Great Plains Art Museum hosts 'IMPACT Nebraska' exhibition

Released on 08/20/2009, at 12:00 AM
Office of University Communications
University of Nebraska–Lincoln

WHEN: Friday, Sep. 4, 2009, through Nov. 1, 2009

WHERE: Great Plains Art Museum

Lincoln, Neb., August 20th, 2009 —
"Nebraska is . . . No. 1," Clarisse Hastie, mixed media

The Great Plains Art Museum at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will present an exhibition Sept. 4 through Nov. 1 from a select group of Nebraska artists depicting their impressions of the state.

"IMPACT Nebraska" called upon the 30 members of the IMPACT group -- professional artists with international recognition who are juried into the community every four years -- to deliver some sense of Nebraska, the state where they all live and work. The exhibition will open with a First Friday reception 5-7 p.m. Sept. 4 featuring the artists.

IMPACT began in 1981 and was originally limited to women artists in the state. Men have been included for several years, and all new members are juried in by an independent juror. Requirements for membership include artistic recognition at the national level (either in publication or exhibition) and a four-year commitment to the group. Their touring exhibitions have been shown throughout the United States, including a 10-day viewing at the House of Representatives Cannon Office Building Rotunda in Washington, D.C.

"With the loose charge of reflecting on the state of Nebraska, each artist takes a viewpoint as varied as the styles and media of this diverse group," said Amber Mohr, curator of the museum. "I think it will surprise many visitors how broadly the topic is interpreted, and introduce them to innovative artists from their home state."

Longtime IMPACT member Jo Brown, who has two of her artworks in the permanent collection of the Great Plains Art Museum, said, "It's a privilege and an honor to be a member of IMPACT. I really like these folks. Their thoughts are interesting and exciting, they're boundary-breakers. All are capable and highly skilled. In their own unique and individual way each one has made a difference. We speak the same language, and best of all, they're fun."

The Great Plains Art Museum, 1155 Q St., Hewit Place, is open to the public 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1:30-5 p.m. Sundays (closed Mondays, university holidays and between exhibitions). There is no admission charge. For more information visit Great Plains Art Museum web site.

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