The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts opened its doors in November 23rd for a unique performance that paired the Ollie Webb Center’s Art of Imagination with Octopuses Garden Art Alliance’s shadow production. Acted by adults with developmental disabilities, the story of Perseus’ heroism was enhanced by the likeness of a serpent-laden head of Medusa and further elements of shadow image telling. An evening inspired by valor, both in the mythological and modern, showcased the dramatic talents instilled by the director Amy Kunz. In front of a packed house, the evening rose to its climax when the actors were called upon to individually declare their own personal heroes. By the scale of performance and additional visual arts presented on that evening, it became clear that these adults could be just as heroic as Perseus himself.

Our first of Autumn was marked by Especially Artful Saturday at the Joslyn Art Museum, the 3rd annual event for individuals with and without physical, cognitive, and/or communications disabilities to learn and take part in art. OGAA brightened the parking lot by way of a wheelchair-linked art roller, Chalk Walk and Roll, and Pogo Paint Polls. These mobility art tools, constructed by Artz for All founder Dwayne Szot, allow for those with limited movement or lack of fine motor skills to create. First cutting foam shapes and pasting them onto either Pogos or Rollers, the colorful imaginations of numerous children and adults (and a selection of prime colored paints) then filled our colossal sized canvas. The cement around the canvas was likewise splashed with the color of chalk-rainbows provided by kids dashing about with Zot’s Chalk Walk and Roll. Sometimes it is just right to think outside the cones, as a few artists went beyond the limits of the site. Within the gray clouds and chilly breezes, we hope we were able to spark a few creative minds!

See more pictures of the day here.

To showcase the artistic endeavors of a collaboration between ENCOR and Octopuses Garden Art Alliance, the Benson Grind is again offering their gallery walls to display works of painting and collage in Benson. “All Mixed Up,” the title of the third in a series of group art shows, ranges from kooky (a man’s head pasted over the body of a cat) to visually aglow (sequins glued to a model’s dress). Whatever the specific angle of each creation, the theme is a consistent tangle of fun and artistic ambition!

The artists will have their work on display, and for sale, until the 9^th of October.

See more pictures of the opening here.

Monsters of Folk was born on the road five years ago when My Morning Jacket’s Jim James, Bright Eyes’ Conor Oberst and Mike Mogis, and singer/songwriter M. Ward toured together and regularly sat in on each other’s sets. Now armed with the eclectic and consistently striking songs that make up their debut album (to be released Sept. 22nd), the illustrious quartet will reconvene for a Fall tour. The band will be donating $1 from every ticket sold on the tour to local non-profits.

The band selected Octopuses Garden Art Alliance as their local Omaha charity.  The show will be at the Holland Performing Arts Center on October 28th, 2009.  Tickets can be purchased here through the Omaha Performing Arts. Come out and support an amazing group of musicians for a great cause!

The Omaha Summer Arts Festival celebrated its 35th year June 26th through the 28th. The Festival is Omaha’s premier destination for art, entertainment and atmosphere featuring 135 of the nation’s finest visual artists, two stage of continuous entertainment including national performers and a hands-on children’s fair.  The Octopuses Garden returned this year to provide artistic opportunities to kids of all ages. Kids of all ages used their creativity to make art collages and fabric flower vases- all from recycled materials!

See more pictures of the event here.

Even on a cool and drizzly afternoon, there were still plenty of people in the mood to celebrate the Earth!  Earth Day Omaha 2009 was held Saturday April 25th at Elmwood Park.  Despite the weather, those in attendance walked through the park to learn more about local organizations, participate in hands-on activities, listen to music and speakers and of course sample amazing food.  Octopuses Garden Art Alliance offered activities to all ages including clay work instruction, building seed bombs and painting barrels for the Omaha Summer Arts Festival.  While everyday should be considered Earth Day, it was great to meet so many people Saturday interested in better living on our planet.

See more pictures of the event here.