My wife is an artist and used to come here a lot, but it's been a while since her last visit. And nine years since my only previous visit. We were in the area so decided to take a joint visit. Very cool of building with a huge variety of art on display and for sale. My favorite areas were the glass blowing and sheet metal/foundry areas. They were blowing glass during our visit. I was amazed at the amount of expensive equipment used, especially in the sheet metal and foundry. Free admission and well worth a visit if you have any interest at all in art. read more

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This review is solely based on the glassblowing class we took at Hot Shops. Tucked in the Millwork Commons area, Hot Shops made for such a fun and unique birthday experience! I booked a one-hour glassblowing class for two people, and it was hot in every sense of the word. We got to choose what we wanted to make, pick out our colors, and then our instructor guided us through every step. They made the process approachable, fun, and safe--even for beginners. If you're looking for something creative and memorable, I highly recommend it! read more

Hot Shops Art Center - Art Galleries Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

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I haven't been to the Hot Shops or the fun Open House event in many years so I jumped at the chance when my sister invited me to go. It was a free event w/ a $5 suggested donation. There were 3 floors of artists to visit with and art to admire or purchase ranging from painting, drawing, glass, papermaking, collage, jewelry, wall art, sculpture and more. Price point to fit various budgets from $5 to several K. We were there for a couple hours and still didn't get to see everything so allow for plenty of time. They also had live music and do it yourself arts & crafts. Classes are offered throughout the year - my sister and I are interested in finding out more about it. Hot Shops is a great place to visit but especially at holiday time with decorating and gift giving on everyone's minds. read more

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We have been to Hot Shops both as a customer to purchase local art and also as a student taking a glass blowing class. I would highly both. There are a variety of artists throughout the shops, our favorite was the Crystal Forge glass blowing, so much so that we signed up for a class to make a Christmas ornament. The instructor was wonderful, it was very approachable, and we made a beautiful keepsake. read more

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Oh my goodness this was so much fun! My friend and I went to do the glass making workshop and it was so much fun! Sean was an absolute gem of a human and so kind! I can't wait to get my silly paperweight in a few days after it cools! read more

This is a great little place to check out of variety of artist who are striving to cut their teeth in the art scene within the Omaha local community. There's a variety of medias and approaches and also level of expertise. read more

Hot Shops Art Center - Art Galleries Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

Awesome place to go to! Amazing art and artists! Such unique artwork and I love the Center. Comfortable and teaming with creativity read more

I'm giving this a 4-star rating despite the fact that most of the studios were closed when we were there on a Sunday afternoon. There were a handful of artists working and a lot of art on display but little opportunity to interact with any of the artists or to actually see their art - except thru the windows or doors of some of the studios. I could, however, see that this would truly be a fascinating place to visit when the artists were actually working. One artist we spoke to told us that the next time that ALL of the artists would be there at the same time would probably be close to Christmas. He did say that Sunday was typically a very light day for artists to be "in residence". So, plan your visit for a weekday if you want to get the full experience. read more

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OMG just thought I would check it out but I met so many amazing artists. Letha a fabric and fiber artist and Jackson in the metal shop both enthralled me with their work and explaining how it is done. Jackson showed me many pieces he is completing for artists and really made me wish I could do work like he does. So many great stories from that day and it was free! read more

What an awesome collection of creativity and things to see. The great thing is everything is for sale and it's all local.

A spot for treasure hunting, hot shops also turned out to be an ideal meeting space for our group of 50 business leaders. We talked business and included some pottery decorating in the process. There are three floors, each filled with various art mediums and treasures for display or for purchase. I would recommend this a stop for a locally created and unique acquisition or gift idea. Or for an artist looking for space. read more

Hot Shops Art Center - Art Galleries Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

Hot Shots Art Center is a great place to find Omaha artists coming together and working in their favorite mediums; glass, metal , clay, textiles, graphics, photos, paint, wood, gems, etc. AI little something for everyone from the smallest knick knack to large metal outdoor sculptures, The gallery was converted from the Old Serta Mattress Factory. There are over 80 artists working out of Hot Shots. The Gallery is located several blocks north of the Old Market directly behind the Homewood Suites and Hampton Inn Hotels. A great place to go and check out the local art scene and pick up a special gift for that hard to please person who loves to get something original. Oh, and don't be deterred by the building....which looks rather plain from the outside. Get inside and you are in for a pleasant surprise as you move from studio to studio finding interesting things around every corner and on all three (3) floors. read more

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Fun place to experience the arts in Omaha. A variety of artists and artwork always enjoy the special events.

As good as it gets for browsing and purchasing art. Three floors of studios with working artists eager to show you their craft. An glass blowing shop, photography, quilting, sculptures, traditional, contemporary or just plain wacked out. Next trip to Omaha, I will make this my 1st stop so I still have plenty of cash to support those making the important things in life - ART. read more

Hot Shops Art Center - Art Galleries Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

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Stopped by last week to check out the shops. I was very impressed with all the 1st and 2nd floor displays. When I reached the second floor I could hear music playing (base primarily) which was somewhat distracting, I continued up to the third floor and discovered where the music was coming from, a store front named Queerarchy. The music was very overpowering and all of the other artists had their doors closed. As I walked toward the Queerarchy shop there were 2 females arguing over what sounded to be a personal issue based on the very inappropriate language that was being used. At that point, my head was pounding, and I had seen enough. It's very unfortunate that an individual shop is so inconsiderate of visitors that may not enjoy their music or care to hear their personal drama. read more

After biking by with curiosity many times over the past few months, I finally crossed paths with an open house night. We were just sitting there on our bikes from a distance watching a group of people spectating a glass blowing demo when we were beckoned over by the artist. They invited us into the shops for a tour through the gallery and the workshop space. The main workshop spaces are reserved for ceramics, iron/welding/metal, and glass blowing. Tim showed us some of the casts and pieces that will soon be finished and distributed to various new buildings and businesses popping up in the north downtown district soon. I found all this fascinating and so neat. Tim, as ceramics pro, showed me some large pieces of his pottery that he makes for Benson Brewery to ferment beer. Next was a hundred handmade glass accent light decors for the Rochester, the newest loft popping up in North downtown district. i found out they teach classes on metal, ceramics, and glass blowing which I may venture to take sometime in the near future. Upstairs is private spaces for artists. If you're interested in the production of art at all, this is a very cool place to check out. Everyone here was beyond friendly and really interested in sharing their craft. read more

Hot Shops Art Center - Art Galleries Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

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A great mix between studio/museum/cooperative/awesomeness. Look around, talk to the artist, watch the artist, buy things, and be inspired.

Part art gallery and part working studio, the Hot Shops Art Center is a fascinating place to spend some time in Omaha! This huge old brick-and-beam building is filled with some amazing artwork in a variety of media, including paintings, photography, sculpture, and glass. The really interesting thing, though, is that it is a working studio-- or more accurately a warren of MANY working studios. When I visited, several of the artists were busy at their art. The whole place was in the process of preparing for the bi-annual open house, which occurs on the first weekend of December and May. The effect was that just about every available space was filled with fresh works of art, turning the old industrial structure into one big gallery. Cool! read more

This is a spectacular place to visit. It doesn't look like much from the outside, but once inside you will find studios on 3 spacious floors with working artists in each. The artists range from painters and photographers to potters, glass blowers, and wood workers. There are two galleries in front with rotating art which has on occasion included the work of local grade schools. The artists are all friendly and more than willing to talk to you about their trade, and if your timing is right, you'll get to see them work. In addition to all there is to see, many of the artists offer workshops and classes. If you live in Omaha and have not made it there yet, it is a must see. They have 2 open houses a year - one in May and the other in December. But no need to wait for an open house because they are open to visitors 7 days a week. Don't miss this one. read more

Wow! What a wonderful place to spend some time looking at interesting works of art from different media and perspectives. Basically, this is many different art studios in one building. Many artists actually working on their art right as you are looking at the pieces they have created. The bottom floor (of 3 floors) is comprised of 4 different "hot" shops - Bronze Sculpting, Blacksmithing, Pottery, and Glass Blowing. The second floor and thrid floor are filled to brimming with various other artist and media that don't need an oven. We were working our way to the front doors and the gentleman working at Bruning Sculpture invited us in through the bay doors right where the work happens. We met the artist Les Bruning who took time away from his current project to describe how he worked and how he makes his inspired sculptures. He walk with us through many of the pieces he is currently working on and then showed us to the gallery where his art is. Then the gentleman who invited us in took the time to describe how the casting for the bronze sculptures is done. It was a wonderful learning experience. We then worked our way through the bottom floor and saw the blacksmithing forge - Loken Forge. The artist was not in, but you were still able to walk through and admire the beautiful art work. The Crystal Forge (glass blowing) had some beautiful glass pieces on display and one of the artists was working a piece in the forge as we walked around admiring the works. In the pottery studio, we caught one of the artist just shutting down the kiln. He was very nice and took the time to show us the hand built firing kiln for the large pieces and discussed how the larger pottery is done. We walked around on the other floors and got a chance to see some very nice pieces of art from many artists. We also got to meet with some of the artist and chat. Every hallway is a gallery! They also have some very nice gallery spaces that would be great for a private show or function (I do not know if this is something they offer, I just thought the space would be nice for something like that). One artist we met explained that the spaces are for rent so any interested artist can get a sapce and all the artist help each other out. It was a great experience! If you go, be sure to go into the studios - Randi explained that if the door is open, then the artist would probably love to talk with you - and engage the artists as they are willing to share with you and I think this is what makes the place so special! The really cool thing was that as we strolled, we found pieces for ever price range that would definitely fit nicely into any art collection! read more

I'm reviewing for the classes, well the life drawing class anyways. One of the artists offers 8 week classes (or drop in) for 2.5 hours a session. The models rotate fairly often. Per your fellow artistes, a variety of peeps show up; Some are artists keeping their craft in check and others of us simply enjoy drawing the figure and like myself, appear to be less formally trained. Its a nice little community. read more

Wow! I went to the crystal forge area, where glass is fused, shaped by glass blowers. Ed, the person whom, started it all, spoke to me on great length & gave me, the name of a glass blower who could help me find my treasure or more like create my treasure. I saw pottery art studio, stained glass studio, many galleries& more on the 2& 3 floor, which I didn't get 2 see, but there are many artist here for you to come & see their work or learn a craft form. Very interesting! I will return for a full day visit. read more

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This is by far one of the most unique places in Omaha. Even if you're not interested in art per say it is still worth your time to check the place out. There is always something new to discover! There are several floors to wander through and I suggest wandering through every nook and cranny. Only because you have no idea what you might find or who you might run into. I have enjoyed chatting with some of the local artists and other browsers as well. Certainly a place for interesting conversations. The facility also offers classes. While I have not participated in any, I know people who have and have had nothing but positive things to say. The instructors are engaging and make the experiences quite fun. Well worth your time! read more

Three stories of incredible art of all mediums. Often you'll find a friendly artist in their studio eager to greet you and talk about their craft. Even the building itself is a piece to enjoy. It's a great place to take visitors or a date. #SupportLocalArt read more

interesting, informal art center that's comprised of several different galleries and a glass blowing shop. worth a look see, got the impression that the art rotates, although i'm not sure how frequently. not too far from urban outfitters and slowdown. read more

Hot Shops Art Center - hot shops - Art Galleries Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

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Robinwood Custom Framers does a superlative job. Warm and inviting space. Friendly, professional service. Excellent aesthetic taste.

An absolute must-see if you're in Omaha! An entire building dedicated to passionate artists who rent studio space alongside other artists who all display their work-for free! Art is displayed throughout the hallways and rooms and you can also visit artists in their own studio space to discuss and view their work and unfinished pieces. Such an inspiring environment with wonderful artists who collaborate and push each other's creative potential. read more

The glassblowing workshop with Ed was awesome! He was so helpful, down-to-earth and patient with my boyfriend and I. I will definitely go back! read more

An art epicenter in Omaha. gallery and workspace in huge building. Creative people and animals and wacky Stairs. Adjacent to burgeoning downtown scene/living spaces. read more

Tremendously talented people. Great place to find that find for your home or office. I did!