March 26– April 16, 2011 —

ESPRIT: A Taste of Art is the Museum of Nebraska Art’s homage to those contemporary artists working in the hand-crafted media. Featuring 12 artists whose creations are available for sale at a culminating event on April 16, 2011, the 43 artworks in the exhibition showcase ceramic, fiber, glass, jewelry, mixed media, and wood. The artists are masterful in utilizing their medium, resulting in a group of noteworthy pieces exemplifying originality and talent.

The artists are:

• Valerie Batt, Omaha, stained glass
• Rick & Valerie Beck, Spruce Pine, North Carolina, blown glass
• Dale Bergantzel, Lincoln, wood assemblage
• Chad Fonfara, Kearney, hand blown glass
• Christopher Gryder, Roanoke, Virginia, ceramic
• Elmer Holzrichter, Kearney, assemblage
• Sydney Lynch, Lincoln, jewelry
• John Martelle, Herman, ceramic
• Curt Norman, Omaha, wood
• Bonnie O’Connell, Omaha, mixed media
• Arthur Pierce, Kearney, mixed media
• Barbara Trout, Lincoln, fiber

The Chairs for ESPRIT are Jeanne and Pat Salerno of Omaha. Plans for the concluding weekend include a festive evening on April 16 when the art is offered in both oral and silent auctions. On Sunday morning, a brunch recognizes long time and dedicated MONA Board Member Emeritus Carl Rohman with the Museum’s first Spirit of MONA Award.

ESPRIT: A Taste of Art initiates a year-long celebration of special events, exhibitions, and programs in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Museum of Nebraska Art building.