Frogman’s Print Workshop Makes Jump to UNO

OMAHA – It was hard to miss the hopping environment in the Weber Fine Arts Building.

Dozens of artists took over two floors of the building during the first half of July, refining their printmaking skills and mastering new techniques with advice from veteran artists.

This year, the internationally-known Frogman’s Print Workshops found a new home at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO).

Frogman’s Director Jeremy Menard said a number of factors came into play in the decision to move the workshop from Vermillion, South Dakota, to Omaha. But beyond any logistical benefits, it’s also a homecoming of sorts.

“My dad, Frogman’s founder Lloyd Menard, went to the old Omaha University, and studied painting until his last semester, when they brought in a young professor from Iowa City named Tom Majeski,” Menard said. “Tom was inspirational and set my dad on a path that eventually led to the creation of Frogman’s.”

Menard said the timing of the move couldn’t be better, pointing to a recent printmaking faculty hire at UNO and changes to the visiting artist program.

“We knew that Frogman’s could become an integral part of this new era.”

Made up of two, one-week residencies, this summer’s program drew artists from across the nation to UNO. Frogman’s participants are a unique mix of undergraduate and graduate students; professors; school teachers; and professional artists. Participants stayed in campus housing, with all-day access to UNO’s studios.

Howard Paine, the incoming printmaking faculty member, called the Frogman’s move a wonderful opportunity for UNO and the greater Omaha area.

“For 35 years these workshops have brought nationally and internationally known faculty together with excited and motivated students from around the globe,” he said. “Students have the opportunity to be exposed to world-class instruction and ideas. The larger Omaha community can see artwork from artists who are the top in their field.”

This summer, Frogman’s had 10 exhibitions in the Weber Fine Arts Building, with exhibitions at another five venues off campus. On display: the work of more than 300 artists.

Three UNO students participated in this year’s workshops. Amy Haney, a UNO instructor with a printmaking background, said she believes that number will grow.

“A strong community starts to come together with these events. You’re building a community with other participants and then they let each other know about other opportunities, upcoming events or exhibits that they can submit works to.”

School of the Arts Director Jack Zerbe said the Frogman’s move is adding new energy to the printmaking program, especially coming on the heels of the new faculty hire.

“Not only does Howard have an amazing profile, but guess what? He’s been a teacher with Frogman’s before,” Zerbe said. “In fact, it was one of the things that was exciting to him about coming on board.

“I really enjoyed watching these visiting artists at work, and I know I’m not the only one who can’t wait until next year.”

Frogman’s Menard said he expects the workshops’ presence to increase interest in traditional print methods at UNO, even fostering new interest in things like letterpress printing and book arts.

Even more importantly, Menard said, are the relationships that will form around it.

“Frogman’s isn’t just about the courses, it’s about the enhancement of the print community. Relationships formed at Frogman’s can lead to graduate school, residencies, job opportunities and exhibition opportunities. And it isn’t just business connections that are made at Frogman’s. lifelong friendships are forged here too.”