mural of octopus
Homer at the Pizza Shoppe (Benson Mural Project), 2009
by Watie White
Medium: Mural
Location: Mid-Town; 6056 Maple Street
Owner: The Pizza Shoppe
Series: Benson Mural Project
Additional Information: In 2009, seven people gathered with the common purpose of transforming a portion of Benson’s environment through creative neighborhood projects. After much brainstorming they settled on a public art venture in the form of a mural project. The seven represented Leadership Omaha Class 31, itself a project of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. The group contacted Benson High School and 12 artists submitted their ideas. This piece was submitted by Andrew Forsman who took his inspiration from Homer’s “The Odyssey”, which he had just read in school. Artist Watie White brought Forsman’s vison to life. The result is a colossal wooden ship with a bright red mainsail amongst lively cobalt ocean waves. Three figures reach for help from the water, seven row the boat, a man is seemingly tied to the mast, a luminous red-hair womanly bodice paves the way (modeled after Pizza Shoppe owner, Amy Ryan). Other models include Pizza Shoppe employees.
The Mother (Benson Mural Project), 2009
by Renee Ledesma; Jasmine Ruch
Location: Mid-Town; Jane’s Health Market & Deli, 6103 Maple St.
Owner: Jane's Health Market and Deli
Series: Benson Mural Project
Additional Information: In 2009, seven people gathered with the common purpose of transforming a portion of Benson’s environment through creative neighborhood projects. After much brainstorming they settled on a public art venture in the form of a mural project. The seven represented Leadership Omaha Class 31, itself a project of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. The group contacted Benson High School and 12 artists submitted their ideas. Artist Renee Ledesma Hoover’s mural on the back wall of Jane’s Market was a community endeavor. She mentors Benson High School student Jasmine Ruch. They collaborated on a design with a woman, suggestive of Mother Nature as the trunk of a blossoming tree. Set against a pale blue sky, the tree is surrounded by intricately painted flowers, butterflies and abstract motif.
Unknown (Benson Mural Project), 2010
by Unknown
Location: Mid-Town; 6060 Maple Street in alley behind Haney Shoes
Owner: Haney Shoes
Series: Benson Mural Project
Additional Information: