Voices for Children in Nebraska is honored to present the Individual Award to Tim Barry, ceramics artist and manager of the Hot Shops Art Center in Omaha.
The award is presented in recognition of Tim’s work with youth in our community. “Tim goes above and beyond through his studio—he has a unique way of connecting an art project with a growing experience for kids. Over the years, he has partnered with countless schools and community organizations to help children express themselves and share their story,” says Carolyn Rooker, Voices for Children’s Executive Director.
For the last five years, Tim and Voices for Children have partnered to create the student art project for our annual Spotlight Gala. Students from the Omaha Public Schools visit the Hot Shops to learn about art and produce a piece themselves. Along the way, Tim connects the world of professional artist with the things they are learning in the classroom – from the math needed to calculate the cost of materials to the science of firing pottery in the kiln.
Tim has taught countless classes in ceramics all over the Midwest – as an Artist-in-Residence in the Minneapolis Public Schools and in extension classes at the Kansas City Art Institute and workshops for organizations in the Omaha area. According to Tim, “I teach that the Arts are about transforming common materials and creating things that enrich our lives and allow us to explore and share our dreams and ideas. The Arts are about the beauty we find, the pain and ugliness we witness, the what if’s and journey’s we dream about and experience.”
In addition to his work teaching, connecting with youth and encouraging creativity, Tim is an accomplished artist in his own right. With nearly 40 years of experience as a ceramic artist, Tim has numerous awards and commissions to his credit. His work can be seen all around Omaha: murals on the Completely Kids building, donor walls at several nonprofit agencies, tile floors at Creighton and UNO, and several churches around town. His work at St. Stephen the Martyr has been recognized by the American Institute of Architects for excellence in Liturgical Appointments and his work at the Boystown Chapel has been recognized as an International Liturgical Art In Environment Award Winner.
Comment(1)-
Eric Nelson says
June 12, 2012 at 9:51 amTim Barry is a long time champion for children and I can’t think of anyone more deserving than he is – plus his artistic talents are amazing:)