X marks a spot. X checks a box. In policy-making, X represents a variable that anticipates meaning. It’s a stand-in, a proxy for metrics designed to assess the “value” of place that transforms the way our city looks, moves, and feels at an unimpassioned distance. X, Amplify’s next Generator Grant exhibition organized by Brenton Gomez, pushes against mechanical by the numbers community engagement to forge a deeper understanding of place–one place in particular, Lynch Park–and the people and processes that continue to shape it.
A once disused tennis court on 20th and Martha, Lynch Park has become integral to the fabric of Omaha’s skate community and its DIY ethos of creating space together. Initiatives led by the Nebraska Skateparks Council in 2020 saved the park from threats of demolition by the City and opened the door to substantive and ongoing community-informed engagement at the grassroots level. X continues that work.
The exhibition transposes the material and ideological realities of the park onto the gallery space with graffiti, skate ramps, photographs, and opportunities for visitors to share their experiences and feedback that will be key in shaping the park’s future. In addition to the exhibition opening and regularly scheduled gallery hours, X at Lynch Park, a public event on Friday, April 21st from 6pm-8pm, invites participants to celebrate the future of Lynch Park on-site with food, music, and skateboarding.
Free and open to all, viewings of the exhibition are by appointment. Face masks are not required but always welcome. Please register in Eventbrite to attend or email peter@amplifyarts.org to schedule a time to visit outside of regular gallery appointment hours.
Exhibition Dates: March 10th - April 21st, 2023
Opening Reception: March 10th; 6pm - 9pm
X at Lynch Park: April 21st; 6pm - 8pm
Regular Gallery Hours: Thursdays and Fridays; 1pm - 5pm by appointment.
Generator Grant programming is presented with support from the Nebraska Arts Council and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment.
About the Artists:
Brenton Gomez is a skateboarder, emcee, and poet who braids family, community, and the Chicano culture of a flyover state into lyrics that are equal parts petition and prayer. Oldies, doo wop, hip hop, punk rock, drum & bass, pop music, and psychedelia converge in a cacophony of influences distilled by notions of what it means to belong.
Juan Lopez (Lopez) is an artist and South High graduate seeking to build community through his graffiti practice. The variation of styles and forms graffiti offers make it a constant source of motivation, learning, and collaboration.
Brandon Price is South Omaha Native, steel worker, and visual artist. You've definitely seen his artwork hanging around town in one way or another.
Dan Moreno has been capturing the local skateboarding scene through photography and video since 2001. Throughout the years his passion has been to display the beauty, art, skill, and community of those who share this love. These days Dan is enjoying his career as a trading analyst, and spends his free time with his daughter and fiancé.
Ty Wegener is the owner of Wags Sign Co., a local traditional hand painted sign shop. Since 2016, Wegener’s main focus has been quality hand-painted lettering in Omaha. Ty employs traditional and modern methods to create visually appealing and long lasting custom hand painted signs. No matter the size or scope, Ty’s approach is meant to communicate identity, process, and history.