Unveiling Lincoln’s Vibrant Art Scene

by Sriyani Tidball

Art galleries offer a gateway to human creativity, enabling us to experience diverse expressions of imagination and culture. In Lincoln, Nebraska, the art scene thrives, presenting a rich collection of galleries where visitors can immerse themselves in various artistic forms, styles, and narratives. Whether you’re an avid art lover or a casual explorer, Lincoln’s galleries offer an unforgettable cultural journey.

Sheldon Museum of Art

Located at the heart of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) campus, the Sheldon Museum of Art is much more than an art gallery. The building designed by famed American architect Philip Johnson. Situated at 12th and R streets, this impressive museum houses Nebraska’s largest collection of American art, with nearly 13,000 pieces spanning various mediums.

Founded in 1888, the Sheldon Museum of Art houses a major collection of American art, including John Singer Sargent, Edward Hopper, Georgia O’Keeffe, Jackson Pollock, and Andy Warhol. Admission is free. For more information on upcoming exhibitions and educational programs, visit sheldonartmuseum.org.

LUX Center for the Arts

Located in Lincoln’s north-central University Place neighborhood, the LUX Center for the Arts is a nonprofit community center dedicated to showcasing local, regional, and national artists. The LUX Center has recently expanded its influence by adding wheat paste murals to nine different locations across the city and turning its parking lot into a vibrant “art safari” at the end of summer.

In addition to its gallery offerings, the LUX Center provides pottery, printmaking, jewelry, glass, and fiber arts classes. Classes take place either at the center’s facility at 2601 North 48th Street or through the LUX’s mobile Art Van de LUX program. The gallery also participates in the First Friday Artwalk, attracting art lovers from all around Lincoln. For more details on exhibitions and class schedules, visit luxcenter.org.

Gallery 9

Nestled in Lincoln’s historic Mission Arts Building, Gallery 9 is a cooperative gallery founded in 1994. The building itself holds a colorful history, having once served as a brothel before transforming into Lincoln’s City Mission. Now home to about 30 artists, the gallery offers a range of contemporary paintings, ceramics, sculptures, glasswork, and jewelry.

Located at 124 South 9th Street, the gallery features a group invitational show each July and special displays during the holiday season, where shoppers can browse one-of-a-kind gifts. Visit gallerynine.com for more information.

The Burkholder Project

The Burkholder Project, Lincoln’s first Haymarket gallery, is a unique collective of 36 art and design studios housed across three floors. Established more than 30 years ago by artist Anne Burkholder, the project allows visitors to observe artists in their studios and explore works-in-progress as well as finished pieces.

From paintings to mixed media, photography, and jewelry, the Burkholder Project showcases a wide array of artistic styles. Visit the studios at 719 P Street and experience firsthand the thriving art community within Lincoln’s historic Haymarket District. A highlight of visiting this gallery is to enjoy an incredible collection of Anne Burkeholder’s amazing Nebraska landscapes. For more information, visit burkholderproject.com.

The International Quilt Museum

The International Quilt Museum, located on the UNL East Campus at 33rd and Holdrege streets, is the largest publicly held quilt collection in the world. Its mission is to preserve, study, and celebrate the artistry of quilt-making across different cultures and eras. With quilts from around the globe, the museum offers a rich tapestry of history and artistic tradition.

The museum’s exhibitions change regularly, providing an ever-evolving glimpse into the world of textile art. Supported by the Robert and Ardis James Foundation, this institution serves as an important cultural hub for visitors interested in both fine art and folk traditions. To learn more, visit internationalquiltmuseum.org.

Great Plains Art Museum

Just a short walk from the Sheldon Museum of Art is the Great Plains Art Museum, located at 12th and Q streets. At the entrance is a striking sculpture of prairie pioneers, setting the tone for what lies inside. The museum’s Christlieb Collection of Western art includes works by iconic artists like Albert Bierstadt, Frederic Remington, and Charles M. Russell.

In addition to its Western art collection, the museum offers a rotating array of contemporary art exhibitions, video installations, and photography displays. Lively First Friday events make the Great Plains Art Museum a popular stop for those exploring Lincoln’s art scene. Learn more at unl.edu/plains/great-plains-art-museum.

Eisentrager-Howard Gallery

The Eisentrager-Howard Gallery, located on the UNL campus, showcases the works of students and faculty from the Department of Art and Art History. Situated in Richards Hall at Stadium Drive and T Street, the gallery is an excellent place to discover emerging local talent.

Visitors can explore a wide range of contemporary art forms that reflect the creative and innovative spirit of Lincoln’s artists. More information about upcoming exhibitions and workshops can be found at arts.unl.edu/art/eisentrager-howard-gallery.

Robert Hillestad Textiles Gallery

Dedicated to educating visitors about the rich tradition of textile art, the Robert Hillestad Textiles Gallery on UNL’s East Campus offers exhibits that span centuries and cultures. Located on the second floor of the Home Economics building, the gallery features textiles and apparel from renowned and emerging designers alike. For more on exhibitions and programs, visit cehs.unl.edu/textilegallery.

Kiechel Fine Art

In downtown Lincoln, Kiechel Fine Art, located at 1208 O Street, specializes in 19th and 20th-century American art, Old Master prints, and contemporary pieces. Established in 1986, the gallery represents both regional and national artists and offers appraisal services for collectors. Discover more at kiechelart.com.

Noyes Art Gallery

Representing 125 artists, Noyes Art Gallery at Ninth and O streets is a co-op gallery where local artists display original paintings, pottery, and jewelry. Every month, the gallery hosts a First Friday reception and a new exhibit, making it a cornerstone of Lincoln’s art community. Visit noyesartgallery.com for more information.

Parrish Studios

Parrish Studios, located upstairs at 1410 O Street, is home to small galleries, artists’ studios, and creative businesses. The space fosters a tight-knit artistic community and is a popular First Friday destination, often drawing large crowds.

Live Yes Studios

At 1233 Arapahoe Street, Live Yes Studios serves as an arts-based program for adults with developmental disabilities. The studio aims to foster individuality and creativity, breaking down societal barriers through art. Learn more about how to support their mission at liveyesstudios.com.

The Metro Gallery Lincoln

Offering a dizzying variety of diverse art, Metro Gallery will soon be moving from N Street to 1414 O Street, but at this writing both locations are showing art. The gallery was founded by lifelong art lover Dean Settle who personally selected each piece. Local, national, and international artists—professionals and amateurs — are represented including a heady selection of outsider art. The gallery specializes in accessible and affordable fine art. Artists participate in First Fridays, with a different show each month. Visit metrogallerylincoln.com for more information.

WallSpace-lnk 

One of Lincoln’s newer galleries is WallSpace-lnk at 1624 South 17th Street, Suite 300. It was opened by Michael Farrell, a member of Lincoln’s art community for 50 years. He wanted a space to display his own work as well other local artists. WallSpace-lnk participates in First Friday events as well.

Whether you visit a well-established institution like the Sheldon Museum of Art or discover new talent at smaller galleries, there’s always something to inspire and captivate in this vibrant city.