Top Five Moments of 2021

As we look forward to the new year full of possibilities, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on 2021.

We were just in the beginning stages of launching our new 501c3 in 2020 when everything came to a halt due to COVID-19. By March of 2021, we welcomed our first school back for educational programming. Needless to say, we were ecstatic.

This was the beginning of a year full of promise. We selected our top five moments of the year to share with you.

#5

We welcomed back our first school visit from Stromsburg, NE in March as things slowly opened back up. 37 different schools and clubs soon followed for tours, demonstrations, workshops and gallery exhibits.

#4

Eleven summer hands-on art workshops were held for metro-area kids and teens, our first collaboration with Collective for Youth.

#3

Thirteen Hot Shops artists collaborated with the staff at Lauritzen Gardens to create the Spring Fantastical Folklore Exhibit. The exhibit has been nominated for an Omaha Entertainment and Art Award!

#2

Artist Matthew Shrader survived a car/pedestrian accident and after many months of rehab, he joined the Hot Shops as a full-time glassblower. (Apologies to Matt on the #2 spot – you are #1 in our hearts 🔥)

#1

We welcomed 6,500 of you back to the building for our Winter Open House. We were truly humbled that so many of you came back to support our organization and artists.

We are grateful to those who have supported our mission to be a place where ideas, dreams and what ifs are explored, created and shared this year.

Cheers to the New Year!