Hammon in Mid-Century Omaha EXHIBITION TALK

CREATING THE "PICASSO ON THE PRAIRIE"

A letter to Charles Leonard Thiessen from a Lincoln architect involved with designing a new auditorium in Lincoln prompted a call to his associate and well-known Nebraska artist, Bill Hammon. Thus began the creation of what became the Pershing Mural. The intriguing history that led to creating this magnificent Nebraska artwork dates to the early 1930’s during a period when General of Armies John J. Pershing was arguably the most famous person in America. For seventy years visitors to Lincoln attending events at Pershing Auditorium took away memories of this unique mosaic.

About the Speaker

Lt Gen (NE, ret.) Roger Lempke retired in January 2020. Prior to that he served as the Director for Military Affairs for Senator Deb Fischer and Senator Mike Johanns. In this capacity he supported policy development and accomplished case work for military veterans. As the former Adjutant General for Nebraska, he organized and led the Nebraska National Guard through its largest mobilization since WWII in support of the Global War on Terrorism. Roger has served terms as president of the Brain Injury Alliance of Nebraska (BIANE), Nebraska Sports Council, NEBRASKAland Foundation, Seniors Foundation, and Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation. Roger was named the 2007 Nebraskan of Year by the Nebraska Rotary organization and honored as a Trailblazer by the NEBRASKAland Foundation in 2008. Roger was born and raised in Tecumseh, Nebraska, and graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1969. He and his wife Shirlee, also a Tecumseh native, have lived in Lincoln since 1979 and have two adult children, eleven grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.

About the Exhibition

NOW THROUGH OCT. 30 | FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Celebrated for his versatility as a painter, muralist, and sculptor, Bill J. Hammon was a titan of Omaha’s mid-century art scene. During his career, he produced a remarkable body of work including numerous commissions that remain part of Omaha’s cultural landscape. This exhibition presents the first-ever retrospective of Hammon’s work, offering a long-overdue look at the artist’s influential career, creative range, and enduring contribution to our city’s artistic heritage.

Parking

Friday's free in West Garage. Other days use Park Omaha app at kiosks located inside garage.