Join Ree Kaneko for an illuminating discussion about the exhibition Big Clay and the vital role of private collections in our cultural landscape. Drawing from decades of experience in building and preserving a ceramic collection, Ree will share insights about the exhibition's monumental works and their place within the broader context of artistic legacy.

Big Clay brings together a remarkable selection of large-scale ceramic works from Ree & Jun Kanekos' private collection, featuring groundbreaking artists who have pushed the boundaries of clay as a medium. These influential creators have helped define contemporary ceramics through their innovative approaches to scale, technique, and artistic vision, challenging traditional notions of what's possible in clay.

As KANEKO moves toward establishing a dedicated Collection Building to house Jun Kaneko's life's work, Ree will explore how comprehensive artist collections offer unique windows into creative evolution, artistic process, and cultural heritage.

This talk examines why maintaining complete bodies of work matters – not just for art history, but for inspiring and enriching future generations.

Lite bites, coffee, and tea provided.

Doors open at 4:00pm

About Ree Kaneko

Ree Kaneko is an arts administrator, consultant, curator, and artist. For five decades, she has been inspired to support artists and the Arts by creating opportunities and building community. With an emphasis on the creative process of art-making, she has dedicated herself to arts advocacy by assisting artists from around the world—connecting them to studios, stipends, exhibition opportunities, and environments that are conducive to critical review and creative dialogue.

Ree grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, where she set up an artist studio for herself and other artists, founded The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts as a year-round artist residency program, and later founded the creative center KANEKO with her husband, Jun Kaneko. Her work has brought hundreds of artists from around the world to Omaha and opened a discourse which helps ensure the community’s direct connection to art, artists, and the creative process.

Kaneko continues to work tirelessly with public and private organizations and other passionate individuals to increase support and services for art and artists.

Big Clay & The Art of Collecting

A Curator Talk with Ree Kaneko