.m. Present-ed by KVNO Classical 90.7 FM in collaboration with Omaha Performing Arts. Tickets, call 345-0606.

5/22: robert earl Keen & Cross Canadian rag-weed. Stir Summer Con-cert Series at Harrah’s Out-door Concert Cove. 8:00 p.m., Tickets $29. www.stircove.com

5/23 - 9/7: moneyville. The Durham Museum. This highly interactive exhibit promotes economic liter-acy in a fun, immersive ur-ban environment. Embark on an exciting hands-on tour through a money fac-tory, anti-counterfeiting forensics lab, bank, shop-ping district, stock market, and international shipping dock. 801 S. 10 St. www.durhammuseum.org

5/24: Wood. Joslyn Art Museum. An exhibition celebrating the history and unique characteristics of the woodblock print. The Wood exhibition in-auqurates a series of three

annual exhibitions - Wood, Metal and Stone. 2200 Dodge St. www.joslyn.org

5/24: the indian Portrait gallery of thomas l. mcKenney. Joslyn Art Mu-seum. An impressive port-folio of Indian portraits documents an important part of American history with likenesses of indi-viduals who represented the Indian nations. 2200 Dodge St. www.joslyn.org

5/25: andre rieu. Qwest Center Omaha. 455 N. 10 St. www.qwestcentero-maha.com

5/29 - 5/30: Omaha Sym-phony masterworks Series: mahler’s Fifth. Omaha Symphony. Mahl-er’s work is remarkably dis-tinctive—from its opening funereal trumpet solo and beloved adagietto to the finale that almost forces you to hold your breath. Acclaimed young cellist Alisa Weilerstein performs Haydn’s mercurial, brilliant Cello Concerto in C Major. w w w.omahaper formin -garts.org

5/29 - 6/28: gypsy. Omaha Community Play-house. The ultimate story about an aggressive stage mother. Join Rose, June, and Louise on their trip across the US during the 1920s – when vaudeville was dying and burlesque was born. Considered one of the crowning achieve-ments the mid-twentieth century’s conventional musical theatre art form. 6915 Cass St. www.oma-haplayhouse.com

5/31: artists’ Coopera-tive gallery. Artists’ Co-operative Gallery Ltd. All Members Show. Opening party open to the public on First Saturday of each month 7-10pm. Food and Drinks & Live Music. 405 S. 11 St. www.artistsco-opgallery.com

5/31: Becoming ameri-can: teenagers and im-migration. The Durham Museum. A compilation of gripping black and white photography taken by Bar-bara Beirne and captioned in the subjects own words. 801 S. 10 St. www.durham-museum.org

Downtown Public Art tour

Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey is pleased to announce guided public walking tours

of downtown art to be held on Sunday, May 17. Those interested should meet

at the Omaha Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1001 Farnam, Suite 200 for one

of three start times: 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Walkers may choose a ½ mile short tour or

a 2-mile long tour. Tours are open to the public and free although donations

to the Public Art Maintenance Fund will be accepted. The tours are guided by

members of the Public Art Commission, an official City commission which aims

to maintain a system for reviewing, accepting, and maintaining public art, to

increase the public’s exposure to art, and to educate the public about visual and

cultural aspects of the city. For more information on the Downtown Public Art

Tours, contact Ashley Hinck in the Mayor’s Office at 444-6410.

Word from the Mayor

“Shadow Box”sculpture , by tom Sitazman. Photo taken by Joan Baillon


JUNE EVENTS6/3 - 6/28: artists’ Coop-erative gallery. Artists’ Cooperative Gallery Ltd. New works from Jim Brum-mel, Lori Elliott-Bartle, Tom Hamilton and Jean Mason. Opening party open to the public on First Saturday of each month 7-10pm. Food and Drinks & Live Music. 405 S. 11 St. www.artists-co-opgallery.com

6/5 - 6/7: 12th annual taste of Omaha. Heart-land of America Park & Fountain. Along Omaha’s riverfront, the event show-cases area restaurants with exciting live entertain-ment and activities. Watch cooking demonstrations, browse displays, enjoy mu-sic, amusement rides, face painting and much more! 8th & Farnam Sts. www.tasteofomaha.info

6/5 - 6/7: Sand in the City. Corporate sand sculpting competition. Concessions available. Vote for your fa-vorite sculpture and help determine who will win the People’s Choice Award. Free. Donations welcome. Qwest Center Omaha. 455 N. 10 St. www.nchsfounda-tion.org

6/5 - 6/28: Disney’s high School musical. Rose Per-forming Arts Center. The smash Disney Channel movie on stage! East High will never be the same when basketball star Troy and the brainy new stu-dent Gabriella break out of their groups to audition for the school musical. 2001 Farnam St. www.rosethe-ater.org

6/5 - 8/15: hope tucker: the Obituary Project. Bemis Center for Contem-porary Arts. 724 S. 12 St. www.bemiscenter.org

6/5: Sculpture garden gala. Joslyn Art Museum. A gala event for the open-ing of the new Peter Kiewit Sculpture Garden. 2200 Dodge St. www.joslyn.org

6/5: Omaha Beef vs. Sioux City Bandits. Oma-ha Civic Auditorium. Arena football. 18th & Capitol Sts. www.beeffootball.com6/6 - 9/6: river of gold: Precolumbian treasures from Sitio Conte. Joslyn Art Museum. This exhibi-

tion surveys the first artist to travel across the plains and into the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Ap-proximately 70 sketches, watercolors, paintings and collateral materials. 2200 Dodge St. www.joslyn.org

6/6 - 10/18: masterpieces of mexican Folk art from the Pat & Judd Wagner Collection. Joslyn Art Museum. This exhibition features traditional and contemporary Mexican folk art objects collected by Omahans Pat & Judd Wagner. 2200 Dodge St. www.joslyn.org

6/11: Dane Cook. Qwest Center Omaha. Fresh on the heels of the announce-ment of his Comedy Cen-tral special and comedy album, ‘ISolated INcident,’ comedian Dane Cook has now announced plans to take his material on the road with the ‘ISolated INcident - Global Thermo Comedy Tour.’ Touted as the largest comedy tour in history, Cook will travel within the US, Canada, Af-rica, Brazil, Australia, UK and Germany. 455 N. 10 St. www.ticketmaster.com

6/13 - 6/24: nCaa College World Series. Rosenblatt Stadium. Team autograph sessions, Fan Fest activities and Opening Ceremonies and fireworks will be Fri 6/12. For information on ticket purchases, includ-ing dates they go on sale, please refer to www.cwso-maha.com or call 402-554-4404. www.cwsomaha.com

6/13: Playing With Fire Concert Series. Lewis & Clark Landing. Blues music Concert at Lewis & Clark Landing Park. Free will donations accepted at the gate, with a portion going to The Food Bank. Featuring Angel Forrest and Trampled Under Foot. 515 N. Riverfront Dr. www.playingwithfireomaha.net

6/14: Second Sunday talk: Flag Day. General Crook House. Featuring Omaha attorney Larry Dw-yer speaking on “Lincoln--the Law Years”. 30th & Fort Sts. www.omahahistory.org


Cubby’s Old Market Grocery601 S. 13th St.

6/14 - 10/4: golden leg-acy: 65 Years of golden Book illustrations. Joslyn Art Museum. Original il-lustration art from the vast Random House archive including The Poky Little Puppy, Tootle, I Can Fly and more. 2200 Dodge St. www.joslyn.org

6/16 - 8/25: tempo of twi-light Concert Series. Lau-ritzen Gardens, Omaha’s Botanical Center. From all-time favorite cover songs to artistic originals, talented local bands will create a memorable musical ex-perience for visitors of all ages. Purchase delicious and affordable meals from the café or bring your own snacks and beverages. Bring blankets or chairs to relax in the garden. 100 Bancroft St. www.omahabotanicalgar-dens.org

6/18 - 7/11: reefer mad-ness: the musical. Blue Barn Theatre. An outra-geous tongue-in-cheek musical comedy adaptation of the classic 1936 anti-mar-ijuana propaganda film. 614 S. 11 St. www.bluebarn.org

6/19 – 21: nebraska gay Pride Week. For updates, see www.nebraskapride.com.

6/20: adam Frelin: let’s Pretend Weathermen. Be-mis Center for Contempo-rary Arts. 724 S. 12 St. www.bemiscenter.org

6/20: Scavenger Dash Urban adventure. Down-town Omaha. Teams of two solve twelve clues, visit checkpoints and complete challenges while running, walking or riding the bus for a max of 5 hours. visit ScavengerDash.com for full details. http://scavenger-dash.com/

6/20: 3 Doors Down. Stir Summer Concert Series at Harrah’s Outdoor Concert Cove. 7:30 p.m., Tickets $45.50. www.stircove.com

6/20: Omaha Beef vs. San angelo Stampede. Omaha Civic Auditorium. Arena football. 18th & Capitol Sts. www.beeffootball.com



6/20: eric Clapton and Steve Winwood. Qwest Center Omaha. 455 N. 10 St. www.qwestcentero-maha.com

6/20 - 6/21: railroad Days. Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha’s Botanical Center. A celebration of all things train and track at Lauritzen Gardens, The Durham Museum in Omaha, Union Pacific Railroad Museum, RailsWest Railroad Muse-um and the General Dodge House in Council Bluffs. Sponsored by Union Pa-cific Railroad and the Iowa West Foundation. 100 Ban-croft St. www.omahabo-tanicalgardens.org

6/23: mormon taber-nacle Choir. Holland Performing Arts Center. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance to expe-rience the 360 heavenly voices and 110 musicians of “America’s Choir” inside Omaha’s own celebrated Kiewit Concert Hall. One performance only and seating is limited, so mark

your calendar now. 1200 Douglas St. www.oma-haperformingarts.org

6/26 - 6/28: Summer arts Festival. Farnam St. be-tween 10th & 15th St. 135 of the nation’s finest visual artists, three stages of con-tinuous entertainment in-cluding national perform-ers and a large hands-on Children’s Fair. Food, Ne-braska craft brews, special events and artist demon-strations. One of the city’s premier destinations for exceptional art, atmo-sphere and entertainment. www.summerarts.org

6/27: Chicago live in Con-cert. Stir Summer Concert Series at Harrah’s Outdoor Concert Cove. 8:00 p.m. Tickets, $41. www.stircove.com

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At Upstream Brewing Company, we proudly serve hand-cut Omaha Steaks™ –

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may/jun 09 - the encounter magazine

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