Stories Behind the Art
August 19, 2008 - August 9, 2009
This year-long exhibition features artwork from MONA’s collection selected to emphasize a narrative theme. The images allow visitors to engage with the art, and serve as inspiration to develop personal stories, proving that a picture is truly worth “a thousand words.” A lesson plan for use by classroom teachers has been developed.

MONA’s Crane Images
January 24 - June 7, 2009
In celebration of the Sandhill cranes that visit the Platte River in spring months, MONA showcases a selection of artworks showing how various artists depict and are inspired by these birds.

East to West: ANAC’s Best
March 31 - July 16, 2009
Each year, the Association of Nebraska Art Clubs invites MONA to select an artwork to receive the respected Purchase Award from its annual art show, and the chosen piece becomes part of the Museum’s collection. This practice has continued for over twenty years, and East to West - ANAC’s Best features the works from this rich tradition.

An Intentional Novice: The On-Edge Felt Mosaics of Jean Thiessen
April 7 - September 6, 2009
The on-edge felt mosaics by Jean Thiessen are true “gems” of the Museum of Nebraska Art collection. This exhibition explores the traditions behind the seven rugs and wall hangings created by this self-taught yet intentional artist who worked in the early part of the 20th century. Representing both folk art and the beginning of the craft movement, the works are important examples of fiber art.

From Craft to Creation: Wood Works from MONA’s Collection
April 7 - September 6, 2009
As a compliment to An Intentional Novice: The On-Edge Felt Mosaics of Jean Thiessen and a further exploration of craft-oriented and folk artworks, this exhibition features wood works from the MONA collection. Diverse and distinct best describe the various sculptures, assemblages, and constructs that are tied together by their use of the wood medium.

Nebraska Now: Mary Zicafoose, Fiber
April 18 - July 15, 2009
For her first solo exhibition at MONA, Omaha fiber artist Mary Zicafoose brings her well-known and intensely colored tapestries and rugs to the Yanney Skylight Gallery. Originally inspired by ethnic cloths, Zicafoose creates bold weavings akin to large abstract paintings that still find their source in the patterns of fiber works found throughout the world. A largely self taught weaver, Zicafoose received her B.F.A. degree from St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Indiana. Her graduate studies include The Art Institute of Chicago and University of Nebraska.

Pushing Paint
May 23 - September 20, 2009
Comprised of a handful of artists who are true “painter's painters,” this invitational exhibition is a glimpse at paintings by a select group of non-representational artists across Nebraska and the diverse ways they utilize their media.

On the Hoof: Audubon Selections
June 16 - October 18, 2009
Audubon may have feathered his nest by studying and portraying the birds of America, but his images of hoofed creatures will knock you off your feet. On the Hoof features MONA‘s own American Bison, Buffalo, and Prong-Horned Antelope lithographs, in addition to special loans from Joslyn Art Museum‘s Audubon images. Come face to face with the razor-sharp tusks of Collared Peccary, the javelina; admire the majestic stance of Rocky Mountain Bighorn. These animals and more await you, so be fleet of foot and visit MONA.

Nebraska Now: Francisco Souto, Printmaking
July 11 - October 4, 2009
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Assistant Professor of Art, Francisco Souto, specializes in mezzo-tints, and has recently been mixing and experimenting with print processes that are both pushing the boundaries of printmaking as well as creating exceptional works that are a mix of representational and non-representational imagery. Born in Venezuela, his prints and artist books have been widely exhibited.

Sights & Sounds
August 25, 2009 - August 8, 2010
Senses collide in this year-long exhibition filled with sights and sounds that come to life in the art. The interplay of line, color, and shape provokes auditory nuances that offer viewers a new approach to experiencing the art. A lesson plan for use by classroom teachers is an added component.

Academia Invitational
October 3, 2009 - January 3, 2010
This exhibition invites the faculties of the University of Nebraska Art Departments to exhibit their newest works at the Museum of Nebraska Art. Hand selected, the mix of sculptures, paintings, prints, ceramics, among other art forms, is a rare chance to view works together by these University educators.

Nebraska Now: Christina Narwicz
October 10, 2009 - January 3, 2010
For the first time, Omaha artist Christina Narwicz brings her large-scale oil paintings to MONA’s Yanney Skylight Gallery as part of the Nebraska Now series. While the artist’s works can be viewed simply as lovely, she successfully merges ideas and feelings of both the earthly and the ethereal in her textural and gestural paintings. Pulling from organic imagery; Narwicz draws forms with a calligraphic line atop a softly painted background where colors float, blend, and sway with each other. A New York native, Narwicz first came to Nebraska through the artist-in-residency program at the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts in 1985. She has made her home in Nebraska where she works as a full-time artist.