We were lucky to have Katie Chiaramonte, a supporter of MCD, write about her experience at this month’s art show. Please enjoy as she walks you through her visual and emotional journey at the show. We hope she will inspire you to join us in July for our next show!

Illumination Street (IS) is a great place to spend a Saturday night for upstart artistic types as well as an innovative gathering for the socially aware. Not only is IS a great place to network with other like-minded individuals it is also a wonderful place to peruse local art talent and take in some refreshing live acoustic music while sipping on coffee and enjoying after-mealtime pastries. For those of you unable to attend this month’s event it will be my pleasure to mentally escort you through the doors of the Mosaic Community Development (MCD) Center, showing you the wide range of talents as well as giving you a feel for the ambiance of the event.

As you enter the doors of MCD to take part in IS (because you do feel like a part of something bigger instead of a mere onlooker) you are greeted by a welcoming hello and simple instructions on how to bid on the art pieces you would like to purchase. Once past the welcome table, I suggest filling a cup full of nice warm (and delicious) coffee and meandering slowly through the paintings hung creatively from chains on the old brick walls of the loft-like building. As you leisurely stroll through the artwork take time to listen to the lone acoustic soloist, Blepo, strumming his guitar and softly signing comfortable melodic harmonies. I suggest bringing a friend or loved-one along with you on your journey through the framed forest at IS, not only to expose them to the great work of MCD, but to have an outlet for conversation about the wide-range of artists.

My husband and I often gamble through the works together, picking our favorites and deciding together on our favorite show pieces. Conversation is never at a stand still for those moved by art and this month was no exception. With the theme of Devotion, captured by Danielle Powell and Jenny Cosgrove in their piece Destruction2Devotion, there was no doubt that the artists had come to share their hearts as well as their experiences through their chosen mediums. Laura Travnicek’s pieces Red and Purple evoke emotions of heartache and serenity, while, my husband’s favorite, Angie Philip’s Hope had us split between despair and faith. One of the highlights of the evening for myself was the work of Jodi Cooper, a member of the MCD team and, in my opinion, a brilliant photographer with a great eye for still-life that draw emotions of longing and peace simultaneously. But the cherry on top of the evening was Melissa Sinner’s collection of religious artwork that was pulled together in a seamless fashion by her outstanding Lady of Mercy piece. Sinner’s work speaks to the heart of those who have grown up in religious settings while painting a fresh portrait of often cliche images.

Needless to say, if you haven’t had the pleasure of attending an Illumination Street event, make it a priority! Supporters of MCD and local community members seeking to better their surroundings through creative means will find IS a refreshing and relaxing way to spend an evening while raising awareness and funds. Thank you to all those involved for giving my husband and I a taste of culture, exposing us to great local art, helping us fill our walls and bookshelves with mini-masterpieces and serving the community of Omaha by raising awareness for those in need of a helping hand. Bravo!

April 3rd and 4th – MCD’s Illumination Street program will be partnering with local artists to host an art auction, with the theme of “Devotion.” A portion of the proceeds will be used to fund MCD’s SupportWorks ministry, which exists to develop supportive networks and relationships with the aim of ending chronic cycles of poverty and restoring lives. The relationships that form out of SupportWorks are mutually beneficial, long-lasting, and based on authentic friendship.

You can help support an important cause simply by attending the show to view the local art, which ranges in price from $25-$300. Although admission is free, we will gladly accept donations as you enjoy live local music, hot coffee, and a meaningful night out!

Please join us Friday or Saturday night, from 7:00 – 10:30pm, at 1258 S. 13th Street Omaha, NE 68108.

For more information about MCD, Illumination Street, and SupportWorks, please contact Samantha Jones, Illumination Street Coordinator, by email, Samantha@mosaiccd.org or by phone, 402.933.6672.

Calling All Artists!

Illumination Street Next Auction is April 3&4!

Deadline for Submissions is March 6th!

Our Theme is DEVOTION

We hope you will consider joining us and contributing to the cause of Mosaic Community Development and SupportWorks. This auction will be spotlighting MCD’s SupportWorks ministry! SupportWorks exists to develop supportive networks and relationships with the aim of ending chronic cycles of poverty.

Please consider donating a piece that corresponds to the theme of Devotion and all the profits of those pieces will go to SupportWorks, helping friends connect and pull each other out of poverty

We are also looking for musicians to play during our auction times. If you would like to volunteer or know anyone else that would, please contact samantha@mosaiccd.org.

*All art work is not restricted to the theme and profit of those pieces that are not donated will be split 50/50 between MCD and the artist! Thanks so much!

If you are interested or know anyone else who would like to please contact Samantha Jones @ samantha@mosaiccd.org or 402.933.6672!

Learn more about Mosaic Community Development at www.mosaiccd.org

Illumination Street Silent Auction! All donated LIGHTS show!

Please joint us for Live Music, Amazing art at GREAT PRICES, and meet some of the artist @

Mosaic Community Development 1258 S. 13th Street, Omaha NE 68108. $3 door donation!

December 12-13 Christmas “Lights” Donated show!

Calling all artists! We are looking to have an all donated Christmas show to raise money for Mosaic Community Development (MCD)! Our theme will be “Lights” we love for all aritist to joined in and consider making a donated piece reflecting our theme. Please consider clearing out your inventory and joining us as we raise money to help those less fortunate then ourselves. Hope to see everyone participating!  Thanks! Check out our calendar page for artist deadlines and shows!

The next show is coming up soon! Come join us! Local artist and live Music!

Illumination Street is looking for artist to participate in our up coming show September 19-20. This shows theme is going to be “Neighborhood”. Although artwork is not limited to the theme we would like to ask all participating artist to donate one piece that describe neighborhood/neighbor to them. Artist do not have to donate a piece in order to be in the show. All the proceeds of the donated piece will go to Park Avenue Community Collaboration which is dedicated to restoring the Park Avenue neighborhood here in Omaha. Please let us know if you are interested!

For more information look on our calendar page for artist deadline and contact information.

Come join us and enjoy great art, live music, and good friends! Learn more about what you can do to combat Hunger here in Omaha!

This month the Illumination Street team was “back to work”. We were busy gathering artists, spreading fliers and covering our walls, floor to ceiling, with art. We had a great turn out and want to thank everyone who attended. We also want to send a special thanks to all of the artists who participated as well as the band, Night Gallery! We couldn’t have done it without all of your hard work.

Keep a look-out for our next show, June 6-7. National Hunger Awareness day is June 3 and our hope is to make a statement to raise awareness of hunger in our nation. We hope to see you there.