Lincoln art scene: Nebraska's hidden gem

Lincoln has many secret highlights. It’s a foodie destination, and it has amazing sights, smells and sounds. One of its best aspects is its art scene. It’s hard to go somewhere in Lincoln without finding an alley that makes an amazing photo op or an incredible gallery to walk through.

Downtown Lincoln is the home of the Haymarket District. It’s a place that most everyone has visited. It’s hard to make a trip to the downtown area and pass Art Alley or the alley of lights without stopping and taking some photos. It’s a local place with beautiful hanging lights of all colors and shades. Along the walls are painted depictions of beauty, people and love. Being under the red lights brings a feeling of creativity. While there is the hustle and bustle of the restaurants on all sides, the middle of the alley holds a section of light, colors and murals.

Along with Art Alley, the Haymarket is home to a series of art galleries. Lincoln is blessed to have places like the Noyes Art Gallery. It is run and owned by one of the art teachers at Union College, Julia Noyes. She brings in many different styles of art and showcases different artists throughout her gallery. She has even put on display her students’ paintings and allowed them to place their works for sale. Noyes has made it a requirement as the final for her students to showcase their work in her studio. Along with that, she has her own creations that span large walls of paintings and canvases. All her work is available for purchase.

Not too far from the Capitol building is the Sheldon Museum of Art on 12th and R Street. With an incredibly diverse set of exhibits, it provides such a beautiful experience. Everything from sculptures to realistic paintings and photographs, the Sheldon Museum of Art provides something that can bring joy to every art lover in Lincoln. Some of the special exhibits include the Sheldon Treasures – a selection of smaller gems from the local area such as The Road Less Traveled exhibit. This exhibit focuses on road trips and the travels of many different artists. The Sheldon Museum of Art is free to the public and is open 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., Tuesday through Saturday.

Lincoln has plenty of secret gems to find. Don’t be surprised by what this city is hiding.

By TJ Pittenger