Museum of Nebraska Art facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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U.S. Post Office
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 Location in Nebraska
Location in the United States
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| Location | 2401 Central Ave., Kearney, Nebraska |
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| Built | 1911 |
| Architect | James Knox Taylor |
| Architectural style | Neoclassical Revival |
| Website | https://mona.unk.edu/mona/ |
| NRHP reference No. | 81000368 |
| Added to NRHP | September 17, 1981 |
The Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA) is Nebraska's official art museum! It's a special place in Kearney, Nebraska, where you can see amazing art. MONA works closely with the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
The museum is home to the Nebraska Art Collection. This collection features art by people who were born in Nebraska, lived there, or have a strong connection to the state. MONA also shows new art displays often, featuring artists from Nebraska's past and present.
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History of MONA's Home
The Nebraska Art Collection started in 1976. For a while, it didn't have a permanent home. In 1985, a state group chose a historic post office building in Kearney. This building was built in 1911. It was old and set to be torn down.
However, museum leaders loved its grand Neoclassical style. They also liked its marble inside and its big, bright rooms. So, they bought the old post office and fixed it up. In 1986, MONA officially opened its doors in this new, permanent spot.
The post office building itself is very important. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981. This was because it's a great example of the Neoclassical style. Many believe it's the oldest building of its kind in Kearney.
What Art Can You See?
The Nebraska Art Collection shows art from over 175 years of history. You can find works by many famous artists with ties to Nebraska. These include historic artists like Alice Eliza Cleaver, Robert Henri, John Philip Falter, and Frank Rinehart.
MONA also has art by more modern artists. Some of these are Thomas Hart Benton, Wright Morris, and Leonard Thiessen. You can also see art by living artists, such as Jun Kaneko and Jane Golding Marie.
The collection also includes art by explorers. These artists documented early Native American life and natural history in Nebraska. Famous names include George Catlin, John James Audubon, and Karl Bodmer. MONA often adds art and items from other Nebraska museums to these exhibits. These museums include the Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer, Joslyn Art Museum, and the University of Nebraska State Museum.
MONA also hosts special shows for artists who are still working today. These artists are building their reputations. Their art might not be in the permanent collection yet. Past artists have included Sandra Williams (who works with polymer), photographer Roger Bruhn, and sculptor Elizabeth Kronfield.
Fun Programs and Events
MONA is more than just a museum. It offers many special programs! The museum works closely with schools. Students often visit for art viewing, hands-on art-making, and summer art camps. MONA also has art classes for adults, usually in the summer.
The museum takes part in Christmas events with other businesses in downtown Kearney. It has also hosted evening fairs. At these fairs, Nebraska artists sell small art pieces.
ARTreach Program
MONA runs a program called ARTreach. This program sends art exhibitions to different places across Nebraska. Other organizations can host an exhibit for a small fee. They can keep it for four to six weeks. These traveling shows come from MONA's permanent collection. Most ARTreach exhibitions have a special theme. Examples include Women Artists from the MONA Collection, Images of Land, and Afro Psalms.
Reynolds Readers and Writers Series
In recent years, MONA has also hosted the Reynolds Readers and Writers Series. Charles Fort organizes this program. It brings writers, novelists, and storytellers to Nebraska. They give public readings and teach classes. The University of Nebraska at Kearney mainly organizes and funds this series. The visiting artists also teach creative writing classes on campus.
