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Art on a Grand Scale

To think of a wall as fertile ground takes vision. In the case of artist Meg Saligman, it also takes impressive talent—and a lot of paint.

Saligman, named one of the past decade’s 10 most influential muralists from throughout the

country by Public Art Review magazine, created “Fertile Ground,” a towering 22,000- square-foot mural on the east wall of the Energy Systems building near 13th and Webster streets.

At 70 feet in height and 328 feet in length, the Omaha Mural Project is the largest public art project in the city’s history, is a gift to Omaha from the Peter Kiewit Foundation.

The foundation has been involved in many public art initiatives, including the J. Doe project and the installation of sculptures by Matthew Placzek outside Qwest Center Omaha. “We hope this project will add new energy and visual impact to the rapidly growing area and contribute buzz about Omaha as a progressive city with an enviable quality of life,” said Lyn Wallin Ziegenbein, Peter Kiewit Foundation executive director. “We can think of no better place to present a project of this magnitude as a tribute to our community and citizens than in the heart of downtown Omaha.”

Todd Johnson, president of Energy Systems, donated use of the east exterior wall of the company’s facility to serve as the “canvas” and interior storage space for the project production.

The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts managed all aspects of planning and execution and is maintaining the completed mural.

Saligman visited the archives of The Durham Museum and the Douglas County Historical Society to gather historical photos and data about the city. She also interviewed dozens of Omaha residents, historians, business people, and education and community leaders.

The mural presents a photo-realistic, three-dimensional “timeline” of the city’s development. Omahans served as models for all characters in the mural—nearly 50 likenesses representing a cross section of the community. Saligman said, “I’m just super impressed with how genuine people are here. They were all so willing to share themselves and their stories with me in a very moving and meaningful way.”

The extent of Saligman’s research underscores her dedication as the mural’s artist, says Mark Masuoka, executive director of the Bemis Center. “She is one of the top muralists in the country and Omaha deserves the very best,” said Masuoka. “‘Fertile Ground’ tells a great story—our story. It is a perfect image to represent the cultural and civic pride of this city and a wonderful opportunity to attract new residents and business to Omaha.”