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www.bancroftstreetmarket.com

Bill Seidler, founder of the Bancroft Street Market, was kind enough to answer some questions for our Omaha Hotel Guide.

For those looking to explore the Omaha art scene, what does the Bancroft Street Market offer?

Bancroft Street Market, at 10th and Bancroft, 2702 South 10th Street in Omaha opened it’s newly remodeled building in November 2008. It is a 5,500 square foot flexible space that was once a corner grocery store. The history of the building dates to the late 1800’s.

It is located near Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha’s botanical gardens and the Henry Doorly Zoo.

The building has windows on three sides. The showroom windows face 10th Street. Smaller windows are on the north and south.
The open ceiling allows the viewer to see the original wood structure of the building. The floors have been lightly refinished to the original wood. There is incandescent track lighting throughout. Handicapped accessible bathrooms are also available. Two exterior walls feature a graffiti mural by Teddy Gonzalez. The parking area is surrounded by flower containers which have
been painted by artist Michelle Martinez.

Saturdays and Sundays from June to October 4 this year, the Market will hold its third annual farmers market from noon until 1 p.m. The farmers market features locally grown fruits and vegetables as well as tortillas, breads and baked goods. The small market has the flavor of the Deer Park neighborhood.

Who is the art work made by?

The building is currently hosting a variety of events. One of the most exciting is the Fashion Market. This event is held monthly on selected Sunday afternoons. Fashion Market is an opportunity for customers to meet local fashion designers displaying locally produced clothing, accessories and artist driven lines. Past markets have featured the work of Buf Reynolds, Alexia Thiel and Autopilot Art, Julia Drazic, Dan Richters, and Laura Miller. There are markets scheduled for July 19 and August 30, 2009.
Fashion Market is held from noon to 4 pm. During the market customers can meet and talk with the designers and discuss ideas.

There are several coming art events. July 24th and 25th the Market will welcome Arts on a Limb Benefit Show and Artist Workshop Series.

July 31 and August 1 the Market welcomes Echotrope New Media Festival: An Exhibition of Contemporary Electronic Art.

August 8-16 there will be a full a gallery installation by artist Birgit Larsen

The first International Festival will be Sunday, August 22

The Market is also the starting point for the weekly Bancroft to Bayliss Loop bicycle ride which starts at 10a.m. every Saturday morning until October 3.

Is there a particular genre or does the style of your exhibitions vary?

The style of the exhibitions varies. Some of the shows are full gallery installations, some are shows of smaller, individual works.

What are the admission fees?

Admission is usually free.

Does the Bancroft Street Market operate year-round or for a particular set of time during the year?

It operates year around. At this time it is only open to the public on the weekends and during shows. Our web site has the schedule and it is updated periodically.

Thank you Bill! If you are looking to explore the local art scene, the Bancroft Street Market is definitely worth a look.