Fine Arts Exchange
The NDE Fine Arts Education is excited to provide the “Fine Arts Exchange” as a resource to fine arts educators. On this page you will find arts organizations, both state agencies and non-profits, who have programs and opportunities that extend, enhance, and enrich arts learning.
The information contained in the Fine Arts Exchange is provided as a resource, and not an endorsement of the NDE.
School Year 2023-2024 Fine Arts Exchange
Bancroft Street Market, in Omaha, Nebraska, is a marketplace of ideas for exhibitions, specialty markets, music, and performance endeavors. Discover Bancroft Street Market’s artist driven community art project and rotating artists’ murals.
For more information, contact:
Bill Seidler, Jr., Manager
Bancroft Street Market
located at 10th & Bancroft Streets
mailing) 10050 Regency Circle #525
Omaha, NE 68114
p) (402) 651-2327
e) info@bancroftstreetmarket.com
w)bancroftstreetmarket.com/
Benson Theatre
Benson Theatre’s mission is to engage, enhance, and enrich the community through educational and artistic experiences. Benson Theatre is committed to be an inclusive, accessible space that is welcoming to everyone in our community. The theatre’s organizational model allows wide collaboration and support of community partners, allowing them to share their mission work with Benson, North Omaha, and the broader Omaha community. Be sure to check out Benson Theatre’s event calendar for information about upcoming educational and artistic programs.
For more information contact:
Jason Levering, Program Director
Maddie Radcliff-Reilly, Deputy Director
Amy Ryan, Executive Director
Benson Theatre
6054 Maple St
Omaha, NE 68104
p) (402) 991-4333
e) general information – info@bensontheatre.org or programming – jason@bensontheatre.org
w) bensontheatre.org/
x) @bensontheatre
ig) @bensontheatre
Bess Streeter Aldrich was one of Nebraska’s finest writers. In her short stories and novels, she chronicled the ups and downs of small town living in hopes that her readers would understand the hardships and struggles of the times, and also see the virtues and hopes of prairie times in the Midwest. Check out the free teacher resources, educational exhibits, and beautiful 1922 prairie mansion home and gardens of Nebraska Hall of Fame Author Bess Streeter Aldrich.
For more information, contact:
Kurk Shrader, Executive Director
Bess Streeter Aldrich Foundation
204 East F Street
Elmwood, NE 68349
p) (402) 867-4233
e) aldrichfoundation@gmail.com
w) besssreeteralrdich.org
Blue Cat features two-month exhibits by local, regional, and national artists. Our mission is to bring a wide variety of visual art to the Wayne community and promote the value of a rich artistic and cultural life. Visit the exhibits page on the website for information about current and upcoming exhibitions you and your students can visit.
For more information, contact:
Carolyn Albracht, Owner/Director
Blue Cat Gallery and Studio
114 W 3rd Street
Wayne, NE 68787
p) (402) 454-5144
e) bluecat.gallery.studio@gmail.com
w) bluecatgallerystudio.com
ig) @bluecatgallery
The Calibraska Arts Initiative uses the arts to build community, culture, and inclusive educational exchanges between Nebraskans and primarily California/Los Angeles-based professionals and students in the creative industries. We are focused on reaching rural and/or disadvantaged communities where access to technology, cultural institutions, professional mentorship, and resources to the creative industries is limited. Be sure to look for Calibraska’s summer programming that includes virtual workshops with Nickelodeon Animation!
For more information, contact:
Erica Larsen-Dockray, Founding Director and Teaching Artist
Alex Cole, Outreach Specialist
Calibraska Arts Initiative
1714 2nd Avenue
P.O. Box 2424
Scottsbluff, NE 69361
p) (308) 631-5704
e) info@calibraska.org, erica@calibraska.org, or alex@calibraska.org
w) calibraska.org/
ig) @calibraskaarts
Crane River Theater is established around the belief that lifting up the arts will only help in creating richer and more vibrant communities. Crane River’s mission is to serve the community of Kearney and surrounding areas as a professional theater production company providing a home for the presentation, education, and promotion of the arts. Crane River Theater provides the unique quality of using professionals from across the country and mixing them with local artists to create innovative productions and arts education programs for audiences of all ages. Check out Crane River Theater’s programming for the community of Kearney and surrounding areas.
For more information, contact:
Corey Urbanek, Managing Director
Crane River Theater
12 E 22nd Street
Kearney, NE 68847
p) (308) 627-5796
e) info@cranerivertheater.org
w) cranerivertheater.org
x) @CraneRiverShows
ig) @cranerivertheater
El Museo Latino is the only Latino art and history museum in Nebraska and is located in Omaha. Bilingual museum guided tours and programs are offered year-round. Visit El Museo Latino for a unique, ethnic museum and for a great cultural experience! Check out their website for current exhibits and program and reserve a time for you and your students.
For more information, contact:
Silvia Wells, Director of Education
El Museo Latino
4701 South 25th Street
Omaha, NE 68107
p) (402) 731-1137
e) info@elmuseolatino.org
w) elmuseolatino.org
x) @ElMuseoLatino
ig) @el_museo_latino
The Flatiron Luthier Cooperative’s space is a multipurpose venue dedicated to improving, enriching, educating, and inspiring the musical community. A dedicated non-profit organization, members of the community can rent this space, with all proceeds going directly to the mission of outreach and upholding the vision of the cooperative. To further collaborative missions, the Flatiron Luthier Cooperative partners and collaborates with Omaha charities to raise funds and continue to build a vibrant community.
For more information, contact:
Dr. Hamza Haqqi, Mission Advancement Coordinator
The Flatiron Luthier Cooperative
1722 St Mary’s Ave, Unit 120
Omaha, NE 68102
p) (402) 889-3515
e) found@seak-oma.org
w) seak-oma.org
The Golden Husk is a historic theatre and performing arts center featuring a diverse selection of performances, annual festivals, movie events, and artistic workshops throughout the year. Check out the annual season of events, historic projection room, local artwork display, and theatre tours.
For more information, contact:
Dahn Hagge, Director
Janna Olson, Assistant Director
Golden Husk Theatre
129 S. 16th Street
Ord, NE 68862
p) (308) 730-8133
e) goldenhuskarts@gmail.com
w) goldenhuskarts.org
x) @theforkarts
ig) @the_golden_husk_theatre
Good Vibrations receives donated musical instruments, refurbishes them, and distributes them to students in need. Judy, founding director, is proud to honor her parents who always made sure she had an instrument and was able to study music. Good Vibrations is all about making sure that kids of all backgrounds are able to study music.
For more information, contact:
Judy Divis, Good Vibrations Founder
Good Vibrations
7419 West Dodge Road
Omaha, NE 68114
p) (402) 679-3302
e) judydivis@gmail.com
w) omahachambermusic.org/good-vibrations
ig) @omahachambermusic
In keeping with the research, teaching, and outreach missions of the Center for Great Plains Studies and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the mission of the Great Plains Art Museum is to collect, preserve, research, and interpret the art and literature of the Great Plains region. The Great Plains Art Museum aims to foster study and enhance appreciation through the changing exhibits and public programs of the history and creative spirit of the Great Plains of North America.
Check out the temporary exhibitions throughout the year on topics ranging from the ecology of the Great Plains to contemporary Indigenous art. Students and teachers can also view the growing online collection of 1,000+ artworks and reach out about opportunities for guided tours and art-making activities in the Education Studio.
For more information, contact:
Alison Cloet, Education and Outreach Associate
Great Plains Art Museum
1155 Q Street
Lincoln, NE 68588
p) 402) 472-3964
e) acloet3@unl.edu
w) unl.edu/plains/great-plains-art-museum
ig) @greatplains_unl
Hot Shops Arts Center is Omaha’s largest artist collective. Everyone who visits Hot Shops can experience the creative process and how art is made. Imagine what happens when teachers bring students in to see an artist at work; hear directly from the artist about their ideas, processes and tools; and even have a hands-on experience. Watch as students’ imaginations expand and they begin to think about the possibilities and opportunities to create new things and solve new problems. Be sure to check out the 300+ visual arts and creative education opportunities offered each year at Hot Shops Art Center!
For more information, contact:
Kim Sellmeyer, Executive Director
Hot Shops Art Center
1301 Nicholas Street
Omaha, NE 68102
p) (402) 342-6452
e) info@hotshopsartcenter.org
w) hotshopsartcenter.org/
x) @HotShopsArt
ig) @hotshopsartscenter
Humanities Nebraska
Humanities Nebraska provides grants and speakers on a variety of topics including history, theory, and criticism of the arts. Check out Desire to Be Heard: Art, Culture, and the Human Experience and other talks about Nebraska artists.
For more information contact:
Mary Yager, Associate Director
Humanities Nebraska
215 Centennial Mall South, Ste 330
Lincoln, NE 68508
p) (402) 474-2131
e) info@humanitiesnebraska.org
w) humanitiesnebraska.org
The International Quilt Museum (IQM) has the world’s largest publicly held collection of quilts and seeks creative ways to engage the community through the museum’s amazing quilts and exhibitions. IQM hosts field trips and special events, and partners with teachers in various content areas.
The museum’s collection of quilts can pair well with many different topics or lessons. Discover IQM’s articles about quilting published on ReadWorks and learn how math, social studies, and multicultural education all tie into quilt making, or visit the museum and check out the Ghormley Reading Room on the third floor filled with hands-on activities. The community is also invited to attend monthly First Friday events, where admission is free!
For more information, contact:
Lindy Clausen, Education Coordinator
International Quilt Museum
1523 N. 33rd St
Lincoln, NE 68503
p) (402) 472-7018
e) lclausen3@unl.edu
w) internationalquiltmuseum.org/
Joslyn Art Museum collects, preserves, and interprets visual artworks of the highest quality, fostering appreciation and enjoyment of art for the benefit of a diverse audience. Joslyn is closed the 2023–2024 school year to undergo an expansion and renovation, and prepare for an artful new era. Be sure to check out Joslyn Art Museum’s extensive digital resources!
For more information, contact:
Laura Huntimer, Head of School & Teacher Programs
Joslyn Art Museum
2200 Dodge Street
Omaha, NE 68104
e) lhuntimer@joslyn.org
w) joslyn.org/education/teachers
p) (402) 661-3847
x) @joslynartmuseum
ig) @joslynartmuseum
Kearney Creates’ website encourages reflection on the Kearney community and its culture. It looks at residents, how they got here and where are they going with sections on the community’s past and present, work and recreation, early pioneer exploration and even today’s technological advances. The website platform accommodates the transformative character of artists, community, and culture. Kearney Creates’ newly created ongoing production features new artistic entries, contributors, and images of Kearney’s artistic life. Be sure to check out Kearney Creates for artists and their art works, as well as commentary on arts and culture.
For more information, contact:
Kate Benzel, Blog Editor
p) (308) 251-2710
e) info@kearneycreates.com
w) kearneycreates.com
Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra presents inspiring experiences and welcomes all members of the community to discover and cultivate a profound, personal connection with live orchestral music. Be sure to check out this season’s concert offerings, including educational and family programming, discounted tickets for music educators, and youth ticket prices.
For more information contact:
Hannah Bell, Community Partnerships Manager
Kevin Madden, Audience Services Manager
Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra
233 South 13th Street, Suite 1702
Lincoln, NE 68508
p) (402) 746-2211 | ext. 1 for Kevin, ext. 2 for Hannah
e) info@lincolnsymphony.com
w) lincolnsymphony.com
ig) @lincolnsymphony
The Little Red Hen Theatre provides immersive theatre arts and educational experiences for the greater community in Northeast Nebraska. In addition to producing four productions annually and presenting artists, the theatre works with local schools and organizations to create unique, needs-driven workshops. Check out The Little Red Hen Theatre for unique, challenging, and exciting work!
For more information, contact:
T. Adam Goos, Managing Director
The Little Red Theatre
316 Main Street
Wakefield, NE 68784
p) (402) 287-2818
e) contact@littleredhentheatre.com
w) littleredhentheatre.com
x) @redhentheatr
ig) @redhentheatr
The LUX Center for the Arts makes art happen in Lincoln. In LUX’s classrooms, youth and adults discover the joys of pottery, printmaking, painting, jewelry, drawing, and more. Throughout the year LUX Center Outreach takes art classes to at-risk youth, low-income schools, cancer patients, and others that benefit from having a first-hand art experience. The LUX galleries and shop represent the highest caliber work of local, regional, and national artists, exhibited annually in more than 18 shows. Discover the LUX’s five free galleries, Friday night workshops, and artist-led classes.
For more information, contact:
Barbara Sullivan, Education Programs Manager
LUX Center for the Arts
2601 N 48th Street
Lincoln, NE 68504
p) (402) 466-8692
e) babara@luxcenter.org
w) luxcenter.org
ig) @lux_center
The Museum of Nebraska Art is the official art collection of the state of Nebraska. Learn more about MONA and discover a vast collection of over 5,000 works by artists of local, national, and international acclaim reflecting nearly 200 years of history.
For more information, contact:
Christine Brown, Director of Learning and Engagement
Museum of Nebraska Art
2401 Central Avenue
Kearney, NE 68847
p) (308) 865-8559
e) lockhart-brownc@unk.edu
w) mona.unk.edu/mona/
The National Willa Cather Center is dedicated to advancing the work of Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author Willa Cather and preserving the historical settings and archival material associated with her life and writings. Core programs include operation of a museum and archive, as well as presentation of regular programming and arts exhibits in the Red Cloud Opera House, which played a key role in nurturing Willa Cather’s own interest in the arts. Be sure to look for the full event schedule, including performances at the Red Cloud Opera House, art gallery exhibits, and free virtual author series programs. The National Willa Cather Center also offers guided tours of historic sites and can customize arts and culture experiences for students.
For more information, contact:
Rachel Olsen, Director of Education and Engagement
Nicky Billinger, Program Associate
The National Willa Cather Center
413 N. Webster
Red Cloud, NE 68970
p) (402) 746-2653
e) Rachel – rolsen@willacather.org
e) Nicky – nbillinger@willacather.org
w) willacather.org
x) @WillaCatherFd
ig) @willacatherfdn
The Nebraska Arts Council (NAC) is a state agency that offers many grants and programs supporting the arts in Nebraska and in Nebraska’s schools. Be sure to check out the many grant programs of the the Nebraska Arts Council or get involved with Poetry Out Loud.
For more information, contact:
Anne Alston, Program Specialist
Nebraska Arts Council
1004 Farnam Street, Plaza Level
Omaha, NE 68102
p) (402) 595-2196
e) anne.alston@nebraska.gov
w) artscouncil.nebraska.gov
ig) @neartscouncil
The Nebraska Cultural Endowment is the first and only cultural endowment in the nation to sustain both arts & humanities through privately-supported and publicly-matched resources made possible by our Nebraska Legislature. The Endowment earnings are used to support the annual budgets of the Nebraska Arts Council and Humanities Nebraska. Be sure to check out the Humanities Nebraska and Nebraska Arts Council websites to see all the ways endowment funds are impacting Nebraska.
For more information, contact:
Maggie Smith, Executive Director
Nebraska Cultural Endowment
1004 Farnam Street, Plaza Level
Omaha, NE 68102
p) (402) 595-2722
e) msmith@nebraskaculture.org
w) nebraskaculture.org
x) @neculturalendowment
The mission of the NDE is to lead and support the preparation of all Nebraskans for learning, earning, and living. Check out the many exciting things happening with Arts Education including professional learning opportunities and the new Arts NOW Grant Program, in collaboration with the Nebraska Arts Council.
For more information, contact:
Cody Talarico, Arts Education Specialist
Nebraska Department of Education
PO Box 49487
Lincoln, NE 68509-4987
p) (402) 314-7822
e) cody.talarico@nebraska.gov
w) education.ne.gov/finearts
x) @NDE_FineArts
Matt has programs for schools and communities to help foster poetry knowledge and appreciation. He aims to engage people by reading poems, leading writing sessions, and having conversations about why poetry is entertaining and necessary. Look for Matt’s poems about Star Wars, babies, Disneyland, pork rinds, and far more.
For more information, contact:
Matt Mason, Nebraska State Poet
9712 N 34th St
Omaha NE 68112
p) (402) 680-8755
e) mtmason@gmail.com
w) midverse.com/
Representing arts organizations and individual members across the state, Nebraskans for the Arts (NFTA) advises policymakers, elected officials, and community leaders on the importance of strong arts education in our schools, the economic impact of the arts in our communities, and the benefits of pro-arts policies for Nebraska. Check out NFTA’s education programs including the NebraskaARTS Award and Poetry Out Loud.
For more information, contact:
Dr. Lance Nielsen, Executive Director
Nebraskans for the Arts
1004 Farnam Street
PO Box 8517
Omaha, NE 68108
p) (402) 853-4461
e) lance@nebraskansforthearts.org
w) nebraskansforthearts.org
x) @Neb4TheArts
ig) @neb4thearts
The Norfolk Arts Center is a community-based arts organization offering visual arts, performances, arts education opportunities, and community engagement for approximately 15,000 area residents and visitors each year. Driven by the mission of “Bringing people and the arts together,” the Norfolk Arts Center has a vision of building a community in which everyone has access to the knowledge, inspiration, comfort, enrichment, and cultural complexity of the arts. Discover all the fun activities and programs offered for all people to enjoy!
For more information, contact:
Sherry Ruden, Executive Director
Norfolk Arts Center
305 N. 5th Street
Norfolk, NE 68701
p) (402) 371-7199
e) director@norfolkartscenter.org
w) norfolkartscenter.org
x) @theforkarts
ig) @norfolkartscenter
Omaha Chamber Music Society (OCMS) is committed to sharing the value of chamber music through performance, outreach, community service, and education. OCMS provides a variety of education and outreach opportunities.
For more information, contact:
Judy Divis, Vice President of Education
Omaha Chamber Music Society
7419 West Dodge Road
Omaha, NE 68114
p) (402) 679-3302
e) judydivis@gmail.com
w) omahachambermusic.org
ig) @omahachambermusic
Omaha Performing Arts (O-pa) brings Broadway shows, live music, comedy and more to the Holland Performing Arts Center, Orpheum Theater, and Steelhouse Omaha. O-pa also offers a broad range of education and community engagement activities that reach a wide and diverse audience across the state. Check out the website for more information on upcoming opportunities for you and your students!
For more information, contact:
Taylor Wyatt, Education Manager
Bill Grennan, Education & Engagement Manager
Omaha Performing Arts
1200 Douglas Street
Omaha, NE 68102
p) (402) 345-0202
e) education@o-pa.org
w) o-pa.org/learn-and-engage
x) @operformingarts
ig) @operformingarts
Join the Omaha Symphony in person for one of our many education concerts or online anytime in our free Virtual Classroom. Be sure to check out the new resources in the ever-expanding Digital Concerts Collection!
For more information, contact:
Nicole, Rob, & Liz, Omaha Symphony Education Team
Omaha Symphony
1905 Harney Street, Suite #400
Omaha, NE 68102
p) (402) 661-8589
e) education@omahasymphony.org
w) omahasymphony.org/teachers-students
ig) @omahasymphony
Sparking the curiosity and inspiration of our community is at the core of Opera Omaha’s programming. Through collaboration and creativity, ripples of the possibilities of opera and art impact thousands in Omaha. Discover the free student dress rehearsals and the Opera Omaha Poetry & Music Project
For more information, contact:
Lauren Medici, Director of Engagement Programs
Opera Omaha
1850 Farnam Street
Omaha, NE 68131
p) (402) 346-7372
e) lmedici@operaomaha.org
w) operaomaha.org/community
x) @operaomaha
ig) @operaomaha
Pear Tree Performing Arts exists to provide dynamic, life-changing, culturally-rich performing arts experiences for all youth. Look for Pear Tree’s dance, competition, acro, and performing arts programming that is inclusive and accessible for all youth.
For more information, contact:
Dr. Natasha Partridge-Butler, CEO and Artistic Director
Pear Tree Performing Arts
4801 NW Radial Hwy
Omaha, NE 58104
p) (402) 960-8307
e) natasha@peartreeomaha.org
w)PearTreeOmaha.org
ig) @peartreeperformingarts
Samuel Bak Museum: The Learning Center (SBMLC) is an opportunity for the Omaha community to have conversations on vital topics that are crucial to humankind. Using artist and Holocaust survivor, Samuel Bak’s, works as a preface to explore profound questions that address current topics, SBMLC’s exhibitions and programs offer engagement opportunities to art and Holocaust education. Be sure to check out SBMLC free field trips for high school students. Substitute and bus transportation reimbursement resources are also available.
For more information, contact:
Jody Boyer, Director of Education
Samuel Bak Museum – The Learning Center
2289 S. 67th Street
Omaha, NE 68106
p) (402) 554-6100
e) unobakeducation@unomaha.edu
w) www.unomaha.edu/samuel-bak-museum-the-learning-center/index.php
x) @theforkarts
ig) @uno_bak
Reach for It! is a movement group for older adults and people affected by Parkinson’s Disease. This group focuses on creating connections in the body and with others to enhance mobility and delay the effects of aging and Parkinson’s Disease
For more information, contact:
Danielle Laurion, Director
Reach for It! H & K Building, University of Nebraska Omaha
6323 Maverick Plaza
Omaha, NE 68182
p) (402) 554-2670
e) reach.for.it.dance@gmail.com
w) unomaha.edu/college-of-education-health-and-human-sciences/health-kinesiology/community-engagement/the-moving-company/reach-for-it.php
ig) @reach.for.it.dance
Sheldon Museum of Art houses nearly 13,000 artworks in diverse media. All are welcome to come explore, appreciate, and learn. Our engagement department is excited to work with the general public, as well as educators to facilitate transformative experiences with art! Be sure to check out Sheldon Statewide, a traveling exhibition that brings wonderful artworks to communities across Nebraska.
For more information, contact:
Erin Hanas, Curator of Academic Engagement
Sheldon Museum of Art
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
12th and R Street
Lincoln, NE 68588
p) (402) 472-2092
e) erin.hanas@unl.edu
w) sheldonartmuseum.org
ig) @sheldonmuseum
Engage your five senses as you enter the immersive, historical world of field trips at the Stuhr Museum. Experience first hand what it would have been like to live and work in the communities along the Platte River Valley. Check out Stuhr Museum’s choose your own adventure virtual programming!
For more information, contact:
Emily Byerly, Director of Education
Stuhr Museum
3133 W. US Hwy 34
Grand Island, NE 68801
p) (308) 385-5316
e) ebyerly@stuhrmuseum.org
w) stuhrmuseum.org
ig) @stuhrmuseum
The Union for Contemporary Art strengthens the cultural and social landscape of our community by using the arts as a vehicle to inspire positive change. Discover the Union’s online exhibition archives of educational material.
For more information, contact:
Jessica Freeman, Education Coordinator
The Union for Contemporary Art
2423 North 24th Street
Omaha, NE 68110
p) (402) 933-3161
e) jessica@u-ca.org
w) u-ca.org
ig) @theunionomaha
UNO’s Moving Company is the world’s oldest, continually existing, modern dance company affiliated through a university. The company is inter-generational, community focused, and celebrating 89 years of excellence and creativity
For more information, contact:
Danielle Laurion, Artistic Director
UNO’s The Moving Company
6323 Maverick Plaza
Omaha, NE 68182
p) (402) 554-2670
e) unomovingcompany@gmail.com
w) unomaha.edu/college-of-education-health-and-human-sciences/health-kinesiology/community-engagement/the-moving-company/index.php
ig) @unomovingcompany
The West Nebraska Arts Council is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to the excellence, awareness, and education of the arts. Be sure to check out the new shows every month!
For more information, contact:
Stephanie Coley, Program Manager
West Nebraska Arts Center
106 East 18th Street
Scottsbluff, NE 69361
p) (308) 632-2226
e) steph@thewnac.com
w) thewnac@com
Links to third-party websites do not constitute an endorsement of the content, viewpoint, accuracy, opinions, policies, products, services, or accessibility of the sites.
Decisions about curriculum and instructional materials are made locally by individual school districts and classroom teachers. The Nebraska Department of Education does not mandate the curriculum used, nor the experiences , within a local school. The resources shared are shared with teachers to increase their knowledge of opportunities that exist for the classroom however, students and teachers should only use those resources, and only those resources, that have been approved by the teacher’s school district for student use.