The Union

Since 2013, I’ve drawn pictures, set type, and pushed pixels for a great little nonprofit in north Omaha. The Union for Contemporary Art brings together artists and the community to inspire positive social change. We started with a redesign of their logo and followed that with stationary, event posters, and website update. And then more posters, icons, brochures, and annual appeals. All done to clarify, communicate, and inspire. To help tell their story and, when needed, raise funds for their important work.

This week is the culmination of a very important journey. They’ve spent the past 2 ½ years building a spectacular new home in the completely renovated, historic Blue Lion on 24th & Lake. It’s an amazing new space. I’m so excited for what’s to come and so humbled to have been involved with the organization for the past 3 years. Working with Brigitte McQueen Shew, founder and Executive Director, has been such an honor. With her vision, we’ve created some impactful pieces of graphic design.

I’m looking forward to what’s next for them and for north Omaha. In these uncertain, often divisive times, The Union is an example of what we can do when we come together to build something beautiful. It’s not a wall, but a window. And now, it’s time to celebrate all the hard work that’s gone into making this dream a reality. To Brigitte, and to the team I’ve been fortunate enough to work with, to Paige, Holly, Josh, and Kjell, you are all so inspiring. Congratulations on this momentous achievement. Bring on the celebration!

Grand Opening: January 14th »

Will we shift from the service of war to the service of life?

We must. Otherwise that’s it. All there is. Over. And in order to move from war to life, we must first realize that a shift is even possible. That our histories do not continue to simply converge into violence with nothing to be done about it. We can do something. We can make this shift. But we first must collectively say, “Yes, we will.” A rising up of one voice in unison that will break this war cycle from the hands of the powerful few. A people’s decision. A people’s action. A people’s will. A movement that grows, pulses outward across boundary, class, race, religion, sect, tribe. And shatters the idea of a political party. A movement whose voice resonates so loudly that the unpopularity of the war cycle will simple fade away into memory — a way we used to live, a way that we will courageously push out of our will — as we realize there are far better things to do with our wisdom, understanding and resources.

In the future, how will we communicate?

Locally, globally, and everything in between. On every level we will embrace new technologies. And at every turn we will continue to hone the fundamental principles essential to the sharing of ideas. Mass movements for change in the future will be about the ideas we can successfully communicate. Those movements will utilize a vast array of tools and resources with the central focus being a tolerant and engaged populace, at the heart of the dialogue where all ideas can be shared. As technology will continue to make us marvel and want to participate, we will make the human factor even more prevalent, whether right next door, in another state or across the world. With increasing levels of connectivity covering any space between people and ideas, we will be conscious of making sure that everyone is present who wants to be, recognizing the value of diverse thought and united action. No one will be voiceless. If you want to speak, you will be heard. A certain closeness will come with this total communication of the future as it becomes increasingly more meaningful and more crucial to the idea of democracy, from local to global. Ideas will be shared, people will be moved, and we will confront the most pressing issues of our times.

Round and Round (and Round) Year 2

Days go by. The world keeps spinning. And we keep going round. The end of 2016 marks the completion of the 2nd year at our midspace of makers in the heart of Omaha. Our little experiment with independent design coworking continues to be quite exciting. We’re working with some amazing changemakers and do-gooders. The projects are challenging and engaging. The music is still loud. The laughs fairly original. And the way that none of it feels all that much like work is still palpable. We do want to have an open house at some point. Maybe we can make that happen in year 3. 

Regardless, we’re looking to 2017 with heightened ferocity. We have all been shocked and dismayed by election 2016. But we certainly are not ready to go quietly into the night. Instead, we’re going to get after it, in the only way we know how. By rolling up our sleeves and getting to work. But first we’re taking a couple weeks off to recharge. Enjoy the downtime, and we’ll see you in 2017.

Check out our brief case study on 2016. To keep up with the antics, best follow us on Tumblr.

The Top 10 Albums of 2016

The albums that pushed me through this year of intensity and loss, of dread and motivation. The music out there in the world is always a sign of our great potential for beauty, harmony, understanding, and hope. For me, these are the albums of 2016, in no particular order:

I’ve always known Beyoncé is really something special. But until this year, nothing she’s done has really spoken to me. Then she released “Formation.” And the Earth stood still. Also, special shoutout to that new Beck song “WOW.” Still can’t believe how amazing it is. Finally, I discovered Valerie June this year. Can’t wait for January 27, 2017.