Open Space for the Visual Arts kicks off June 14, bringing 23 talented high school art students from across the region to Hastings College for a week-long, hands-on immersion experience.
Open Space, which runs through the morning of Saturday, June 20 in the Jackson Dinsdale Art Center (JDAC), is designed for future artists who have completed their junior or sophomore year of high school. It gives students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in multiple studios and expand their skills as young creators.
During the week, students will rotate through glassblowing, ceramics, painting, sculpture and printmaking studios, all led by Hastings College faculty and guest artists. After gaining hands-on experience with faculty, students will have open studio time to create their own original pieces. Their work will be featured in an exhibition and reception that begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 20, in the JDAC.
The reception is free and open to the public and allows students to share their work and accomplishments from the week with family and community members who attend.
This year, Hastings College art faculty selected 23 students to attend Open Space. Those who are rising seniors may be considered for the Jackson Scholars Program, which provides an all expenses paid opportunity to attend Hastings College as an art major. Other students will receive an art talent scholarship to Hastings College.
Students selected for the 2026 Open Space include:
- Lily Billesbach, Beatrice, Nebraska
- Olivia Bright, Wilber, Nebraska
- Arianna Cruz, South Sioux City, Nebraska
- Jasper DeLeon, Hastings, Nebraska
- Danica Dossett, Holdrege, Nebraska
- Lili Serrano Félix, Omaha, Nebraska
- Tiffany Gonzalez-Gamez, Lawrence, Nebraska
- Blake Hall, Hastings, Nebraska
- Shiloh Hall, Hastings, Nebraska
- Blake Holliday, Grand Island, Nebraska
- Lillian Johndreau, Chadron, Nebraska
- Veselka Keen, Doniphan, Nebraska
- Brooke Kisling, Kearney, NNebraska
- Eva Macken, Elkhorn, Nebraska
- Addison Malecki, Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Maddison Martin, Kearney, Nebraska
- Logan Mollo, Greenwood, Nebraska
- Destiny Sayas, Hastings, Nebraska
- Marissa Schwab, Doniphan, Nebraska
- Karina Smydra, St. Paul, Nebraska
- Conner Sohl, Kearney, Nebraska
- Taylor TenEyck, Omaha, Nebraska
- Brady Willicott, Blue Hill, Nebraska
Hastings College is a four-year residential college that focuses on student academic and extracurricular achievement. Founded in 1882, the College is dedicated to student success and service to the community. Discover more at hastings.edu.