Project Overview
Centered on a mission of educating, empowering and inspiring community residents through the arts Omaha celebrates the unveiling of a joint public art project utilizing Omaha's official O! symbol.
O!s, artistically designed by commissioned area artists have been placed throughout Omaha's many diverse and celebrated neighborhoods to draw attention to the beauty of the settings as well as the wealth of artistic expertise within eastern-Nebraska.
The O! Public Art Project aspires to create an enthusiasm among Omahans and visitors from around the globe.
All levels of the community are represented and celebrated from businesses and community-based organizations to parks and public gathering areas.
Project Description
Full-scale, six- foot, artistically-designed O! sculptures have been strategically placed throughout the community to celebrate the many economic and culturally-diverse offerings and opportunities that exist in this growing city
Project Goals
- Combine art, community spirit and health in one project that enriches the Greater Omaha community - offering art as a way to inspire community pride and nourish community health
- Increase community pride and identification
- Create artistic landmarks for people to recognize and visit
- Provide excitement and vibrancy to public spaces
- Bring together people of all diverse cultures and interests
- Enrich neighborhoods with images of local culture and heritage
- Help the community understand that when Alegent Health says, "This is your healthcare," it encompasses the many ways that health is part of life and Alegent Health is part of the community.
O! Campaign Overview
Over the past three years, the O! symbol has proven to be a strong visual image for Omaha community leaders, businesses, organizations, residents and visitors to the community. Countless examples of usage proves that this simple red O! has been overwhelmingly embraced and adopted by the community at large. The symbol has been incorporated into upscale business and marketing efforts and campaigns, festivals, city-wide events and celebrations and merchandising endeavors.
Project Management
The O! Public Art Project is managed by the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts and the O! Campaign. Representatives from these organizations and the sponsor, Alegent Health, are actively involved in all aspects of the project's administrative and managerial duties surrounding this high-impact public art venture.
Two distinct committees were formed, 1) to select, guide and represent the artists 2) to provide input and direction to the overall project.
An appointed steering committee that consists of Alegent Health, the Chamber, O! Campaign and Bemis Center are guiding the project through to completion.
- Steering Committee - Comprised of representatives from Bemis Center, Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, O! Campaign, Bozell, Alegent Health as well as selected community representatives.
- Artist Selection Committee - Comprised of Bemis Center, O! campaign, area art professionals and creative community leaders.
Project Steering Committee
A Steering Committee manages and provides input regarding the overall direction of this art project. Committee members include: Molly Skold (facilitator), Joan Ballion, Karla Ewert, Larry Ferguson, Terry Ferguson, Joe Gudenrath, Sara Martens, Mark Masuoka, Amy Protexter, Connie Spellman, Susan Thomas, Lyn Ziegenbein