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Benson Mural Project

bmp_janes_4.jpgThe Benson Mural Project has invested in the Beat. Led by a group of volunteers affiliated with Leadership Omaha Class 31, the project is creating a series of murals in the alleys of downtown Benson. Professional artist Watie White and Benson High School student Andrew Forsman have completed the alley mural behind The Pizza Shoppe Collective at 6056 Maple St. Professional artist Renee Ledesma Hoover and Benson High School student Jasmine Ruch have completed the alley mural at Jane's Health Market & Deli, 6103 Maple St.

pdf The Maple Street Corridor Project

pdf Conceptual Streetscape Plans

pdf Market Analysis

  		 
     
 
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Benson's Shoe Givers

mycoskie.jpgThe Greater Omaha Young Professionals Summit is set for Thursday, March 4, at Qwest Center Omaha. The keynote luncheon speaker is Blake Mycoskie (right), founder and chief shoe giver of TOMS Shoes. For those not familiar with the company, its founding principle is simple - for every pair of shoes it sells, it gives away a new pair to a child in need.

Benson may not be giving away shoes, but its artists and musicians are doing their part to help others in need. Two current cases in point:

Artists Helping Artists
If it's the first Friday of the month, that means there's something happening at the Blue Pomegranate Gallery, 6570 Maple St. This time out, it's a benefit for the Food Bank of the Heartland. The opening reception for A.H.A.'s "Hanging by a Thread" - collaborative works in metal, glass, paint and wood - is set for Friday, March 5, from 5:00 to 8:00pm. (A.H.A. stands for Artists Helping Artists.) Featured artists include Amy Dohmen, Sondra Gerber, Linda Hatfield, Diane Mattern, Kristi Pederson, Heidi Riha, Anne Nye and Casey Kurz. The evening will feature food, libations and a chance to talk with the artists. All those who attend are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item. The show runs through March 31. For more info, call 402.502.9901.

Music for Life
Jen Hill and Andrea Krab are headed for South Africa. The purpose of their three-week volunteer trip: sharing their love and knowledge of music with local children through daily class sessions. The Pizza Shoppe Collective is hosting a fund-raising event for the duo Sunday, March 7, from 5:00 to 8:00pm. The 9's and the Korey Anderson Band will perform, and a raffle featuring gift packages from Omaha area music stores, salons, restaurants and more will be held. The Pizza Shoppe Collective will donate 10 percent of the evening's food proceeds to the cause. Admission is $10, and all proceeds will be earmarked for travel expenses and teaching supplies. For more info, visit www.pscollective.com.


Is there someone like Blake Mycoskie in Benson who's helping others in need? Let the Beat know what you know at info@bensonbeat.com.