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Category: ARTSblog

ART FLARES for April 2013

May 1st 2013 | Posted in: ARTSblog | Posted by: Lincoln Arts Council

ART FLARES for March 2013

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ART FLARES for March 2013

March 29th 2013 | Posted in: ARTSblog | Posted by: Lincoln Arts Council

ART FLARES for March 2013

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Artist Spotlight: The Relentless Creativity of Conrad Quijas

March 29th 2013 | Posted in: ARTSblog | Posted by: Lincoln Arts Council

Conrad Quijas is an artist at heart, though he hesitates to accept such a title. "I have never taken an art class in my life. People ask me all the time to teach them what I do. I can show them a few methods for what I do, but imagination, passion and vision cannot really be taught." That said, he obviously has an eye for what's pleasing and a flare for making art out of the materials at hand.

This Scottsbluff/Gering, Nebraska native has taken the art of floral design to a whole new level receiving local, regional and international attention for his creations. From humble beginnings as a delivery boy for a local flower shop, he continued to look for floral design opportunities when he moved to Lincoln to attend the university. He majored in Architecture and Interior Design and supplemented expenses by working at Tyrell's Flowers & Gifts. After two years of classes, Conrad decided to pursue his dream of owning the business. In 1998, the Stem Gallery was begun along with Kurtis Bomar.

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Artist Spotlight: Daniel Martinez

March 1st 2013 | Posted in: ARTSblog | Posted by: Lincoln Arts Council

Daniel Martinez, guitar stylist, composer and teacher hails from Iquitos, Peru. Growing up surrounded by the ocean and the Amazon, Martinez first picked up the guitar as a young teen at the encouragement of his mother. He quickly discovered his natural talent for playing by ear and followed the typical path of a teenage boy pushing the boundaries. It wasn't until he moved to the United States and enrolled at Union College in Lincoln in 2002 to study English as a Second Language that he started to take his music seriously. Martinez honed his skills through the mastery of classical guitar training. His hard work and dedication were rewarded by first place ranking in numerous competitions.

Daniel began performing as soon as he mastered the instrument. He has played in Peru, Chile, Ecuador, Bolivia, Brazil and Canada. He continues to play throughout the United States. Today, three solo instrumental recordings later, Daniel is a sought-after instructor of all styles of guitar for all ages as well as being a familiar presence on stages in the region. Martinez formed the band Jarana (meaning exuberant celebration) in 2009 to amplify the joy, inspiration and energy of the music in his soul. Daniel is a seasoned performer in a variety of settings from coffee houses and house concerts to festivals, weddings and worship services.

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