Shelby Seier’s Solo Exhibition: On Hold

Please join us to celebrate the opening of a solo exhibition by artist and cultural access worker Shelby Seier (pronounced “Sigher”) titled "On Hold."

On display are drawings and improvised quilted textile works. An improvised textile means that pieces of fabric are put together without a plan or a pattern. The title of the show refers to the accommodational aids in many of the drawings – chairs and beds – because they do the work of holding. 

The improvised textiles are not full quilts, but certainly nod to the blanket holding of people that these objects perform and reference maternal and midwestern quilting lineages. Disabled and sick people often get put “on hold” when doing personal medical admin, or when they ask for basic human rights, wait for accessibility, or are thrust into the uncomfortable space between diagnosis, illness, and the living that awaits. 

While there is certainly meaning behind each work, the artist aims to create visual delight, regardless of depth. Enjoy nice-looking, nice-feeling, perfectly imperfect objects!

“On Hold” made its debut at Fleabane Gallery in May of 2023. Since then, the series has evolved - just like the viewers and the artist. This exhibit features some tactile replicas of the works, with four tactile replicas created by Nicholas Clark.

Reception: October 2nd, 5:00 - 8:00 Exhibition on view: October 2nd - December 14th 

This event is presented by LaLa: Local Artist Local Art, whose mission is to build a more diverse, resilient, and thriving arts sector in Omaha.

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Featured Image:A drawing of a brown antique wood spindle bed with two white pillows, a white chenille and tasseled bed skirt, and a quilt with a yellow base and many brightly appliquéd flowers on it. It is drawn on antique ledger paper using Pitt pastel pencils.

Accessibility Note: 

There are a limited number of parking spots available, noted with signs that say “APMA Guest.”If these fill up, free parking is usually available on the corner of Cuming and North 16th street.  There is a prime drop-off area directly in front of the building, which has a curb cut. Note that APMA's entrance is in the corner of the L-shaped buildings.

Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture is ADA-compliant. We will have greeters near the front door for assistance with opening the door.

“On Hold” is primarily held in APMA's lobby, which does not have room for seating. However, there is plenty of seating in APMA's reception area, which is right next to the lobby.

This is a casual event meant to celebrate local art! There will be a passive, fun activity in the reception space if you'd like a solo activity. You may drop in for a quick look, or you could hang out for the entire three hours! We welcome all forms of participation.

Masks are provided to ensure that we keep the event virus-free and to allow artists to continue making their work without interruption of illness or further disability! Thank you so much for participating in communal access in this way. Air purification is provided by Clean Air Nebraska.

To create greater access, some art will have tactile equivalents, meaning you can touch elements of the art!

We plan to have a vegan and gluten-free sweet to-go treat!

Please try to attend this event low-fragrance, meaning no perfumes, cologne, or aerosols. Note that this event cannot be fragrance-free because it is a shared space. More access notes will be added here, so be sure to check back prior to the event.

A note on language justice: LALA has a fixed accessibility budget that we are eager to use! We ask that language translation and interpretation requests be made within two weeks of the event. This ensures that we are providing services that will be used. All leftover funds go into making the next event accessible! For all access needs and event questions, please contact Amelia at [email protected].

Host or Publisher Local Artist. Local Art.