Meet the Artists
Utility Box Art Wrap Project Artists
Utility Box Art Wrap Project artists bring public art to Downtown Omaha traffic cabinets. This project turns everyday traffic cabinets into public art created by local and regional artists. On this page you can learn more about each artist, see their work up close, and follow links to explore more of their projects. Use it to plan your next To DO! walking past their art in Downtown Omaha.
Mike Bauer
10th & Meca
Instagram: @_mike_bauer_
Mike Bauer is an illustrator and designer from Omaha, Nebraska. His work explores themes of nature, music, and horror movies with the levity and style of a 90’s cartoon.
Kristin Pluhacek
10th & Cass
Instagram: @kkpluhacek
Website: kkpluhacek.com
Kristin Pluhacek lives and works in Omaha, Nebraska. Her drawings and paintings have been exhibited throughout the Midwest, and she teaches drawing at Creighton University and Metropolitan Community College.
Kasper Swain
10th & Harney
Facebook: @aurorapunkart
Website: kswainportfolio.carrd.co
Kasper is an Omaha-born artist known for comic-style digital illustration with energetic line work and bold color. They create under the brand AuroraPUNK and work across storytelling, freelance illustration, and mentoring.
Annique Earlan
10th & Howard
Instagram: @anniquearlean
Website: anniquearleanblvd.bigcartel.com
Annique (ANNIQUEARLEAN) is a young African American artist who works across painting, sketching, and design, including portraits and wearable art. With a background in psychology and art, she aspires to become an art therapist and promote mental health awareness through creativity.
Anne Newman
10th & Jackson
Instagram: @annenewman_art
Website: annenewmanart.com
Anne Newman is an artist working in Omaha, Nebraska. She earned a BFA in Studio Art at the University of Nebraska Omaha in 2021 and creates paintings and illustrations influenced by ecology, nature, and botany.
Kelsey Scofield
12th & Cuming
Instagram: @kelseyscofieldcreative
Website: kelseyscofield.com
Kelsey Scofield works across digital design and traditional art, drawn to vibrant hues and unexpected color combinations. Abstract shapes, playful patterns, and nature motifs often show up in her work.
Amelia Broussard
13th & Cumings
Instagram: @amelia_broussard_art
Website: ameliareneebroussard.com
Annique (ANNIQUEARLEAN) is a young African American artist who works across painting, sketching, and design, including portraits and wearable art. With a background in psychology and art, she aspires to become an art therapist and promote mental health awareness through creativity.
Avry Victor
13th & Howard South
Instagram: @avryvictor
Website: avryvictor.com
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thomas Halbur
14th & Cuming
Instagram: @thomashalbur_art
Website: touchofseoul-art.com
Thomas Halbur is a Korean-American artist living and working in Omaha, Nebraska. His work blends traditional Korean techniques such as Dancheong and Minhwa with Western influences, exploring identity, cultural heritage, and faith.
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.
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.
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.
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.
