WhyArts and UNO Service Learning Students to Unveil Community Visions II Mural at UNO’s Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center

Omaha, NE – The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s (UNO) Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center (CEC) will unveil its newest public art addition, Community Visions II, during a free public event on July 25, 6 to 8 p.m. This celebration will highlight the creative collaboration between UNO Service Learning students, local artists, and WhyArts, a nonprofit organization that operates out of CEC office spaces.

RSVP by July 14 to attend the unveiling.

A Decade in the Making

Originally installed in 2014 as part of the CEC’s grand opening, the first Community Visions mural stretched 163 feet and quickly became a recognizable feature on campus. A symbol of creativity and collaboration, it sets the tone for future projects that connect academic learning with community-focused experiences. Community Visions II expands this legacy with two new murals totaling 75 feet, capturing the evolving energy of partnership and storytelling through art.

Leading the project is Hugo Zamorano, a UNO alumnus (BFA, 2015) and teaching artist with WhyArts. Zamorano was part of the original mural team and has since contributed to public art throughout the region, including works at Steelhouse Omaha and Werner Park. His return to campus for this project brings his journey full circle, now serving as a mentor and creative lead.

Collaborative from Start to Finish

The recent mural is the result of teamwork between students, artists, and community partners. Students in Jody Boyer’s ART 4020: Professional Practices course assisted to paint and install the mural as part of a service learning collaboration supported by UNO’s Service Learning Academy. Through this opportunity, students applied what they were learning in class in a professional setting while contributing to a lasting public work.

Community participants also played a role in shaping the mural design, reflecting WhyArts’ commitment to creative programming that welcomes public involvement. The project was funded by an Artistic Innovations grant from the Mid-America Arts Alliance, with support from the National Endowment for the Arts, and an Arts Project Grant from the Nebraska Arts Council.

Art that Connects

With nearly 50,000 visitors annually, the Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center is a central gathering place on campus. The CEC is designed for building partners like WhyArts, community-focused organizations that work alongside UNO students, faculty, and staff. It is a place for collaboration, creativity, and impact. Community Visions II enhances the building’s visual presence and reinforces its role as a space where people connect through shared experiences, creative expression, and collaborative learning.

About WhyArts

WhyArts is an Omaha-based nonprofit organization focused on arts education and community partnerships. Through programming in visual art, music, dance, theater, and storytelling, WhyArts helps build creativity and participation for all ages and abilities.

Learn more at whyartsinc.org.

CEC Office Space: More Than Just a Place to Work

The CEC provides office space for nonprofits, educational initiatives, government programs, and other community-driven organizations. If your mission aligns with community impact, explore your eligibility and learn how to apply at engage.unomaha.edu/contact.

For more partnership opportunities, connect with the Office of Engagement online at engage.unomaha.edu/contact.

Article co-author:

Arilyn Stafford
Journalism and Media Communication Candidate Spring 2026