Hey Omaha,
You can learn a lot about people through their trash. I’m talking big picture here — no worries about hard-nosed reporters combing through your detritus for now. As cities continue adopting climate friendly policies, keeping recyclables out of the landfill remains a priority in places like Omaha.
In 2020 you may remember we switched to those 96-gallon, green-lidded bins. That boosted recycling and now about 16% of all our waste is diverted from landfills.
The bad news is that we lag behind peer cities with more robust recycling and curbside composting programs, Flatwater’s Kaitlyn Kelly found.
Check out here story here (or click the photo above).
We also have a story today from contributor Leo Adam Biga about “Omaha” — a movie screening tonight at Film Streams’ Dundee Theater followed by a post screening discussion.
For fear of spoiling the movie, I’ll spare any additional details. But if you’re fine with spoilers and want to learn more about the chaotic chapter in Nebraska history that inspired the film, you should definitely read Leo’s story.
Check out here story here (or click the photo above).
— Chris Bowling, Flatwater Free Press
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The May art scene is here along with spring group shows, inspiring artist talks, Latin American culture and a view into the studios of local art educators. Check out what May has to offer!
May kicks off with one of my favorite Omaha artists, Brandon Rial. Rial’s paintings are hard to describe, his use of color, pattern and texture have an ethereal quality reminiscent of stained-glass windows. After following Rial’s work these last few years in regional group shows, I’m excited for his first solo show!
– When: Opening reception: Friday, May 1, 6-9 p.m. Gallery hours: Wednesday & Friday 1-6 p.m., Thursday 3-8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-1 p.m., and by appointment through May 30.
– Where: Ming Toy Gallery, 6066 Maple St.
30th Annual Omaha Public School Faculty Art Show
These shows are always a special treat. Art educators share their passion and dedication every day in their classrooms to inspire the artistic voices of the next generation. Now the art faculty of the Omaha Public School system share the diverse skills and styles of their own practices in this 30th anniversary exhibit!
– When: Friday, May 1, 6-8 p.m., Gallery Hours: Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m., until May 31
– Where: Hot Shops Art Center, 1301 Nicholas St.
The Radial Art Center is small but mighty. Their volunteer staff and board work tirelessly to make the arts more sustainable in Omaha by providing free public art programming, professional development workshops for emerging artists, and connecting patrons to local artists. This month over 80 artists have contributed to this eclectic affordable art benefit!
– When: Opening Reception, Friday, May 1, 6-10 p.m., Gallery hours: Thursdays 6-8 p.m., Closing Reception, Friday, June 5, 6-10 p.m.
– Where: Radial Arts Center, 5915 Maple St.
The Caffeinated Caterpillar is one of Omaha’s most interesting art spaces. Tattoo and piercing parlor, coffee shop and art exhibition space. Discover this one-of-a-kind venue!
– When: Opening Reception, Saturday, May 2, 7-10 p.m., Gallery hours: Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday noon-7 p.m.
– Where: Caffeinated Caterpillar Tattoo Spa, 15505 Ruggles St., Suite 107
The Lincoln art scene has so much to offer, and Who What Wednesdays are one of them. Every month the Lux Art Center for the Arts and Turbine Flats hosts a selection of creative professionals across the visual arts, music industry, tech innovators and so much more. This month’s presenters feature Shawn Ballarin (visual artist, curator, musician), Lisa Guil (director of communications & welcoming communities coordinator for the Asian Community and Cultural Center) and Jamie Swartz (collections manager at The International Quilt Museum).
– When: May 20, 6-7:30 p.m.
– Where: Turbine Flats, 2124 Y St., Lincoln
I wrap up my May selections with another one of my favorite Omaha artists, Ilaamen Pelshaw. An international visual artist and graphic designer originally from Guatemala. In this exhibit, Pelshaw introduces us to Latin American folktales through her unique approaches to contemporary painting. This will be a bold, colorful and playful introduction to the oral traditions of Central America!
– When: Opening Reception: Friday, May 29, 5-8 p.m., Gallery hours: Tuesday-Thursday 1-8 p.m., Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., until July 11.
– Where: The Union for Contemporary Art, 2423 N. 24 St.
— Bart Vargas is a visual artist, educator and advocate based in Omaha, Nebraska. He publishes a weekly list of local arts, culture and entertainment events on social media, and operates an international studio with his wife Bekah Jerde.
The Nebraska Commission on African American Affairs heard presentations from Malone Center leaders on the organization’s “Breaking the Cycle Initiative,” which addresses multigenerational poverty through youth programming, maternal wellness, mental health support and community outreach. Officials said the Malone Center is nearing completion of a $23.1 million capital campaign ahead of a May 6 ribbon cutting, while Executive Director Mogien Boyd described the organization’s relationship with the commission as a “legacy partnership.”
Commissioners also approved a $5,000 sponsorship for Freedomtainment Inc.’s expanded Juneteenth celebration in Omaha following discussion over the sponsorship process and funding amount. Read the full summary here and the full meeting notes on the Documenters website.
Want to help inform your community and create better journalism while getting paid? Become a Documenter today.
— Leah Wambui Keinama, Nebraska Journalism Trust
Hey, it’s Flatwater editor Matthew Hansen. What I’m into this week – and really every week – is journalism and movies and especially movies about journalism.
There’s a chance to have it all by joining us at 7 p.m. on May 7, when I and Flatwater senior investigative reporter and current New York Times’ local investigations fellow Yanqi Xu will be appearing a Film Streams’ Ruth Sokolof Theater in North Downtown.
We’ll be there to introduce and watch the new documentary, “Steal This Story, Please!”
The movie focuses on journalist Amy Goodman, the trailblazing, wisecracking, famous and infamous host of the news show, “Democracy Now!” I haven’t seen it yet, but I’m excited to.
Yanqi and I will be there to answer your questions before and after the 7 p.m. show, and to speak for a few minutes about Flatwater’s and Yanqi’s own journalism.
I’m excited to offer a discount code, FFP57, that will get you the discounted member price for “Steal This Story, Please!” Buy your discounted tickets here.
See you at Film Streams!
— Matthew Hansen, Flatwater Free Press
A UNMC study of more than 6 million medical records of mothers and babies found possible links between common medications and autism, writes Julie Anderson at The World-Herald. People should not stop taking these medications, the authors said, but rather have conversations with their doctors about risks and alternatives. (You may need a subscription to read this story).
The city celebrated a milestone with its streetcar construction, pouring concrete over tracks at 10th and Capitol streets on Tuesday. A city public works official told WOWT’s Ron Johnson to look for gravel laid along the streetcar route as a sign that concrete will be poured there soon.
Berkshire Hathaway shareholders are flocking to Omaha for the first annual meeting since Warren Buffett stepped down as CEO, The World-Herald’s Julie Anderson reported. New CEO Greg Abel will take questions on the stage at the CHI Health Center while Buffett, still the company’s chairman, watches from his seat. (You may need a subscription to read this story.)
West Omaha is getting a second Trader Joe’s grocery store, KETV reported. The new location will be at the Avenue One Development near Dodge and 192nd streets.
Omaha police are expanding bike patrols amid residents’ concern over homeless encampments and illegal motorized vehicles, KMTV’s Jill Lamkins reported. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is starting its own bike patrol to monitor trails in western Douglas County.
The Flatwater Free Press is published by the Nebraska Journalism Trust, a 501(c)(3) public charity