Grand Opening of Constellation Studios Expansion Project – Kosmos•Art

Posted on by Karen Kunc

Join us for the celebration of the new expansion, with artists, members, friends, supporters, community, architects, contractors, sub-contractors, neighbors, and neighborhood.

 

June 23, 4:00 – 8:00pm

Constellation Studios invites the public to celebrate the grand opening of Kosmos•Art and the completion of its transformative expansion project at 2055 O Street in Lincoln. This free community celebration will showcase a dynamic new chapter for one of Nebraska’s most innovative arts organizations while offering visitors an immersive evening of art, music, creativity, and connection.

The expansion adds 3,390 square feet of new creative space, including artist studios, a teaching studio, gathering spaces, and the new Kosmos•Art Gallery Shop, creating a vibrant hub for artists, learners, and the broader community.

The new facility complements the historic Constellation Studios building, originally constructed in 1910 and thoughtfully renovated in 2013–2014. Together, the buildings create a unique architectural destination that reflects the organization’s commitment to artistic excellence, community engagement, and cultural innovation.

“This project is about more than expanding a building,” said founder and director Karen Kunc. “It is about expanding possibilities—for artists, for education, and for the creative future of our community.”

Guests will enjoy a lively lineup of activities designed to engage visitors of all ages and interests, including:

  • Grand opening ceremony and artist-made ribbon cutting
  • Guided tours of the new expansion and artist studios
  • Meet-and-greet opportunities with resident artists and collaborators
  • Interactive printmaking workshop where visitors can create their own artwork
  • Community carving project led by artist Lindsey Weber, contributing to a large crane sculpture for the MBX mural initiative
  • Live artist demonstrations throughout the evening
  • Special African drumming performance by celebrating the power of rhythm, culture, and community
  • Additional musical performances throughout the event
  • First look at the new Kosmos•Art Gallery Shop featuring original artwork, prints, and artist-made gifts
  • Raffle drawings and special giveaways from the Gallery Shop
  • Refreshments, beverages, and community networking

The event also offers an opportunity to learn about upcoming exhibitions, educational programs, artist residencies, workshops, volunteer opportunities, and future community partnerships.

Event Schedule

4:00 PM – Doors Open & Welcome Reception

4:30 PM – Opening Remarks
Karen Kunc, Founder & Director
Master of Ceremonies: Crystal Bock Theissen

4:45 PM – Artist-Made Ribbon Cutting & Community Photo

5:00 PM – Open House
Studio tours, artist demonstrations, and meet-and-greet with resident artists and collaborators

Jeremy McDonnell, Hannah Demma, Josie Andreason, Luci Packard, Jan Garvin, the Midwest African Museum of Art.

5:45 PM – Special Music Performance & Community Celebration
Remarks from arts advocates, community partners, and project supporters;
Special African drumming performance by Midwest African Museum of Art

6:00 PM – Creative Experiences
Interactive printmaking workshop
Community carving activity with Lindsey Weber
Hands-on art-making opportunities for all ages

7:00 PM – Gallery Celebration
Continued tours of the new facility
Explore the Kosmos•Art Gallery Shop
Raffle drawings and special prizes

7:45 PM – Closing Appreciation & Acknowledgments

8:00 PM – Event Concludes

Constellation Studios is a nationally recognized arts organization dedicated to fostering creativity, supporting artists, and engaging communities through exhibitions, education, collaboration, and innovation, focusing on printmaking, bookmaking and papermaking. Through its expanded facilities and the launch of Kosmos•Art, Constellation Studios continues to strengthen Lincoln’s role as a destination for artistic excellence and cultural engagement throughout Nebraska and beyond.

The event is free and open to the public.

Please RSVP to [email protected]