Hours: Weekdays 10-6. Weekends 11-5.
Our artists are always making, learning, exhibiting, collaborating, and finding new ways to share their work beyond the walls of Hot Shops. Here’s a look at what some of our resident artists have been up to recently.
Matt Schrader & Vickie Hughes: Learning at Pilchuck
This summer, artists Matt Schrader and Vickie Hughes spent 18 days at the Pilchuck Glass School in Washington State, developing their skills and exploring new possibilities in glass sculpture.
Founded in 1971 by Dale Chihuly, Anne Gould Hauberg and John H. Hauberg, Pilchuck began as a small, experimental summer glass workshop on a tree farm north of Seattle. Today, it has grown into a 55-acre campus with more than a dozen studios, artist housing, and spaces dedicated to experimentation with glass and other media.
Surrounded by nature, Matt and Vickie focused on developing new approaches to glass sculpture, drawing inspiration from the landscape around them. The experience offered professional development and the opportunity to work alongside artists from around the world, exchange ideas and build relationships that can continue long after returning home.
For Matt and Vickie, that professional development will benefit not only their individual practices, but also the other glass artists at the Hot Shops as they bring new ideas and techniques back to our own glass community!
Joe Giitter: Film, Community & Conversations About Omaha
Joseph Giitter continues to use film as a way to explore some of the complicated issues shaping our community.
On August 6, the Joslyn Castle Carriage House hosted a screening of Joe’s documentary Car-Centric, followed by a panel discussion focused on transportation, urban planning, environmental stewardship and bike safety. The film examines Omaha’s long history of car-centered development and the consequences that come with it.
Joe’s next documentary, Broken Promises, will screen September 28 at Film Streams’ Ruth Sokolof Theater, with the screening sponsored by Creighton University’s Department of Cultural and Social Studies. The film examines the aging coal plant in North Omaha, the environmental consequences for the surrounding low-income community, and the legal and political issues surrounding Nebraska’s transition away from coal.
Through his filmmaking, Joe is creating opportunities for Omaha to look more closely at itself and to imagine what comes next.
Greg Macdonald & Mell Smith: 77 Pieces & a Good Cause
Greg Macdonald and Mell Smith hit the road at the end of August for the Lambs Farm Summertime Craft Fest at Camp Big Timber in Elgin, Illinois. The two-day event featured 150 artists and vendors and raised funds to support camp experiences for children with disabilities through Lambs Farm and Three Fires Council.
Greg hand-carves each of their intricate cottonwood bark figures, while Mell brings them to life with her colorful painting. They sold 77 pieces at this craft fest!
For Greg and Mell, art fairs are a lot of work, but they’re also an important way to connect directly with people who love their work. And this time, their work helped support organizations serving their community.
Gabriella Quiroz: Ghosts that We Knew
Gabriella Quiroz is bringing her work to the historic Joslyn Castle this month with her solo exhibition, Ghosts that We Knew.
Ghosts that We Knew is a tribute to Sarah and George Josyln’s love of horticulture at the turn of the 20th century. They were known for their renowned orchid collection, which included more than 1,200 orchids, as well as a 6,200 square foot conservatory. Devastatingly, the conservatory, along with their beloved plants, trees, and grounds, was destroyed in the 1913 Easter Tornado. The exhibition serves as a small homage to that loss, both for them and the city, and features 16 detailed, vibrant colored-pencil botanical drawings by Gabriella Quiroz.
Ghosts that We Knew
Opening Reception
Thursday, September 17 · 5–8 PM
Joslyn Castle & Gardens
3902 Davenport Street
