News

Member Spotlight: Laurie Taylor

Details

Category: Spotlighted Members

Published: Sun. Mar 14, 2021

Tell us about you!!!

I grew up in Omaha, Nebraska. I grew up in the Keystone neighborhood where we rode bikes to Keystone Pool and had horses as neighbors. I am a Benson Bunny. I went to Lincoln to attend Nebraska Wesleyan. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Education and minors in Art and Music in 1972. Omaha Public Schools offered me a job teaching second grade.It was the start of a 26 year career that also included teaching on the Pine Ridge Reservation (4th grade), and the one room school my mother went to in Sheridan County in Nebraska (K-8th grade). After living in western Nebraska for 4 years we relocated to Elkhorn. I taught at a one room country school as head teacher for 8 years (K-3rd grade) then back to OPS for 11 years (2nd & 3rd grade). 

I went out on a health leave as I had fibromyalgia that created migraines 3 to 4 times a week. I also struggle with a LOT of osteoarthritis and a little rheumatoid arthritis. I retired early but felt like I needed to do something, so I started a pet sitting business called Paws 4 Me for 10 years. I taught in the warm water pool at Lakeside Wellness then became certified in Tai Chi in 2015. I have taught Tai Chi since 2015 and am now at Elkhorn Common Ground. I became a Certified HealingTouch Practitioner in 2017. I am a life-long learner!! 

I have one son and two granddaughters here in Omaha. I met my husband in 1996 when his son was in my 3rd grade class! He waited till the summer to write me a nice thank you note. In the note he asked me out and gave me his phone number as I had an unlisted phone. We married in July of 1997! 

Tell us about your history with Omaha Artists Inc.

I joined Omaha Artists in 2018. I have always been doing some type of art as a classroom teacher and calligraphy as a College for Kids class and freelance for the NE State Historical Society. I enjoy drawing, watercolors, acrylic and oil and cold wax. In the last 3 years I have taken a variety of online art classes. I would like to learn encaustic! I love the Fun Shops that Omaha Artists promote as well as the meetings. I always meet someone new! When I paint my aches and pains fade away as I focus on the project!

I have a website: highergroundsacredart.com. I also display my art on Fine Art America. 

Tell us about a couple of your favorite books you have read (name and author)? 

In my spare time I love to do art and read historical fiction. A couple of books that I highly recommend are “The Dovekeepers” by Alice Hoffman, “The Book of Longings” by Sue Monk Kidd and “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens. I love authors Alice Hoffman, Jodi Picoult, Kristin Hannah and Kate Morton and Omaha author Jonis Agee. I also love to connect with my friends. My goal is to keep up with my 93 year old mother!

What are your travel experiences? 

Jerry and I honeymooned on Maui. Scuba diving at the Cayman islands as well as Hawaii was beautiful. I was lucky to travel with my mother and stepfather to Berlin and celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Berlin Air lift in which Chuck flew. We then traveled to Paris where we had an apartment for two weeks.

It was amazing and I would go back in a heartbeat! I have been on a barge in Scotland and gone to the town where my great grandmother was born. I have traveled with family to Italy, France, Ireland and Canada. I love the Nebraska Sandhills and love to travel west. 

What are you known for? 

I am known for my smile and my laugh as well as my “evil twin” who gets into mischief! 

Has anything or anyone changed your life? 

My husband has changed my life by honoring who Iam and being my steadfast rock through health and illness. He gives me the space I need to learn and grow. Every year just gets better! My family and my friends are my inspiration and my love. 

What is your favorite quote or saying? 

My favorite quote is “Be still and know that I am God.” I also like “This too shall pass.”

Katie Johnson

Member Spotlight Reporter

Member Spotlight: Sherry Reese

Details

Category: Spotlighted Members

Published: Sat. Feb 13, 2021

Tell us about you?

I was born in Sylacauga, Alabama – the Home of Jim Nabors who played Gomer Pyleon TV! It is a beautiful little town located between Birmingham and Montgomery. My Dad was the artist in our family. His trade was being a butcher but many nights at home, he loved to paint wildlife scenes in oil. He painted at our dining room table, told me not to touch anything but I could sit and watch. I would sit for an hour or more, in fascination, watching him paint. It was truly his “get away” from the everyday world. After Dad passed away when I was 10, art went out of my life until Iwas in Jr. High. I had a very special teacher who sparked my interest in art again, as well as nurturing my soul and my talent. I knew by high school I wanted to teach art, to empower and encourage others the way I had been helped at a time when I needed it most. I had to work part-time during high school and had 3 part-time jobs to make enough money to pay my way through college. It took me 7 years to complete my degree with Honors from Auburn University in Art Education with a minor in Art History. I taught art in grades K-12 for about 30 years, private lessons, and workshops for children and adults. I retired from teaching in 2015 and started Sherry Reese Fine Art. I also had my own photography business on the side in the 1980s, which is how I met my husband, Steve. After Steve and I were married, I worked with him and his family at Mervin Reese Photographers on and off for many years. Steve and I have had almost 38 wonderful years together, two amazing sons (Alex and Adam) and a beautiful granddaughter, Haley.

Tell us about your history with Omaha Artists Inc?

Once I retired from teaching, I started taking painting classes at Joslyn Art Museum. I wondered why I had waited so long to do this! I loved the comradery with others as well as learning new skills. I realized I needed an art group to belong with. So, I started researching different groups in the Omaha area. Being older, I was looking for diversity in ages and regular daytime meetings. Meeting Barbara Egr at a Manglesen’s art event, she suggested I come to an OAI lunch. Omaha Artists, Inc. fit the bill to a tee! I loved the structure and warmness of this group from the first time I came. I joined in 2018 and it felt like being with lifelong friends. I love the fun shops and being with other artists, finding out their story and seeing their varied and wonderful talents! I am enjoying the position of Vice President of OAI. I believe we should all get involved in whatever way we can to help OAI survive and thrive…help on a committee, get to know all the members you can, ask to be on the board. You will find helpful and supportive artists and friends. Put your fears behind you so you won’t be asking the question, “Why did I wait so long?”

How did you get involved in art?

As a teacher of art in public schools, you become a jack of all trades in art. You must know the subject to be able to teach it! That WAS fun! Experimentation helps you to learn a lot! COLOR has always been my inspiration! For about 30 years, my personal art was colored pencils and ink – sold some of my work through family and friends. Then, my eyesight started changing and I could not see those sharp details I was accustomed to doing. I then turned to acrylics as my new outlet.
Bright, colorful, quick-drying…thick, thin, mixed media; I do love what I can do with acrylics! I have been the Artist of the Month at Mangelsen’s and Blick Art. I also sell my work on my website sherryreesefineart.com.

What is a little-known fact about you?

I loved roller skating! I helped teach beginners and coach roller hockey in the 1990’s-early 2000s.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

PAINTING!!! I love all kinds of music and setting the mood for painting – from Classical to Smooth Jazz, Paul McCartney to Slash, synthesizer to the acoustic guitar – I have quite a variety. For the past 5 years (not 2020), I’ve gone out of state to weeklong workshops with different artists specializing in acrylics – Jan Sitts, David Kessler, and Robert Burridge. It is arelaxing and renewing experience!

Tell us about a couple of your favorite books you have read (name and author)?

I have read all the books (except for the most recent) of Stephen King and all of the late Michael Crichton. Can’t pick a favorite. I also like the book “First, We Have Coffee” by Margaret Jensen.

What are your travel experiences?

I have traveled all over the U.S. One of my most exciting trips was when I was 18. For three weeks, some friends and I traveled by motorcycle through the Appalachian Mountains, backpacking, hiking, and canoeing. I’ve also bicycled through Germany and Austria on a 2-week tour along the Danube River in2000.

What are you known for?

My Chocolate Chip Muffins!

What skills would you like to learn?

I am open to whatever might come along.

Has anything or anyone changed your life?

My husband, Steve. He has always been My Gift from God.

What is your favorite quote or saying?

“It is said Master and Student walk the path side by side. They share their destiny until their paths go separate ways.”

Artist Spotlight Member Column submitted by Reporter, Katie Johnson

Member Spotlight: Linda Leary

Details

Category: Spotlighted Members

Published: Sat. Jan 9, 2021

Tell us about you?

I am originally from northwestern KS-Phillipsburg, KS until age 10 and then moved to Lincoln, NE. Igraduated from college with Degrees: B.S. Elementary Education-College of St. Mary, Omaha, M.S.in Elementary Education, Endorsement in Library/Media Education-University of NE at Omaha. I taught Intermediate grades for 7 years and taught as a Library/Media Specialist 25 years. The most eye-opening teaching experience was as a Reading Lab teacher for one semester at Gatesville Home for Boys (Grades 5-8) Reform School, in Gatesville, TX while my husband finished his last 6 months in the Army at Ft. Hood, TX. I retired from teaching in 2006. I now volunteer in various capacities: St.Leo the Great Catholic Church Parish Library, Co-Coordinator of the Christmas Angel Tree Project collecting gifts for children of incarcerated parents, long-time member/current recording secretaryof the Educational Fraternity, Alpha Delta Kappa, Zeta Chapter, looking forward to being a mentor at North Star Foundation and a dog walker at the NE Humane Society in 2021. I belong to 2 book clubs.

Tell us about your history with Omaha Artists Inc?

I joined a few years ago after a former teaching colleague, painting friend and OAI member, Judy Freeland, told me about the club. I enjoy how everyone in this organization is so helpful. I enjoy learning from other artists at the Fun Shops and admire the community outreach opportunities sponsored by OAI. This is a wonderful organization in which to learn at your own pace and explorenew media. I became an Executive Officer - Secretary of OAI in 2020!

How did you get involved in art? What is your favorite medium? How has your art evolved? Whatis your inspiration? Awards?

Having taken piano lessons as a young child and teenager, I alwayshave been inspired by classical music. I have been enjoyed exploring visual art as a viewer and participant since childhood. Since 2007, three teaching colleagues and I have met weekly to paint, meeting at each others’ homes. A 4th retired teacher joined us 2 years ago. I enjoy watercolor and photography. I am still searching for my personal style and personal medium. Nature, unusual shapes, unusual lighting and other artists inspire me! Awards received: OAI Honorable for photos of the Platte River at Sunset, Joy Long Award for Lighting for a photo of the Brooklyn Bridge/Empire State Bldg.

What is a little-known fact about you?

I love to Tent Camp!

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

My interests include reading, music, flower gardening, volunteering and painting.

Tell us about a couple of your favorite books you haveread (name and author)?

Book of Lost Names by Lisa Windgate, Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frank, When the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens and any book by Sr. Joyce Rupp, OSM.

What are your travel experiences?

In 2008 Jim and I traveled to Germany for a family reunion of cousins on my maternal grandmother’s side. We enjoy visiting children and other relatives in NYC, Washington, D.C., Seattle, San Francisco, NC, TX and FL.

What are you known for?

My smile; my organizational skills

What skills would you like to learn?

I would like to play the piano by ear; painting shadows in draping attire; oil painting.

Has anything or anyone changed your life?

Being married to my husband for 50 years and the death of our son.

What is your favorite quote or saying?

“I cannot live without books”. - ThomasJefferson

Katie Johnson

Member Spotlight Reporter

Spotlight Member: Barbara Mathewson

Details

Category: Spotlighted Members

Published: Wed. Nov 11, 2020

Q: Tell us about you? 

I am 1 of 7 children born and raised in St. Louis, MO. I attended Harris Stowe College and received my Masters from the University of MO in St Louis. I have 3 daughters and 3 stepchildren,14 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. I taught 5th through 8th grade for 9 years before moving to Omaha. I was a substitute teacher for several years. Eventually, I became a restaurant manager for Bakers Supermarkets, working there for 18 years and even did some of their commercials! 

Q: Tell us about your history with Omaha Artists, Inc? 

I joined OAI about 7 years ago. I love the Fun Shops and the opportunity to hang my pictures in different galleries. The people in OAI are friendly and I look forward to our time together. 

I am the Chair of the Courtesy Program, sending cards to those who need congratulations, praise, or encouragement. These cards are made by the members of OAI – we meet and make these cards every November. A side note: should you wish a card sent to someone in need of condolence, praise or encouragement please contact me! 

Q: Tell us your art story 

I have always loved art…unfortunately, I have had no formal training. At first, I would take a photo of a house and transfer it to cotton. Then I would embroider the entire picture: I sold many of these. My favorite medium is watercolor. My inspiration comes from anywhere. I do not actively market my pictures. They are like my children! 

Q: What is a little-known fact about you? 

I am a cancer survivor of 31 years! 

Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time? 

In my spare time, I love watching nature and taking photos. I love quiet time but, enjoy watching the Cardinals play baseball. I love doing things with the grandkids but, the Covid-19 has drastically reduced our time together. 

Q: What are your travel experiences? 

I have traveled most of the United States, Canada and Paris, France. 

Q: What are you known for? 

I am known for my helpfulness and playful sarcasm. 

Q: What skills would you like to learn? 

I am eager to learn anything having to do with art. 

Q: Has anything or anyone changed your life? 

My children, my students. They taught me to keep a sense of humor and to be patience. 

Q: What is your favorite quote or saying? 

Favorite quote: “We are not given a good life or a bad life. It is up to us to make it good or bad”. 

Spotlight Member: Barbara Egr 

Details

Category: Spotlighted Members

Published: Sat. Oct 10, 2020

Tell us about you? 

I was born in Illinois but raised in Omaha. I love the Midwest and the changing seasons. I was the “surprise that turned into the blessing.” (my parents’ words)! My grandmother lived with us and we hung out together a lot. 

Emmett and I knew some mutual friends who introduced us. We have nine grandchildren and three children. 

I went to Metro and was trained as a commercial artist. I worked for the Yellow Pages way back when. However, I felt “the call” to become a teacher in my 30s. How great is it that we live in a country where we can return to college at any point in our lives? So, I returned to college and earned a teaching degree. 

I taught first grade for 15 years. After my brother passed in 2012, I took a hard look at my life and decided I would leave the classroom and sub. I was working about 70 hours a week and I was afraid I would be so busy I would not participate in my grandchildren’s lives. I wanted them to know me and I wanted to know them! 

About three years ago, I joined the Passageway Gallery in Omaha’s Old Market. It is a co-op gallery, and everyone is quite helpful in teaching artists how to grow. Last year, just before Covid-19, I joined Nebraska City’s Self Expressions Gallery. Both galleries have been a lot of fun! 

Tell us about your history with Omaha Artists, Inc? 

My mother passed before I was 30. At that time, I knew a fellow artist, and some of you know her, too. Her name was Maxine Tatreau. She became my “adopted” mother. She had been a member of OAI, and she encouraged me to join when I left the classroom. 

What do you like most about this organization or the people? 

I love the membership! We are fortunate to have a diverse group – some of our artists are professionals while others are just beginning the journey. I am a people-person. It is from others I gain energy and when we meet for Fun Shops or general meetings to learn about others, I draw a star on my calendar for a “red letter day!” Remember, if you’re not enjoying this thing called “life” then you’re doing something wrong! Now, of course, we all have bad days and even chapters in life, but OAI adds spice to life for me. 

Anything you would recommend to new members or those thinking of joining? 

Let us know you want to get involved, please! We are looking for three people, right now, to help on an easy committee! 

Tell us about a couple of your favorite books you have read (name and author)? 

“Business Boutique” by Christy Wright and “First Phone Call from Heaven” by Mitch Albom 

What are your travel experiences? 

Our family camped all over the Midwest as I was growing up. I saved up my pennies and visited relatives in Germany when I was 20. I have visited many, many National Parks, Alaska, Hawaii, and the Caribbean 

What are you known for? 

I am tall, patient, kind, and cannot tell a joke, although sometimes I am naturally humorous! 

What skills would you like to learn? 

I love watercolor. It is a goal to keep some areas of the composition negative and just keep the white paper. 

Has anything or anyone changed your life? 

I believe my parents had a huge influence on my attitude. They were positive and saw problems as “stepping stones from which to grow”. When I asked my father what he thought about me returning to college to become a teacher he said, “Go for it, kid!” 

What is your favorite quote or saying? 

Be positive...it’s my blood type and motto for life! 

Katie Johnson

Member Spotlight Reporter

Spotlight Member

Details

Category: Spotlighted Members

Published: Tue. Sep 15, 2020

Tell us about you? 

I was born and raised in Douglas County. I have made art from the time I was able to hold a stick, chalk or a crayon! I attended high school in Elkhorn because it was the closest school with an art department; I found not only an art teacher, but a mentor, supporter, and a friend...who still visits me at the Hot Shops! 

I have been with my husband, Kevin since December 5, 1971 when we started going steady and married following 4 years of college (Art). We have two children – a son and a daughter and 3 grandchildren with #4 due in February! 

I have always made art a part of my daily life – whether in sales of my own or that of others, many co-operative ventures, boutiques/ and mail orders. I was 18 years in floral design, had folk art gallery in Valley 93-97, involved in country cooperative “cherisables” – mural painting – volunteering, art donations and lots of free labor! 

Tell us about your history with Omaha Artists, Inc? What other organizations do you belong? 

I was invited to join OAI by Bobbie Harvey and took part in the first anniversary party (Maurine Cummins was President)! There was a need for art supplies by several groups: I had made connections through a nurse at UNMC who was paying for supplies from her own pocket…thus, the Community Art Reach Program was born – when I was President of OAI (2000-2001)! I have held every office with OAI except Hostess and Treasurer! Last year, Rose Rutherford joined me as Co-Chair and Sally Calhoun as my ‘hands on assistant’! 

I think membership in a group of like-minded people, who are committed to art and promoting art is a must for even “Sunday Painters”. We all need our TRIBE! You are never “not really an artist”, you just may not do it as often as others or as much as you would want. 

I am a member of ANAC since 1996-on Exhibition for 3 terms, Secretary for 9 years and a member of the Fremont Art Association (I was president of both FAA and OAI at the same time!). 

How did you get involved in art? Tell us how art evolved, your inspiration, awards? 

I have never not done art – I was always surrounded by very artistic people! My work has always been in a state of flux – I create in multiples, not necessarily a series, but many pieces at once, assembling and always with a finished product in mind. My inspiration is that I have the ability to MAKE. I am so grateful for this blessing. I cannot imagine not being able to imagine! 

I have been very fortunate to receive many awards in the eons I have been doing this…from county fair in 2nd grade, Capital Conference art shows in High School-Gold Key-Purchase Award in ANAC: My favorite recognition was my parents pride in everything I did as well as my daughter now in her 15th year of teaching ART! 

What is a little-known fact about you? 

I co-wrote “Big Red Quilt-ED”. A Curriculum for 4th grade teachers which was a state-wide program through the NE State Quilt Guild. 

What do you enjoy doing in your free time, your favorite books you have read, author? 

I love magazines – especially art, antiques, and crafts in America, Ornaments. I love Maya Angelou, “Make the present comfortable and the future promising”. 

What are your travel experiences? 

Just when travel was possible, we can’t as I am the babysitter when my daughter goes back to teaching…and so it goes! 

What are you known for? 

I think I am known for thinking outside the box and doing work that causes people to stop and think or at least smile! 

What skills would you like to learn? 

I really love metal and because my fine motor skills are leaving because of arthritis – welding is really BIG Jewelry, right? I love plasma cutting and would like more practice at that! 

Has anything or anyone changed your life? 

Dorothy Tuma gave me the opportunity to be in the Hot Shops Art Center when I was starting to burst out of the walls I had put myself in – without that confidence she had in me and my work, I would not have kept progressing. Dorothy and Harriet Otis always helped me commit to art for the joy of it! 

What is your favorite quote or saying? 

Back to Maya: “We cannot change the past, but we can change our attitude toward it”. 

Spotlight Member Section featuring Jo Anne Nielsen

Details

Category: Spotlighted Members

Published: Thu. Jun 11, 2020

Tell us about you.

I was born in Hastings, NE and was in the same nursery as Dr. Jack Stark who is a Nebraska Board of Regents Candidate! I have lived in the Omaha area since I was 6 years old. Most of my schooling was at Franklin Elementary and then Jr. and Sr. High at Tech High School, (now the TAC Building). I have 2 children, Steve 55 and Lori made it to 50 (deceased 2019) and I have 5 grandchildren and 2 great-grandsons.

Tell us about your history with Omaha Artists, Inc.

I have been in Omaha Artists, Inc. since 1992. In 1994 right after my 3rd grandchild died of SIDS, Helen Patane asked me if I would like to be on the Hostess Committee, my response was an immediate yes! Judy Webster, Binck Utterback and I worked on this committee until 1997. Then I was on Membership for only a year because then I became the President for 2 terms. In 2000, I went back to being on the Membership Committee (I loved it). I didn’t think I was doing enough for the club so in 2001, I went on the ANAC Committee with Dick Brown. Once again in 2002, I didn’t think I was doing enough to keep out of trouble, so along with everything else, I took on the newsletter. In 2011, I became the Treasurer and I am still doing it! I have also assisted with the Art Shows and as Vice President published the roster (matter of fact several times). Someone asked why I have worked on so many committees. While never having won an art show award, I love this organization and want it to succeed and make it a great experience for others.

How did you get involved in art?

Funny story, after being so busy with my daughter’s wedding plans in 1990, I suddenly wondered what I was going to do with the rest of my life. I started a watercolor class with Opal Parmenter and did not have a clue what I was doing, but stuck with it. Watercolor is still my favorite medium.

What other organizations do you belong?

Presently, I belong to 2 book clubs. I am an Elder at my church and in charge of the Fellowship Committee. Back in 1995, my daughter Lori and I turned a negative into a positive by working with the Nebraska SIDS Foundation: we published a cookbook – three cookbooks to be exact! I have been a member of ANAC (Association of Nebraska Art Clubs) for 21 years, was the Newsletter Chair for 12 years and presently the ANAC Registrar!

What is a little-known fact about you?

I am a Beauty School Drop-Out. I got pregnant while in beauty school and could not handle the smells of hair color and permanent solution! I have been so busy in my life, a paying position was not an option. I guess I would rather do without and do for others instead.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

My absolute favorite is watching television (reality, drama, movies, sitcoms, documentaries, just about everything). I also like to read, put puzzles together and time spent with friends. After 96 hours of watching Homeland, perhaps this was not the right time to ask this question, because I obviously have Covid-Brain! LOL!

What are your travel experiences?

I was very fortunate, while married, my ex and I loved to travel. There are only 4 states that I have not visited – West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland and Washington DC. We camped in much of the United States. I have traveled to 9 different countries in Europe and have taken 4 cruises.

How do you stay motivated to paint?

This is a difficult question to answer! I love to paint but I have to be in the MOOD and I do have good intentions, then something else comes up! I love workshops. Katie Johnson and I went to David Smith’s watercolor workshop in Sioux Falls, SD just before the Coronavirus began. Also the Omaha Artists Inc. members motivate me... I simply LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them.

What are you known for?

I guess, my RED HAIR and WALKER. And I am the only member that can speak REALLY LOUD to get people’s attention!

What skills would you like to learn?

I would like to attend an acrylic workshop. I have painted with acrylics, but have never been properly trained.

Has anything or anyone changed your life?

Yes, life’s experiences are valuable lessons. I have worked very hard to make my life what it is today.

What is your favorite quote or saying?

I hate it but, use it often – “It is, what it is”!

Spotlight Member Section featuring Pat Lontor

Details

Category: Spotlighted Members

Published: Sat. Mar 7, 2020

Tell us about you:

I grew up in a suburb, Bedford, about 15 miles from Cleveland, OH. My parents had a couple acres of land, so I grew up with horses, chickens, dogs and cats. I graduated from Bedford High School and then attended Ohio University in Athens, OH. That is where I met my husband. We were married and had our first daughter while we were still in college. We both worked for the University and Chuck had several other part time jobs.

Tell us about your history with Omaha Artists Inc:

I don’t remember the actual year I joined Omaha Artists. We moved to Omaha in November 1989, so it was probably around 1991 or 1992. I have chaired several committees in the past as well as being the president.

I like the fact that we have several art shows during the year which allows every member to get a chance to publicly show their art. Also, there are some lovely people with the same interests as mine that I have met throughout the years.

What I would recommend to a new member—get involved! That is the way you make friends and really enjoy the organization.

How did you get involved with the Joslyn Art Museum and your history with the Joslyn?

I have moved several times during my adult life. It is always easier to make friends when your children move with you. Omaha was the second move without children. They were young adults and of course did not want to move. I have always been involved with art, so I took a public tour at the Joslyn Art Museum and decided to become a docent. That was the Fall of 1990. Training was a lot different at that time. I was thrown in with the experienced docents from day one. It was very intimidating to say the least. There were no computers, but Joslyn had a wonderful library where I spent a lot of time studying. The first tour I gave was a special exhibition called “The Wanderers”. It was Russian art from the mid-1800s from Russia. Many of the famous Russian artists of the time were included. It was really a great exhibit. When I went to Russia, I went to the Russian Museum which was not on the tour itinerary and saw a lot of the art that had been at the Joslyn. My earliest friendships in Omaha were made through being a docent.

How did you get involved in art? What is your favorite medium?

I have always liked and been involved with art. My dad was a good artist and his sister, my aunt, had graduated from the Cleveland Art Institute. However, no one really encouraged me. I really became serious about painting when we were living in Baltimore.

My favorite medium is oil. I am a slow painter, oil dries slowly so it allows me to play with it. I have tried pottery and welding among others. I like both of them and learning the process helps a great deal in explaining a piece of artwork when I am giving a tour. I have also done photography.

What is a little-known fact about you?

I don’t know!!! Perhaps the fact that I was a Girl Scout all through school (2nd through 12th grades) Our troop stayed together for all of those years. Some great friendships were made. As we got older, we worked all year to go on a trip in the summer. We rented cottages on Lake Michigan, spent a week on Pelee Island in Lake Erie and went to a dude ranch in upstate NY among other trips. I became a Scout Leader for each of my daughters. A total of ten years. I will never sleep in a tent again!!!

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I am a collector—not a hoarder, a collector! It seems that I cannot have just one of anything. I collect art and antiques among other things. For years I have had an antique booth at Platte Valley Antiques.

What are your favorite televisions shows?

Actually, I do not watch much TV. However, I do love live plays and try to go to as many as possible.

What are your travel experiences?

I have been lucky enough to travel quite a bit. After my husband retired, we went to Europe several times, including to the 1994 Olympics in Norway. We also tried to get together, as a family one week a year in different places. I have been to Italy twice for an art workshop which was wonderful. In the states I have taken lessons in Cleveland, Baltimore and St. Louis when we lived there. And when we moved to Omaha, I took lessons here.

How do you stay motivated to paint – what inspires you? Do you have words of wisdom to share?

I have always tried to paint at least four to six hours a week, which is not much. I am trying to do better now that I am getting old-er and while I can still see and hold a brush! Portraits inspire me, I love portraits—both painting them and looking at other por-traits by other artists. My house is full of portraits! I have a group that meets in my basement one evening a week. We hire a model and paint from life. That inspires me. The age range is huge, but we have all become friends. Our art ties us together.

Words of wisdom – that is tough. My wisdom may not be someone else’s. However, just make time for yourself and your art. It is so easy to get caught up in something else and then regret that you have not done what you wanted. Time goes by quickly.

What are you known for?

I really don’t know.

What skills would you like to learn?

At my age I prefer to hone the skills I think I have.

Has anything or anyone changed your life?

My husband changed my life. Thanks to him and his job we moved, met new people, expanded our experiences, traveled and grew.

What is your favorite quote or saying?

“The cure for anything is saltwater: sweat, tears or the sea”. – Isak Dinesen

Spotlight Member Section featuring Emmett Egr

Details

Category: Spotlighted Members

Published: Sun. Feb 9, 2020

Tell us about you?

I am recently retired from the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District. I served for 40 years as Information and Education Coordinator for the NRD. Before that, I produced and directed educational television programs and films for KYNE-TV at UNO.

Tell us about your history with Omaha Artists Inc?

I have been a member of Omaha Artists for about two years. I joined following the urging of my wife, Barbara Egr, who seems to think that I have some talent with photography. I have enjoyed making new friends in the club and having an opportunity to display my photography at OAI shows. I help set up the microphone and speaker system for the luncheon meetings.

How did you get involved in art and what is your favorite medium?

My duties at the NRD included a fair amount of photo journalism. Today, I am shifting gears toward a more artful form of photography.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I enjoy fishing. We have a boat and enjoy taking the boat to various lakes in Nebraska and South Dakota. Fishing for walleye is my favorite. I also enjoy doing home improvements and landscaping our yard.

What are your travel experiences?

Barbara and I love to travel. We have been to the Caribbean, Hawaii, Alaska and to many of our nearby western states – Colorado, Wyoming and Montana are favorites.

What are you known for?

Landscape and wildlife photography are my favorites. I try to capture lots of images when I travel outside of Nebraska. However, Nebraska is also a beautiful state and many beautiful photos are taken here. I follow many photography-oriented Facebook pages with Nebraska thru the Lense and Natural Nebraska among my favorites.

What skills would you like to learn?

In some ways I am relatively new to art photography and have much to learn about the capabilities of my mirrorless camera. Photoshop is my post-processing software choice. However, I am a believer in the “Less is Best” approach to enhancing images.

Spotlight Member Section featuring Neva Cozine

Details

Category: Spotlighted Members

Published: Wed. Jan 8, 2020

Our Spotlight Member Article this month is Neva Cozine. This section is meant to get to know each other! 

Tell us about you? 

I am in Nebraska because my dad was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base and my sister and I were in college at the time when the rest of the family moved to the next assignment. So we are here in Nebraska and Kansas. I met my spouse in graduate school; we have two children. One of my jobs, I was employed as a graphic designer. 

Tell us about your history with Omaha Artists Inc? 

I have been in Omaha Artists Inc. about 18 months and am a Fun Shop Co -chair. I love talking to others about art, and it is an organization that seems to be looking for ways for people to enjoy their art, grow creatively and enjoy others who are artists. 

How did you get involved in art and what is your favorite medium? 

Involved always! I love watercolor. 

What is a little-known fact about you? 

It is so little-known that even I don't know it! 

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? 

I love to work around my house. I recently painted the walls of my “art room” and added those cool shelves to display art. 

What are your travel experiences? 

I have been all over the world, but now travel every year to see our son in California and daughter in Massachusetts. 

What are you known for? 

Not sure of this. Note: A member who wishes to remain anonymous, says Neva Cozine is known for her contagious happy spirit and her willingness to help! 

What skills would you like to learn? 

Working with ink and watercolor. 

Has anything or anyone changed your life? 

We lived in Japan for 3 years when I was in junior high. That impacted my taste in art and love of the Japanese culture. 

What is your favorite quote or saying? 

My mother said “Never throw away dirt.”