Writing Workshops - Wednesdays at 6:30 PM
Explore the Museum’s fall exhibition as a creative departure point for writing and performance. Participants will begin with a tour of the exhibition led by Chief Curator Alexandra Cardon followed by a free reflection and writing session led by Nebraska Writers Collective Teaching Artists. Participants will have the opportunity to share their original writing. You can learn more about Past, Present, Futures at the end of this page.

Allen Stevenson - September 16

Zedeka Poindexter - October 14

Noni Williams - November 18

Please RSVP to attend, limited to 25 participants.

Weekend Art Workshops - Saturday & Sundays in September & October

Join us at the Museum for free art making sessions. Sessions will include a brief tour of the exhibition with a focus on a particular piece as a source of inspiration. All supplies provided! Session will be led by UNO art student Sunny Nickolite.

Saturdays at 11 AM

September - 12, 19, 26

October - 3, 10, 17

Sundays at 12-noon

September - 13, 20, 27

October - 4, 11, 18

This is a FREE event, no RSVP required, and everyone is welcome.

Bak to Basics: Chess for All Ages - Sundays at 1 PM in November

Participants will tour the current exhibition and explore how the artist Samuel Bak uses chess in his artworks followed by a round of chess. This program is designed for beginning and seasoned chess players who enjoy helping others learn.

Sundays at 1 PM

November - 8, 15, 22

This is a FREE event, but preregistration is appreciated as it is limited to 12 attendees. Please RSVP. in pairs.

About the "Past, Present, Futures" Exhibition (Open August 19 - December 20)

Samuel Bak Museum: The Learning Center is a space where art is the gateway to a conversation on human rights, Holocaust education, and genocide. The Fall 2026 exhibition Past, Present, Futures explores how the artists Samuel Bak, April Bey, Ken Gonzales-Day, Jeannette Ehlers, Letitia Huckaby, Harmonia Rosales, and Shawn Theodore play with the traditions of European portraiture to center other histories, reveal the role art and art history have played in the formation of historical narratives, and celebrate the resurgence of culture after oppression.

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Prageeta Sharma is the author of six collections of poetry, most recently, Onement Won (Wave, 2025) and Grief Sequence (Wave, 2019). She is the founder of the conference Thinking Its Presence: An Interdisciplinary Conference on Race, Creative Writing, and Artistic and Aesthetic Practices, the Henry G. Lee ’37 professor of English at Pomona College and a recent recipient of the 2025 NEA Creative Writing Fellowship.

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The Museum's collection includes more than 500 pieces of Bak's work. These are featured alongside works by other contemporary artists in a series of rotating semester-long exhibitions.

Invest in the Best

"Invest in the Best" is a monthly signature programming initiative for faculty and staff at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Led by the Office of Spirit, Tradition, and Signature Events in partnership with the Chancellor's Office, Staff Advisory Council, Faculty Senate, Human Resources, and the Wellness Committee, this series is designed to support and celebrate the people who make UNO exceptional.

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Writing Workshops - Wednesdays at 6:30 PM
Explore the Museum’s fall exhibition as a creative departure point for writing and performance. Participants will begin with a tour of the exhibition led by Chief Curator Alexandra Cardon followed by a free reflection and writing session led by Nebraska Writers Collective Teaching Artists. Participants will have the opportunity to share their original writing. You can learn more about Past, Present, Futures at the end of this page.

Allen Stevenson - September 16

Zedeka Poindexter - October 14

Noni Williams - November 18

Please RSVP to attend, limited to 25 participants.

Weekend Art Workshops - Saturday & Sundays in September & October

Join us at the Museum for free art making sessions. Sessions will include a brief tour of the exhibition with a focus on a particular piece as a source of inspiration. All supplies provided! Session will be led by UNO art student Sunny Nickolite.

Saturdays at 11 AM

September - 12, 19, 26

October - 3, 10, 17

Sundays at 12-noon

September - 13, 20, 27

October - 4, 11, 18

This is a FREE event, no RSVP required, and everyone is welcome.

Bak to Basics: Chess for All Ages - Sundays at 1 PM in November

Participants will tour the current exhibition and explore how the artist Samuel Bak uses chess in his artworks followed by a round of chess. This program is designed for beginning and seasoned chess players who enjoy helping others learn.

Sundays at 1 PM

November - 8, 15, 22

This is a FREE event, but preregistration is appreciated as it is limited to 12 attendees. Please RSVP. in pairs.

About the "Past, Present, Futures" Exhibition (Open August 19 - December 20)

Samuel Bak Museum: The Learning Center is a space where art is the gateway to a conversation on human rights, Holocaust education, and genocide. The Fall 2026 exhibition Past, Present, Futures explores how the artists Samuel Bak, April Bey, Ken Gonzales-Day, Jeannette Ehlers, Letitia Huckaby, Harmonia Rosales, and Shawn Theodore play with the traditions of European portraiture to center other histories, reveal the role art and art history have played in the formation of historical narratives, and celebrate the resurgence of culture after oppression.

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Exhibition Lecture – Thursday, October 15, 6PM

Visiting Artist Letitia Huckaby

Letitia Huckaby will discuss her Living Requiem project and artist practice. Huckaby's work combines photography and textiles to depict family narratives, Black American heritage, cultural traditions, and faith. This is a FREE event, but due to limited seating preregistration is appreciated. You can learn more about Past, Present, Futures at the end of this page.

Speaker: Artist Letitia Huckaby

Exhibition Lecture – Thursday, November 12, 6PM

Afrofuturism as Epic Realism: Black Storytelling Then, NOW . . . Tomorrow

"Does Afrofuturism really exist, and how?"--literary scholar Dr. Gregory E. Rutledge will explore his relationship to the unfolding field and its relationship to the canon, epic mythology, and race. This is a FREE event, but due to limited seating preregistration is appreciated.

Speaker: Gregory Ruthledge, Ph.D

Bak & Music – Saturday, December 5, 2PM

In Conversation, Debórah Dwork and Elise Loehnen

Dr. Beard, distinguished faculty in UNO’s Music department, and her talented student performers will deliver a captivating musical performance featuring pieces by banned composers and musicians living in warzones. This is a FREE event, but due to limited seating preregistration is appreciated.

About the "Past, Present, Futures" Exhibition (Open August 19 - December 20)

Samuel Bak Museum: The Learning Center is a space where art is the gateway to a conversation on human rights, Holocaust education, and genocide. The Fall 2026 exhibition Past, Present, Futures explores how the artists Samuel Bak, April Bey, Ken Gonzales-Day, Jeannette Ehlers, Letitia Huckaby, Harmonia Rosales, and Shawn Theodore play with the traditions of European portraiture to center other histories, reveal the role art and art history have played in the formation of historical narratives, and celebrate the resurgence of culture after oppression.

View on site | Email this event

Writing Workshops - Wednesdays at 6:30 PM
Explore the Museum’s fall exhibition as a creative departure point for writing and performance. Participants will begin with a tour of the exhibition led by Chief Curator Alexandra Cardon followed by a free reflection and writing session led by Nebraska Writers Collective Teaching Artists. Participants will have the opportunity to share their original writing. You can learn more about Past, Present, Futures at the end of this page.

Allen Stevenson - September 16

Zedeka Poindexter - October 14

Noni Williams - November 18

Please RSVP to attend, limited to 25 participants.

Weekend Art Workshops - Saturday & Sundays in September & October

Join us at the Museum for free art making sessions. Sessions will include a brief tour of the exhibition with a focus on a particular piece as a source of inspiration. All supplies provided! Session will be led by UNO art student Sunny Nickolite.

Saturdays at 11 AM

September - 12, 19, 26

October - 3, 10, 17

Sundays at 12-noon

September - 13, 20, 27

October - 4, 11, 18

This is a FREE event, no RSVP required, and everyone is welcome.

Bak to Basics: Chess for All Ages - Sundays at 1 PM in November

Participants will tour the current exhibition and explore how the artist Samuel Bak uses chess in his artworks followed by a round of chess. This program is designed for beginning and seasoned chess players who enjoy helping others learn.

Sundays at 1 PM

November - 8, 15, 22

This is a FREE event, but preregistration is appreciated as it is limited to 12 attendees. Please RSVP. in pairs.

About the "Past, Present, Futures" Exhibition (Open August 19 - December 20)

Samuel Bak Museum: The Learning Center is a space where art is the gateway to a conversation on human rights, Holocaust education, and genocide. The Fall 2026 exhibition Past, Present, Futures explores how the artists Samuel Bak, April Bey, Ken Gonzales-Day, Jeannette Ehlers, Letitia Huckaby, Harmonia Rosales, and Shawn Theodore play with the traditions of European portraiture to center other histories, reveal the role art and art history have played in the formation of historical narratives, and celebrate the resurgence of culture after oppression.

View on site | Email this event

Exhibition Lecture – Thursday, October 15, 6PM

Visiting Artist Letitia Huckaby

Letitia Huckaby will discuss her Living Requiem project and artist practice. Huckaby's work combines photography and textiles to depict family narratives, Black American heritage, cultural traditions, and faith. This is a FREE event, but due to limited seating preregistration is appreciated. You can learn more about Past, Present, Futures at the end of this page.

Speaker: Artist Letitia Huckaby

Exhibition Lecture – Thursday, November 12, 6PM

Afrofuturism as Epic Realism: Black Storytelling Then, NOW . . . Tomorrow

"Does Afrofuturism really exist, and how?"--literary scholar Dr. Gregory E. Rutledge will explore his relationship to the unfolding field and its relationship to the canon, epic mythology, and race. This is a FREE event, but due to limited seating preregistration is appreciated.

Speaker: Gregory Ruthledge, Ph.D

Bak & Music – Saturday, December 5, 2PM

In Conversation, Debórah Dwork and Elise Loehnen

Dr. Beard, distinguished faculty in UNO’s Music department, and her talented student performers will deliver a captivating musical performance featuring pieces by banned composers and musicians living in warzones. This is a FREE event, but due to limited seating preregistration is appreciated.

About the "Past, Present, Futures" Exhibition (Open August 19 - December 20)

Samuel Bak Museum: The Learning Center is a space where art is the gateway to a conversation on human rights, Holocaust education, and genocide. The Fall 2026 exhibition Past, Present, Futures explores how the artists Samuel Bak, April Bey, Ken Gonzales-Day, Jeannette Ehlers, Letitia Huckaby, Harmonia Rosales, and Shawn Theodore play with the traditions of European portraiture to center other histories, reveal the role art and art history have played in the formation of historical narratives, and celebrate the resurgence of culture after oppression.

View on site | Email this event

Writing Workshops - Wednesdays at 6:30 PM
Explore the Museum’s fall exhibition as a creative departure point for writing and performance. Participants will begin with a tour of the exhibition led by Chief Curator Alexandra Cardon followed by a free reflection and writing session led by Nebraska Writers Collective Teaching Artists. Participants will have the opportunity to share their original writing. You can learn more about Past, Present, Futures at the end of this page.

Allen Stevenson - September 16

Zedeka Poindexter - October 14

Noni Williams - November 18

Please RSVP to attend, limited to 25 participants.

Weekend Art Workshops - Saturday & Sundays in September & October

Join us at the Museum for free art making sessions. Sessions will include a brief tour of the exhibition with a focus on a particular piece as a source of inspiration. All supplies provided! Session will be led by UNO art student Sunny Nickolite.

Saturdays at 11 AM

September - 12, 19, 26

October - 3, 10, 17

Sundays at 12-noon

September - 13, 20, 27

October - 4, 11, 18

This is a FREE event, no RSVP required, and everyone is welcome.

Bak to Basics: Chess for All Ages - Sundays at 1 PM in November

Participants will tour the current exhibition and explore how the artist Samuel Bak uses chess in his artworks followed by a round of chess. This program is designed for beginning and seasoned chess players who enjoy helping others learn.

Sundays at 1 PM

November - 8, 15, 22

This is a FREE event, but preregistration is appreciated as it is limited to 12 attendees. Please RSVP. in pairs.

About the "Past, Present, Futures" Exhibition (Open August 19 - December 20)

Samuel Bak Museum: The Learning Center is a space where art is the gateway to a conversation on human rights, Holocaust education, and genocide. The Fall 2026 exhibition Past, Present, Futures explores how the artists Samuel Bak, April Bey, Ken Gonzales-Day, Jeannette Ehlers, Letitia Huckaby, Harmonia Rosales, and Shawn Theodore play with the traditions of European portraiture to center other histories, reveal the role art and art history have played in the formation of historical narratives, and celebrate the resurgence of culture after oppression.

View on site | Email this event

Writing Workshops - Wednesdays at 6:30 PM
Explore the Museum’s fall exhibition as a creative departure point for writing and performance. Participants will begin with a tour of the exhibition led by Chief Curator Alexandra Cardon followed by a free reflection and writing session led by Nebraska Writers Collective Teaching Artists. Participants will have the opportunity to share their original writing. You can learn more about Past, Present, Futures at the end of this page.

Allen Stevenson - September 16

Zedeka Poindexter - October 14

Noni Williams - November 18

Please RSVP to attend, limited to 25 participants.

Weekend Art Workshops - Saturday & Sundays in September & October

Join us at the Museum for free art making sessions. Sessions will include a brief tour of the exhibition with a focus on a particular piece as a source of inspiration. All supplies provided! Session will be led by UNO art student Sunny Nickolite.

Saturdays at 11 AM

September - 12, 19, 26

October - 3, 10, 17

Sundays at 12-noon

September - 13, 20, 27

October - 4, 11, 18

This is a FREE event, no RSVP required, and everyone is welcome.

Bak to Basics: Chess for All Ages - Sundays at 1 PM in November

Participants will tour the current exhibition and explore how the artist Samuel Bak uses chess in his artworks followed by a round of chess. This program is designed for beginning and seasoned chess players who enjoy helping others learn.

Sundays at 1 PM

November - 8, 15, 22

This is a FREE event, but preregistration is appreciated as it is limited to 12 attendees. Please RSVP. in pairs.

About the "Past, Present, Futures" Exhibition (Open August 19 - December 20)

Samuel Bak Museum: The Learning Center is a space where art is the gateway to a conversation on human rights, Holocaust education, and genocide. The Fall 2026 exhibition Past, Present, Futures explores how the artists Samuel Bak, April Bey, Ken Gonzales-Day, Jeannette Ehlers, Letitia Huckaby, Harmonia Rosales, and Shawn Theodore play with the traditions of European portraiture to center other histories, reveal the role art and art history have played in the formation of historical narratives, and celebrate the resurgence of culture after oppression.

View on site | Email this event

Writing Workshops - Wednesdays at 6:30 PM
Explore the Museum’s fall exhibition as a creative departure point for writing and performance. Participants will begin with a tour of the exhibition led by Chief Curator Alexandra Cardon followed by a free reflection and writing session led by Nebraska Writers Collective Teaching Artists. Participants will have the opportunity to share their original writing. You can learn more about Past, Present, Futures at the end of this page.

Allen Stevenson - September 16

Zedeka Poindexter - October 14

Noni Williams - November 18

Please RSVP to attend, limited to 25 participants.

Weekend Art Workshops - Saturday & Sundays in September & October

Join us at the Museum for free art making sessions. Sessions will include a brief tour of the exhibition with a focus on a particular piece as a source of inspiration. All supplies provided! Session will be led by UNO art student Sunny Nickolite.

Saturdays at 11 AM

September - 12, 19, 26

October - 3, 10, 17

Sundays at 12-noon

September - 13, 20, 27

October - 4, 11, 18

This is a FREE event, no RSVP required, and everyone is welcome.

Bak to Basics: Chess for All Ages - Sundays at 1 PM in November

Participants will tour the current exhibition and explore how the artist Samuel Bak uses chess in his artworks followed by a round of chess. This program is designed for beginning and seasoned chess players who enjoy helping others learn.

Sundays at 1 PM

November - 8, 15, 22

This is a FREE event, but preregistration is appreciated as it is limited to 12 attendees. Please RSVP. in pairs.

About the "Past, Present, Futures" Exhibition (Open August 19 - December 20)

Samuel Bak Museum: The Learning Center is a space where art is the gateway to a conversation on human rights, Holocaust education, and genocide. The Fall 2026 exhibition Past, Present, Futures explores how the artists Samuel Bak, April Bey, Ken Gonzales-Day, Jeannette Ehlers, Letitia Huckaby, Harmonia Rosales, and Shawn Theodore play with the traditions of European portraiture to center other histories, reveal the role art and art history have played in the formation of historical narratives, and celebrate the resurgence of culture after oppression.

View on site | Email this event

Exhibition Lecture – Thursday, October 15, 6PM

Visiting Artist Letitia Huckaby

Letitia Huckaby will discuss her Living Requiem project and artist practice. Huckaby's work combines photography and textiles to depict family narratives, Black American heritage, cultural traditions, and faith. This is a FREE event, but due to limited seating preregistration is appreciated. You can learn more about Past, Present, Futures at the end of this page.

Speaker: Artist Letitia Huckaby

Exhibition Lecture – Thursday, November 12, 6PM

Afrofuturism as Epic Realism: Black Storytelling Then, NOW . . . Tomorrow

"Does Afrofuturism really exist, and how?"--literary scholar Dr. Gregory E. Rutledge will explore his relationship to the unfolding field and its relationship to the canon, epic mythology, and race. This is a FREE event, but due to limited seating preregistration is appreciated.

Speaker: Gregory Ruthledge, Ph.D

Bak & Music – Saturday, December 5, 2PM

In Conversation, Debórah Dwork and Elise Loehnen

Dr. Beard, distinguished faculty in UNO’s Music department, and her talented student performers will deliver a captivating musical performance featuring pieces by banned composers and musicians living in warzones. This is a FREE event, but due to limited seating preregistration is appreciated.

About the "Past, Present, Futures" Exhibition (Open August 19 - December 20)

Samuel Bak Museum: The Learning Center is a space where art is the gateway to a conversation on human rights, Holocaust education, and genocide. The Fall 2026 exhibition Past, Present, Futures explores how the artists Samuel Bak, April Bey, Ken Gonzales-Day, Jeannette Ehlers, Letitia Huckaby, Harmonia Rosales, and Shawn Theodore play with the traditions of European portraiture to center other histories, reveal the role art and art history have played in the formation of historical narratives, and celebrate the resurgence of culture after oppression.

View on site | Email this event