A long weekend always calls for exploration. With a wide-open schedule and the road calling my name, I ventured down to Omaha for the day. A short 2-hour drive away, I was in the midst of a creative adventure.

I was most excited about re-visiting the Joslyn Art Museum for the new and vibrant exhibition, Material Voices, by Sheila Hicks. Unfortunately, no photos were allowed and I am not able to share her vivid work with you all. I was sad that I could not capture her weavings to share but it made me interact with her pieces with more intention. If you find yourself in Omaha these next few weeks, you MUST experience Sheila Hicks’ exhibition!

I was also able to explore Hot Shops Art Center, another space I have been meaning to check out, thanks to a recommendation from my father. This is a space filled with all kinds of artists who open their studios to visitors. Around every corner and through each warehouse door, were artists working on acrylic paintings, wood carvings, pottery, and more. I was particularly intrigued by Crystal Forge glass studio. Hand blown glass has always fascinated me with its translucency and attention to detail. The pieces on display were filled with rich colors and funky shapes.

Walking around the center and being surrounded by a variety of artwork helps remind me why I need to create. These artists come into their studios day in and day out because they are passionate about what they do and are driven to create. They are consistently working on personal projects or ones for their clients. They are pushing themselves to play with new techniques and experiment with materials. Being around artists and their work motivates me to keep pushing myself: my ideas, techniques, and resources. It’s easy to forget why we get started but a gentle reminder can help get us back on track.

When we find ourselves frustrated or stuck in a rut, we have to revert back to those feelings of excitement for the unknown.