words by Gabriella Martinez-Garro | photos by Mike Machian
The third installment of this year’s RAW:Omaha was a kaleidoscopic mix of art in various forms that included fashion, music and poetry.
The independent, international arts organization hosts events year-round, using them to purpose their mission of providing participants with resources and exposure to advance their art and present it to a larger audience.
As a storm raged outside, an audience grew inside Sokol Auditorium to view work of nearly 40 artists as part of the “Panorama”-themed show. A pop-up gallery surrounded the sides of the auditorium, showcasing artists, such as ceramist Morgan Morrison, graphic artist Kelsey Piper and painter Nicole Roberts.
Both veteran RAW contributors and new artists displayed their work throughout the night as Paul B. Allen hosted and introduced the participants. Among those taking the Sokol stage was Pancho and the Contraband, a brass-filled band from the Omaha/Council Bluffs area. Fellow Council Bluffs artist, Mike Bama also performed hip-hop. Musical artists Jodi, A Wasted Effort and Jocelyn also performed.
Hair stylists Brandi Bentley and Jaleese Sinon and stylist Samantha Joleen also displayed their work on the models.
In addition to Omaha artists, regional designers also showed off their work. Kansas City fashion designer Show Me Heaven displayed her large, angelic wings on models, a creation she said came about following the death of her father.
The next RAW installment will be “Allure” on August 15 at Sokol Auditorium. Applications to be a part of RAW’s next installment can be found here and tickets can be purchased here.
See visual coverage below by Mike Machian and Pierre Kenal Louis.
video by Mike Machian | edited by Zach Cook
Photo below by Pierre Kenal Louis
