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Omaha Downtown Improvement District Beautification Project

Transforming Omaha’s Traffic Cabinets into Works of Art

The Omaha Downtown Improvement District (ODID) proudly completed a beautification project aimed at transforming traffic cabinets across Omaha’s Central Business District and the Old Market District. This project brought vibrant artwork to the streets of Omaha, enhancing the visual appeal of Downtown while promoting community engagement and supporting local artists.

About the Project

In collaboration with Omaha by Design, the City of Omaha, and Local Artist, Local Art, ODID launched this art initiative to revitalize traffic cabinets with custom designs painted by local artists. This initiative, modeled after the successful ORBT station utility boxes project, commenced on August 9th, beginning at 17th and Howard Streets and moving towards 13th and Howard Streets. The artists’ work was applied directly to the boxes, with designs approved by the Omaha Public Art Commission.

Generous funding from the Nebraska Arts Council and Local Artist. Local Art. made this project possible, contributing to a vibrant, engaging urban environment in Downtown Omaha.

“We were thrilled to bring this project to life and add vibrant, engaging artwork to Downtown Omaha,” said Holly Barrett, ODID Executive Director. “This initiative not only beautified our urban environment but also supported local artists and engaged the community in a meaningful way.”

Meet the Artists

This project showcased the work of eight talented local artists, each bringing a unique style and perspective. Learn more about the artists who contributed to this project:

Josh Audiss | 14th & Howard South

  • Instagram: @joshaudissart
  • Website: joshaudissart.com
  • With a versatile approach, Josh’s work spanned acrylic and oil painting, graphic art, murals, and decorative design. Drawing inspiration from Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Surrealism, his art explored dreamlike themes with a hint of mystery and playfulness.
    Josh Audiss

Anthony Deon Brown | 17th & Howard South

  • Instagram: @anthonydeonbrown
  • Anthony blended reality with imagination, using color and symbolism to evoke the wonder of his youth. His work transformed the ordinary into profound allegories, inviting viewers to connect with deeper meanings.
    anthony brown

Courtney Kenny Porto | 14th & Howard North

  • Instagram: @courtneykennyporto
  • Website: courtneykennyart.com
  • Courtney's art has been featured in exhibitions and publications across the U.S. Her work was driven by an unyielding urge to create, drawing on inspiration stored in her subconscious.
    courtney porto

Oria Simonini | 16th & Howard North

  • Instagram: @oriasimonini
  • Website: oriasimonini.com
  • A Latinx artist based in Omaha, Oria’s paintings explored themes of migration and identity. Her work has been shown in Omaha, Lincoln, and Minneapolis, and she has participated in numerous mural projects.
    oria simonini

David Manzanares

  • Instagram: @adavei_
  • Website: davidmanzanares.art
  • An indigenous Oaxacan artist, David’s sculptures and murals delved into identity, migration, and indigenous cosmovision, bringing visibility and empowerment to underrepresented communities.

Katie Temple | 13th & Howard                                     

  • Instagram: @katiebtempleart         
  • Website: katiebtemple.com
  • Katie’s mixed-media art reflected her journey across 17 different homes. Known for her architectural style, Katie created commissioned pieces for various Omaha institutions and is represented by Anderson O’Brien Fine Art Gallery.
    Katie_Temple.jpg

Avry Victor | 13th & Howard South 

  • A multimedia artist from Lincoln, Avry’s work often featured Black culture and her experiences as a young Black woman. Her unique painting style expressed her sensitivity to color, creating vibrant and impactful pieces.

    Avry victor

Josephine Langbehn | 15th & Howard South

  • Instagram: @josephinelangbehnstudio
  • Website: josephinelangbehn.com
  • A Nebraska-based artist and arts educator, Josephine’s work spanned visual arts and dance. Her pieces have been exhibited across Nebraska and the Midwest, and she is deeply involved in arts education and swing dance.
    josephine langbehn

Unhoused Resources

Part of this project is to highlight resources available for those that are unhoused. 

Project Highlights

  • Artists at Work: During the project, passersby had the chance to witness these talented artists creating their designs in real-time, transforming ordinary traffic cabinets into vibrant public art.
  • Community Engagement: This project allowed the community to see and interact with artists, fostering a deeper connection between art and the public.
  • Funders: Special thanks to the Nebraska Arts Council and LaLa for their generous support, which made this transformative project possible.

Contact Information

For more information about other projects by ODID, please contact:

Joseph Giitter, Project Manager
Phone: 402-800-0883
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Visit OmahaDowntown.org for updates on future projects aimed at enhancing Downtown Omaha.