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The Papillion Times

Art exhibit
Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha's Botanical Center, will open "Seasons," an art exhibit of original paintings by Ken Diaz. The Diaz exhibit, inspired by Lauritzen Gardens, will be on display until Jan. 16. Contact Maureen Thomsen at 346-4002 ext. 222 to receive photos of Diaz's work. For more information about Lauritzen Gardens, visit www.lauritzengardens.org or call 346-4002.

World renowed mural artist, Meg Saligman, notices Ken's work in Lousiville:

If art lovers in the Omaha area have not heard the name Meg Saligman, I am sure they will soon (if not already) see her work in downtown Omaha. Meg (from Philadelphia) is responsible for the huge mural being painted on the energy building located across from the Quest center. Some of her artists took a break from the mural to spend a Sunday afternoon at Louisville Art Galleries' "Ode to the Masters" opening.

(Excerpt from Meg Saligman's website):

Effrain and Beth took a roadtrip to Louisville, NE on Sunday afternoon, where a wonderful opening was taking place at the art gallery there (the one and only, Louisville gallery). The theme was an Ode to the Masters, and Effrain and I both got excited when we saw the huge cardboard sketch fashioned after Toulouse-Lautrec complete with clowns and parisian hosiery, announcing the show…then Frida greeted us at the door (portrait with monkeys by Bev Valentine–a great painter), and then we were lead to the Sangria. It was delicious with apples…kind of a passion fruit flavor. very refreshing.

We got to meet several of the artists. All very talented indeed. Ken Diaz made the sign outfront and Mike Girou did Dali inspired paintings on large canvases.

"Louisville Art Gallery opens 'Ode to the Masters' show"
The Journal

"Ode to the Masters" opens at Louisville Art Gallery on Sunday afternoon, July 20, with an artists' reception from 12:30 to 4 p.m.

This group show features new work from at least 25 artists on the main floor of the gallery. Each piece is either an interpretation of past work or an original work created in the style of a past master or artist who influenced their individual style. Vincent Van Gogh, Helen Frankenthaler, Albert Bierstadt, Frida Kahlo, Diego Velasquez, Picasso and more will be represented in this homage to the past.

A little trompe l'oeil (the artistic ability to depict an object so exactly as to make it appear real, a heightened form of illusionism) from Judy Greff, an early 20th century interpretation from Jim Jacobi of Louisville's very own Ash Grove Company building on the north edge of town, and some Toulouse-Lautrec inspired paintings on cardboard by Ken Diaz along with all the other work will make this show a fun experience. Artists in the show are from Omaha, Lincoln and the surrounding area and include, but are not limited to Melissa Husby, Deb Groesser, Jean Mason, Judy Greff, Jacobi, Mike Loftus, Pete Wroblewski, Diaz, Victoria Hoyt, Rachel Mindrup, Michelle Moffitt, Bev Valentine, Zach Jones, Gerry Klein, Julie Kinkade, Carolyn Albracht, Mary Anne Kuk, Karen Schnepf, John Dennison, Lori Elliott-Bartle, Deanna Funnell-Harris, Sarah Guthman-Scheer, David Stubbendieck and Justyn Tada.

Non-traditional to the area, this Sunday afternoon opening reception allows visitors to the gallery to make it a day in Cass County.

Louisville Art Gallery is located at 230 Main Street in Louisville. It is open Saturdays 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and by appointment.

The show "Ode to the Masters" will run from July 20 through Sept. 13.

"'Cityscapes/Street Scenes' at Louisville Art Gallery"
By Rick Setchell
Journal staff writer
The Journal

(Excerpt from article):

Ken Diaz displayed a charcoal etching featuring trolleys running through the streets of Chicago. He had been walking all over the Windy City trying to find some out-of-the-way place that he could draw. He finally noticed that the trolleys ran all over town and were free. He titled his drawing, "Free Ride."

"I had been walking all over. I wanted to find something that wasn't commonly seen in Chicago," Diaz said. "I couldn't believe it when I saw those trolleys and found out they were free."

"Omaha artist is drawn to create"
Ken Diaz overcomes a lack of confidence and reveals his artwork at an inaugural exhibit at Hot Shops Art Center.
By Dane Stickney
OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

Ken Diaz thought three decades was long enough to keep his drawing talent private.

The 38-year-old Omahan has enjoyed drawing most of his life, but a fear of failure and a lack of confidence kept him from letting others see his work. With the support of his family, Diaz decided it was time to get over that.

Diaz hung his first public show at Hot Shops Art Center this month. The exhibit, “My Blue Chicago,” is up through April 29.

After visiting museums, researching the career paths of some of his favorite artists and seeking advice from his art-collecting fiancé, Diaz thought maybe his work was good enough to hang in a gallery.

“Artists like Vincent Van Gogh and Henri Matisse had the same kind of fears and concerns I had”, Diaz said. “So I just thought it was time I give it a try.”

The bulk of the exhibit is charcoal drawings Diaz rendered on many visits to Chicago.

Diaz chose charcoal to give works depth and texture and to better capture the feel of a heavy, urban setting.

Visitors to the show have given Diaz dozens of compliments. That alone has made the exhibit worthwhile for Diaz, who works in marketing at a local transportation company.

“I’m glad I did it”, he said. “It’s great to have a creative outlet and share it with people. It’s become addictive for me.”

IF YOU GO!

“My Blue Chicago,” a collection of charcoal drawings by Omaha artist Ken Diaz, runs through April 29 at the Hot Shops Art Center, 1301 Nicholas St. A collection of artwork from Omaha Public School teachers and students is also on display. The gallery is open from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is free. For details, visit www.hotshopsartcenter.com or call 342-6452.

"Sketchbook" – 12 Apr 2007
By Sarah Baker
The Reader

Ken Diaz, in his debut Omaha show, presents a batch of new charcoal drawings, My Blue Chicago, at the Hot Shops Art Center, 1301 Nicholas St., this month. A self-taught artist, Diaz recently shoved his modesty aside and created the work for his first show. “The strong texture and sharp lines of the charcoal on the paper works in harmony with the heavy concrete and thick steel of the city,” Diaz said. “It was the best way to capture the rigid beauty of Chicago.” His work aims not to lead viewers to any sort of spiritual Mecca, rather, he’d like them to remember the joy of travel and the adventure of new experiences. The 7th annual Artist/Teacher Group Show also opens at the Hot Shops this weekend, featuring the work of Omaha Public Schools teachers and their guests. Both shows run through April 29 with an opening Saturday, April 14, 6-10 p.m. For more information, visit hotshopsartcenter.com.

"8 Days"
By Sally Brown Deskins
The Reader

Through April 29
My Blue Chicago: Charcoal Drawings by Ken Diaz</B.
Hot Shops Art Center, reception April 14, 6-10 p.m., FREE, 342.6452

Artist Ken Diaz brings the murky, intriguing style of 19th century French impressionists to the Midwest with his first-ever exhibition, My Blue Chicago. Diaz always had the artistic dream and talent lurking in the back of his mind and now he’s brought it to life with 16 charcoal drawings inspired by his many travels and memories to Chicago. Only those who like to wander the streets will recognize the random scenes, as Diaz didn’t record the big-name buildings or landscapes, rather spontaneous moments captured mid-vacation such as the show’s title piece, drawn outside blues and jazz music club, Blue Chicago. Diaz’ twin brother will make an appearance as well, playing at the reception in his New Orleans’ style band the Prairie Gators.