Jun Kaneko, born in Nagoya, is a renowned artist in Nebraska and a major cultural and intellectual force in Omaha. Although not traditionally known as an art center, the city offers several advantages that have allowed Kaneko to set up his industrial-sized studio and explore painting for the first time. In 1963, he moved to the United States to continue his search for the perfect medium. However, after working with Fred Marer, a well-known collector and defender of California clay artists, Kaneko became interested in ceramics. Nebraska Arts Council artist Cathy Witt says that Abby has a natural talent for ceramics and encourages all students to close their eyes so that their unique creations come to light.
The fusion of East and West became a defining quality of Kaneko's abstract clay sculptures, which are based on basic archetypal forms such as slabs, columns, and tiles. He has created dozens of temporary and permanent public installations at sites around the world, from the Shanghai International Financial Center to Park Avenue in New York and the Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Kaneko began his continuous work in 1982 at a brick factory in Omaha while visiting the city as part of an incipient program of artists in the industry that would ultimately become the Bemis Center. The sculpting artists at Clay Sculptor Omaha Ne-Vinnetti design and create anything from miniature sculptures to life-size statues. From personal busts to public monuments, Vinnetti's sculptors offer original works of art with every detail. The Bemis Center for Contemporary Art is an international artist residency program co-founded by Kaneko.
It provides new opportunities for people with visual disabilities through workshops. This is just one example of how Omaha is becoming an increasingly popular destination for clay art. Omaha is home to many talented clay artists who are creating unique works of art. Whether it's a miniature sculpture or a life-size statue, there is something for everyone. With its proximity to interstates and low-cost storage space, Omaha is an ideal place for clay artists to explore their craft. The city has become a hub for clay art enthusiasts who are looking for new ways to express themselves through this medium.
From Jun Kaneko's abstract sculptures to Vinnetti's life-size statues, there is something for everyone in Omaha. Whether you're looking for a unique piece of art or just want to explore the city's vibrant clay art scene, Omaha has something for you.
