Is there art culture to be found in the Heartland? If you are considering the Cornhusker state for your next home, then the answer is yes. The state has plenty to offer those with creative minds and the ones who just like to watch. Whether you are looking to advance your education or want to enjoy some diverse art offerings, there are a number of fine choices. Consider some of the best cities in Nebraska for the arts.
1.Omaha
2.Lincoln
3.McCook
5.Kearney
If you want the most comprehensive art experience, then Omaha is the place for you. Omaha is Nebraska’s largest city with a population of just under 500,000, so it is not surprising that there are many different art experiences available. The cultural attractions in this city are praised in publications such as the New York Times.
The Omaha Community Playhouse is the largest community theater in the country. The theater located on Cass Street is a breeding ground for local talent and has debuted names like Marlon Brando and Dorothy McGuire. They host Tony-nominated shows each year such as Caroline or Change, as well. The theater holds classes for those looking to explore the stage.
There are several art festivals in Omaha, as well. Each June, residents enjoy the Omaha Summer Arts Festival downtown featuring live entertainment, demonstrating artists and a craft fair, for example.
Omaha is one of those cities that have a little something for everyone. You can enjoy jazz at the Love’s Jazz and Art Center on N. 24th St or buy some yard art at the annual Garden Art Faire held each year at the Westside Community Conference Center. All that culture and a low cost of living, too. The median home price in Omaha is just 90,000 in some areas of town.
The state capital of Lincoln makes the list for several reasons. Lincoln is where you find the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts. The college prepares young artists in all sectors including visual, dance, film, music, and theater. There are nine universities and colleges in the city, most with some type of art education. There are also multiple live-in artist programs in Lincoln, including the Kimmel Foundation Residencies for Emerging Artists and The Lincoln Cornhusker Marriot Artist in Residence program.
Lincoln offers the most unique art culture in the state. For example, you can spend a day admiring quilts at the International Quilt Study Center then take a stroll through the sculpture garden at the Sheldon Museum.
Lincoln is known for its public art displays with contests held every few years. One year, local artists created bike sculptures that businesses and patrons bid on at auction with proceeds going to art education. During the holiday season, artists decorate trees that go on display before business bid on them. The money goes to support the People’s Mission.
The cost of living is a little higher in Nebraska’s capital city, but still very reasonable. Near the downtown area, you can get a house for around 128,000 dollars.
The little town of McCook, Nebraska has a surprising art culture, especially when you consider there are only 7,698 souls living there. You’ll find McCook down on the Nebraska/Kansas border near Holdrege.
The truth is there isn’t that much to see in McCook unless you are there to hear a story. Each year nationally recognized storytellers, poets and musicians go to McCook to celebrate the art of storytelling. The Buffalo Commons Storytelling Festival is held the weekend after Memorial Day. Hundreds of people pass through to enjoy live music, home cooking and, of course, a few stories. There is a bus tour of mystery places in the area, a poetry slam and a dinner cabaret.
Homes in McCook, Nebraska are inexpensive in part because this is a rural area. You could buy a house for as little as 45,000 dollars there.
The small town of Cozad, population just under 4,000, is another surprising contender for your art attention. Cozad sits almost in the center of the state near Interstate 80. Despite its small stature, this little town that could has managed to produce some world-renowned artists like abstract painter Don Christensen and Robert Henri, who was part of the Ashcan School movement.
Robert Henri was also the son of the town founder and famous enough to warrant his own art museum in town. For such a small place, arts and entertainment make up a notable percentage, about nine percent, of the job market. Housing is a little more expensive in this area with the median listing at just under 300,000.
Rounding out the list of artistic towns is Kearney. Kearney, Nebraska is a historical city that has some interesting cultural attractions such as the Great Platte River Road Archway Monument – a museum that literally spans Interstate 80.
Kearney is home to a number of art opportunities, as well. Students can attend the University of Nebraska Kearney Fine Arts College and learn about art history, visual communication, design, printmaking, and photography. For those just looking to enjoy the arts, there is the Museum of Nebraska Art, which houses works from almost two centuries.
Kearney hosts musicians from all over the world at the 5,500 seat Viaero Event Center, as well as their own hockey team. You can also see live performances at the Robert M. Merryman Performing Arts Center.Viaero Event Center, as well as their own hockey team. You can also see live performances at the Robert M. Merryman Performing Arts Center.
Thanks to the university, education is one of the biggest industries in town offering 43 percent of the jobs. Homes will cost you around 200,000 dollars.
