Community Art Project, Sponsored by Omaha Steaks
We’re turning up the volume this summer with the perfect duet: the sun on our faces and dazzling Adirondack chairs for all to enjoy. Local creatives, artists, illustrators and/or designers have turned a collection of Adirondack chairs into works of art, highlighting one of Omaha’s destinations and/or distinctive attributes. The works of art are now on display throughout the Turner Park Patio making the urban setting even more beautiful, more inspiring and relaxing for residents and guests alike.
Below are description excerpts provided by participating artists.
Sponsored by
In partnership with
“Recreation”
by Dan Castaneda, Sedra D’
Inspiration for this chair comes from a love of art, nature, and cherished memories. “Follow” the trails and visit many activities throughout Omaha including the zoo, the gardens, Bob Kerrey Bridge, lakes, golf courses and more. The chair pays tribute to a vibrant palette of colors and features. Other noteworthy designs include a cardinal, football player, golfer and more.
Located inside Genesis Health Clubs for the winter.
“Arts in Omaha”
by Reeya & Saroja Chundury
Inspired by many of the iconic, public art creations in Omaha, the chair’s design pays tribute to a small portion of Omaha’s Fertile Ground mural as well as the Spirit of Nebraska’s Wilderness and Pioneer Courage Parks. Omaha’s “Love” mural is also highlighted along with the “Imagine” sculpture located in front of the Children’s Hospital. Omar the Troll also makes a front and center appearance!
Located inside Corky for the winter.
“Omaha”
by Jim Classe
Celebrating Omaha’s iconic landmarks and destinations, this chair depicts zoo animals dwelling among familiar buildings. Illustrations of popular statues represent the home of Boys Town and the College World Series. A street sign recognizes the birthplace of Malcolm X, and a SAC jet protects us all from above. Rising in the middle of it all is the landmark Memorial Park monument with brilliant fireworks in full display, bringing the citizens of our City together in an annual celebration. Many other landmarks and historical buildings are also featured.
Located inside Smokin’ Oak for the winter.
“North Omaha”
by Joy Cotton
The chair celebrates youth in North Omaha. A young person and a bright smile are prominently displayed and the center focus of this chair. The beauty and fullness of the young person’s natural hair and the arms stretched in a classical pose demonstrate strength. The stars on the chair are complemented by bright colors that signify dreams and goals one aspires to accomplish. “I am powerful” and “I am strong” are depicted on each of the arms.
Located inside Corky for the winter.
“Old Market”
by Robert Donlan
The chair’s design celebrates the relaxed pace and energy of the Old Market. A vibrant use of color emulates the vitality of the market while the warmth of the red colors complements the red brick buildings. Incorporating a street scene as well as the uniqueness of the passageway help capture the rich environment of this historical Omaha destination.
Located inside Pa Mas Taqueria & Grill for the winter.
“West Omaha”
by Samantha Dunne
Zorinsky Lake, featured on this chair, highlights and celebrates one of the many beautiful natural areas available for residents and visitors of Omaha to enjoy. Lakes, trails and sports fields found in West Omaha create a plethora of recreational activities during all four seasons. The design of this chair aims to evoke a laid-back atmopshere using recreational imagery and an easy-breezy color scheme, to encourage local exploration and appreciation of our natural landmarks.
Located inside the bay next to Pickleman’s for the winter.
“Zoo”
by Russell Johnson
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is a shared favorite attraction amongst residents and visitors. There’s always something fascinating and new. Though nearly impossible to illustrate the massive variety of animals one can discover at this Omaha landmark, represented on this chair are a few of the artist’s favorites. Take a peek. You’ll likely find creatures in every nook and cranny.
Located inside Smokin’ Oak for the winter.
“South Omaha”
by Amelia Koneck
The work ethic, “work hard, play hard”, is the inspiration for this South Omaha-themed chair. Prominently featured is the Livestock Exchange, packinghouses, railroads, and a collection of unique small businesses. The symbolic images were designed to honor past challenges, hard work, various ethnicities, celebrations, and entertainment that have kept the traditions of South Omaha alive throughout the years.
Located inside Chef Around the Block Pop-Up Shop for the winter.
“Omaha Neighborhoods”
by Samira Moody
Celebrating the many unique neighborhoods throughout the City of Omaha, this chair depicts an array of unique establishments including the Dundee Community Garden, Saint Cecilia Cathedral, the Shops on 24th Street in South Omaha, the Joslyn Castle, and Stinson Park in Aksarben. As a colorful touch, the chair includes beautiful landscapes, cloud cover and foliage.
Located inside Cold Stone Creamery for the winter.
“Agriculture”
by Ina Ohnmeiss
Paying homage to the rich agricultural landscape throughout the State of Nebraska, the chair celebrates the many stockyards, the great steakhouses, cows grazing and corn growing in the fields. The artist uses dot mandalas and dot patterns to enhance the spots on the chair and on the cow. The truck featured on the front symbolizes the time the stockyards have been in existence.
Located inside a bay next to Pickleman’s for the winter.
“Downtown”
by Caroline E. Porter
Inspiration comes from the downtown streets which are abundant with historical brick buildings, restaurants, apartments and boutiques. The buildings are remnants of the industrial boom, once the backbone of Omaha. At the forefront of downtown’s industrial boom was the railroad, as depicted. Once the tracks were completed in the late 1800’s, thousands of immigrants came to the area, enabling cross-country trade. The once-prominent industrial skyline of downtown is featured along the arms. The red, on the legs and back, signify the iconic red bricks.
Located inside Genesis Health Clubs for the winter.