Latest news with #creativity
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Old Omaha potato chip factory produces paintings, pottery, art pieces
Amy Robertson, forefront, shares an art studio with Letha Goldsmith at Clover24.(Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner) OMAHA — Once one of the world's largest potato chip factories, an Omaha plant that most recently was used to store truck tires has found its creative self. The old Kitty Clover building, as locals know it, has undergone a multimillion dollar renovation on its 3.5-acre site south of downtown. And a chunk of the 85,000-square-foot facility has been transformed into a co-working hub for artists. Instead of 16,000 bags of chips daily, the building built in 1952 and rebranded as 'Clover24' — a nod to its history and the main corridor on which it sits — is, at least for now, producing original thread paintings, pottery and other crafty products. Among the first 18 creative tenants is Diane Mattern, who kiddingly calls herself a 'weird welder' whose work is seen regionally in the form of spiraled steel 'boings' and other distinct concrete garden and indoor sculptures. There's Letha Goldsmith, an art therapist who uses magazine pages and glue to sculpt colorful bowls and containers and also incorporates figures of little people into various other art pieces. Studio mate Amy Robertson's creative bent is fiber art and thread painting, while neighbor comedian Todd Graves describes his multidisciplinary art forms as 'unapologetically offbeat.' They're open for business in a structure that, for the first time in decades, offers a public-facing side. For example, a three-day open house and free inaugural group exhibition showing work of more than 90 local artists, including Therman Statom and Watie White, wraps up at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 31. Featured is Bart Vargas, whose art has been shown worldwide. His pieces will remain on display through July, along with work of other resident artists. Bob and Ilaamen Pelshaw, a husband-and-wife team that started and manages the artist co-working project, said they plan to host future events, in addition to opening doors daily for customers. 'We're building community,' he said. 'We want to celebrate the artists that live in the Omaha area.' Ilaamen, herself an artist and illustrator with a studio at Clover24, said word quickly traveled, and the initial wave of available studios filled. 'It shows demand,' she said. The couple's effort to offer a South Omaha spot where startups could create and show wares has had ups and downs. Their grand vision proposal was among 367 North and South Omaha applications vying a few years ago for a state grant from federal pandemic-related funds. The Nebraska Legislature earmarked and state officials awarded about $235 million for economic development projects for the areas disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. State officials ultimately awarded the Pelshaw Group $50,000, much less than the $10 million requested. Those dollars have been directed toward a narrower slice of the plan, a job-preparedness program for Nebraskans transitioning from incarceration. The couple eventually turned to a different building site and a downsized plan, working now with Heinson Enterprises, which has owned the old Kitty Clover structure since the 1990s. A spokesman for the family-owned enterprise said it saw potentially new and greater use amid the growth of business, residential and recreational activity in and around the downtown of Nebraska's largest city. Artists who are situated mostly on the main level — in former administrative office suites turned studios that cover about 11% of the building — have signed leases that give them or the owner the right to terminate at any time, offering flexibility for both sides. 'We're in startup mode, testing the market to determine what is the highest and best use for the facility,' said spokesman Kyle Fowler. 'They're testing us out. We're testing them out.' Brokers Seth Campbell and Conner Dana of Campbell Dana Commercial Real Estate continue to seek one or more industrial users for the expansive lower level, and possibly a section of the main floor. So far, the owners have invested roughly $4 million in a new roof, modern facade and building infrastructure. Depending on future uses, Fowler said, more renovations could be ahead. The Pelshaws hope to add even more creative tenants, including a barber and a tattoo artist, and say the parking lot is an alluring amenity. They envision an outdoor sculpture garden starting with an uncommissioned J. Doe that will be adorned with historical mementos honoring the site's previous chapters. While Ilaamen's career launched in her homeland of Guatemala, it has advanced in Nebraska and during a three-year stint at long established Hot Shops Art Center in Omaha's north downtown. Tenants consider Clover24 to be a mini version of Hot Shops, where artists feed off each other's energy and often work collaboratively. For Bob Pelshaw, who grew up in South Omaha, he hoped to provide a supportive and financially accessible space for area entrepreneurs. He recalls as a kid going outside and soaking in the smell of potato chips being made. Both he and his wife said they appreciate the industrial vibe and unique spots throughout Clover24 that offer ways to be creative. One of the studios has a slanted wall, interesting for hanging art. Another has curves for corners. There's the 'chip fryer gallery,' the 'brick gallery' and an eclectic bathroom Ilaamen decorated with mashup portraits combining traits of art greats Andy Warhol and Bob Ross. Said Ilaamen: 'We want love in every corner, fun places everywhere you go.' Ilaamen and Bob Pelshaw at north entrance to Clover24, former Kitty Clover potato chip factory that most recently stored tires. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner) Ilaamen and Bob Pelshaw in front of Clover24, looking north along South 24th Street. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner) Looking out a window of one of the art studios into the lobby area of the artist co-working space at Clover24. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner) Ilaamen Pelshaw by her artwork displayed on wall outside her studio, which used to be part of the administrative office suite. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner) Art piece by Ilaamen Pelshaw is inspired by masks and folklore of her native Guatemala. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner) Lobby of Clover24, with Bart Vargas bio on table. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner) The artist co-working space is mostly in former offices on the main floor. (Courtesy of Ilaamen Pelshaw) The artist co-working space at the Clover24 structure held an inaugural group exhibition and open house May 29-May 31. (Courtesy of Ilaamen Pelshaw) New artist and creative work hub at old Kitty Clover plant, now rebranded as Clover24, held inaugural group exhibition and open house May 29-31 at 2200 S. 24th St. (Courtesy of Ilaamen Pelshaw) New artist and creative work hub at old Kitty Clover plant, now rebranded as Clover24, held inaugural group exhibition and open house May 29-31 at 2200 S. 24th St. (Courtesy of Ilaamen Pelshaw) Illamen Pelshaw in her Clover24 art studio, formerly part of the administrative office suites of Kitty Clover potato chip factory and other businesses. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner) Letha Goldsmith works from her studio at Clover24. She is soothed by her art, including sculpting containers with magazine pages and glue. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner) A new co-working space for artists and entrepreneurs featured pieces from more than 90 artists, organizers said. (Courtesy of Ilaamen Pelshaw) A slanted wall in one of the art studios. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner) A production plant remnant in hall of Clover24. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner) A section of the lower level of Clover24 is open for industrial use. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner) SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
CTV News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
B.C. utility pole covered in positive messages created by mystery person wearing a unicorn mask
Adam finds out the mystery behind a utility pole showcasing artistic hearts that's connected to a unicorn cultivating kindness
Fast Company
a day ago
- Business
- Fast Company
15 potential pitfalls to eliminate from the innovation process
In today's fast-moving world, it takes a spark of creativity to develop a unique product or service that will have a profound impact in the marketplace. But without a clear vision and structured path to take an idea from inception to execution, it won't make it across the finish line. However, breaking down the innovation process into manageable stages can help companies systematically develop solutions that address real-world pain points and create true value for every stakeholder involved. Here, 15 leading experts from Fast Company Executive Board each list the common mistakes some companies make when trying to innovate, and why these practices should be avoided. 1. WORKING IN SILOS INSTEAD OF COLLABORATION First, find the pain point. Better workplace experience outcomes are achieved when IT, facilities, and HR work together. By breaking down silos and working collaboratively, you can save time, optimize budgets, and allocate resources more effectively. Most of all, better meeting experiences result in more brainstorms and breakthroughs—key ingredients for accelerating innovation. – Prakash Arunkundrum, Logitech 2. MISCALCULATING THE TIME IT TAKES TO ADOPT INNOVATION Companies underestimate the time it will take for old technology to be replaced by the adoption of new technology. This is one common mistake leaders must avoid.- Jon Olson, Blackbaud, Inc. 3. OVERLOOKING THE JOURNEY OF BEING EDUCATED IN THE PROCESS Confusing when (and in what area) to innovate to get experience, rather than innovating with an expectation that it will linearly lead to a new product or business opportunity, is a mistake. It isn't okay to waste time and resources, but innovation is as much about what you learn from the journey as it is about the end result. If you don't have the appetite for that, you are better off focusing on being a fast follower. – Jason Kuperman, OUTFRONT Media 4. FAILING TO EQUIP TEAMS PROPERLY AND MOTIVATE THEM TO ENGAGE Common missteps are focusing too much on technology and not enough on the people and culture using it. Understand the root problems innovation solves, ensuring your team is aligned and motivated within an inclusive culture that fosters collaboration and feedback. This embeds innovation into the organizational mindset, providing the right tools rather than pushing new ideas for innovation's sake. – Larry Brinker Jr., BRINKER 5. CONFUSING TECHNICAL NOVELTY WITH ESSENTIAL INNOVATION A typical mistake companies make when trying to innovate is confusing technical novelty with true innovation. Avoid investing in solving technically interesting problems that don't translate into real-world value, usability, or growth. – Sezer Ovunc, Snapshot Reviews 6. COMMUNICATING INTENTIONS INCORRECTLY At times, our words don't match our intentions. If I'm encouraging my team to swing big, am I there to support them when they do? I try to model this behavior by continuing to swing big myself, but also ensuring that I am present to nudge and strengthen ideas or be a voice of support to others to help achieve their breakthroughs. Success creates momentum, and momentum can create a tidal wave! – Jeffrey Whitford, MilliporeSigma 7. IGNORING THE CUSTOMER'S POV Too often, the echo chamber is the barrier to innovation. We discover something truly amazing; we seek confirmation around us; we want to move. The problem? It has to be amazing to your customer or prospect. Company leaders must first define the needs and pain points from the consumer's point of view. Then, they must validate that their solution delivers. When those steps are skipped, the likelihood of success diminishes significantly. – Maury Giles, Material 8. DOING TOO MUCH WITH ONE PRODUCT One mistake is trying to create a product that solves a lot of problems. It's best to instead focus on developing a product that can solve a few critical issues and do them well. – Ruchir Nath, Dell Technologies 9. AIMLESSLY CHASING AFTER TRENDS Companies chase trends without anchoring them in strategy or customer insight. Innovation isn't about being first—it's about being relevant and intentional. To avoid this, we advise starting with data, listening to your audience, and aligning every new idea with your brand's core positioning. – Kristin Marquet, Marquet Media, LLC 10. MOVING TOO FAST ON DEVELOPMENT For too long, companies have tried to move fast and break things, but innovation comes from thinking expansively, not necessarily quickly. Instead of trying to break things, find gaps to close, which might mean building products that don't otherwise exist. Chances are, you won't solve systemic problems overnight, but you will innovate and inspire meaningful change in the process. – Caitlin MacGregor, Plum 11. MISUNDERSTANDING WHAT YOUR PROSPECTS NEED A common mistake is not understanding the business or user problem that you are trying to innovate against. The best innovation starts with focus—specifically, a laser focus on your audience. When you truly understand who you're serving—how they think, what they need, and where they struggle—you uncover real opportunities worth solving. – Sarah Buckler, Tangible 12. EXCLUDING POTENTIAL MARKET SEGMENTS Companies that have been around for a while and are trying to innovate need to make everyone feel safe and included. The people who say, 'We tried that before, and it didn't work,' can destroy progress. – Barry Lowenthal, Inuvo, Inc. 13. GIVING AN 'INNOVATION THEATER' PERFORMANCE A common pitfall is doing 'innovation theater'—when companies are dazzled by the latest shiny technology trend, whether agentic AI, quantum, or blockchain, without a clear business outcome or a solid data foundation to build it on. To avoid this, companies must start by understanding the core principle of applied innovation: Focus on the value first, then choose the technology to deliver it. – Joe Depa, EY 14. BUILDING AN 'INNOVATION TEAM' Don't treat innovation like a department; make it a habit. I've watched companies build 'innovation teams' that become expensive idea museums. At my company, we scrapped our innovation group and instead embedded 'possibility sessions' into every team's workflow. The virtual assistant who suggested our best product last year didn't need whiteboard walls, just permission to question the status quo. – Shayne Fitz-Coy, Sabot Family Companies 15. WAITING FOR YOUR IDEA TO BE 'PERFECT' A lot of companies stall innovation by chasing perfection or avoiding failure. You don't need to have it all figured out before testing something. Just ship, learn, and improve. The longer you wait for perfection, the more likely someone else gets there first with 'good enough.' – Travis Schreiber,
Arab News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Jeddah's Historic District hosts literary gathering featuring leading Saudi screenwriters
JEDDAH: The literary gathering Writers' Night was held on Thursday at Cinema Al-Balad in Jeddah, where leading Saudi screenwriters Afnan Linjawi, Dahlia Baeshen, and Dania Al-Tayeb shared their experiences and insights on creativity. Organized by Maflam, which offers comprehensive training in filmmaking, the evening attracted literature and cinema enthusiasts eager to explore the craft of writing. The session was moderated by media personality Reham Farrash. Danya Al-Hamrani, co-founder and chief creative officer of Maflam, said: 'It's a pleasure to bring together such talented scriptwriters under one roof. Events like this reflect Maflam's mission to spark meaningful dialogue and inspire the next generation of creatives.' The event opened a candid dialogue around the challenges and inspirations shaping Saudi scriptwriters today. Linjawi said: 'My journey as a writer has been long and wonderful all at once. I have experimented with many forms of creative writing, from poetry to stage play to screenwriting. I have also grown from writing (for) myself to writing for others.' She emphasized that her goal for the evening was to 'have an open discussion with the audience' and to 'demystify the writing process for others,' highlighting the varied and wide-ranging routes to becoming a writer. Likewise, Al-Tayeb shared her deep connection to storytelling, saying: 'Real-life conversations and events fuel my writing, but what truly drives the process is curiosity and a tiny bit of emotional masochism. 'My stories aim to hold up a mirror without offering easy answers because today's audiences crave honesty and emotional truth. Inspiration often strikes like lightning, yet the real creative work happens in the quiet, unglamorous struggles behind the scenes, self-doubt, late nights, and the occasional existential crisis. These challenges seep into my characters, who carry pieces of my own fears, obsessions, and heartbreaks, living in better lighting through my writing.' Cinema Al-Balad, established by director Abdullah Saharti and producer Waheed Jamjoum, has rapidly become a cultural landmark in Jeddah's historic district, part of the Ministry of Culture's initiative to position Historic Jeddah as a global cultural and heritage destination. Saharti explained the significance of the collaboration: 'This artistic cinema combines carefully curated film screenings with artistic workshops. Through it, we revive the memories once created by Cinema Hosh Jamjoum, the first cinematic courtyard in Jeddah, by introducing modern concepts and unique contemporary creativity that reflects the environment in which art and literature originated.' He described Writers' Night as 'an important evening to empower Saudi filmmakers in the industry' and highlighted Cinema Al-Balad's role in supporting the local film industry. He shared plans for an exciting lineup of events: 'Our program includes screenings, or 'Arab Film Nights,' every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, featuring carefully selected award-winning films from global and Arab film festivals. Every Sunday, we host filmmaking workshops. Mondays are dedicated to classic Arabic and international films, while Tuesdays provide a platform to showcase Saudi filmmakers. On Wednesdays, in collaboration with Maflam, we present a special night dedicated to Saudi filmmakers, with artistic sessions that enrich the community of cinema creators and lovers of the seventh art.'
Emirates 24/7
a day ago
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Dubai wins bid to host the 2026 International Symposium on Electronic Art
Latifa bint Mohammed: Dubai's cultural journey is one defined by bold ambition and an enduring belief in the power of creativity to shape our future Dubai's cultural journey is one defined by bold ambition and an enduring belief in the power of creativity to shape our future 'Hosting ISEA 2026 speaks to the dynamism of our creative ecosystem and our continued drive to lead global conversations around the intersections of art, science, and technology' Each year, ISEA brings together a global community of artists, designers, technologists, academics, curators, and museum professionals to shape the future of digital art Dubai has won the bid to host and organise the 2026 International Symposium on Electronic Art (ISEA), a landmark achievement that reinforces the emirate's position as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent. The announcement was made at the conclusion of this year's symposium, held in Seoul, South Korea, and reflects the concerted efforts of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), in collaboration with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, and Zayed University, to champion the emirate's bid by showcasing its vibrant cultural landscape, world-class infrastructure, and supportive environment for creative innovation. Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, affirmed that the emirate's selection as host of ISEA 2026 is a testament to its growing influence on the global art stage and steadfast commitment to shaping the future of culture through innovation. 'Dubai's cultural journey is one defined by bold ambition and an enduring belief in the power of creativity to shape our future; hosting ISEA 2026 speaks to the depth and dynamism of our creative ecosystem and our continued drive to lead global conversations around the intersections of art, science, and technology. This achievement reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, whose unwavering belief in innovation and human potential has transformed Dubai into a thriving cultural capital and a beacon for talent, excellence, and possibility,' she said. Her Highness noted that the symposium reinforces Dubai's strategic direction in advancing its digital arts sector and creative economy. 'ISEA is a global platform that empowers artists and technologists to imagine new frontiers. It aligns with our digital arts strategy — opening doors for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and nurturing future-ready creatives — while connecting global minds, amplifying diverse voices, and inspiring new creative expressions rooted in digital innovation. We look forward to welcoming the world to Dubai and sharing a space where imagination meets invention and the future of art is designed collectively,' she said. Established in 1988 in the Netherlands and currently overseen by the University for the Creative Arts in the UK, the International Symposium on Electronic Art is one of the world's foremost gatherings at the intersection of art, science, and technology. Hosted in over 30 major cities, including Paris, Montreal, and Barcelona, ISEA annually brings together a global community of artists, designers, technologists, academics, curators, and museum professionals to shape the future of digital art. The event aligns closely with Dubai Culture's digital arts strategy, which aims to empower talent, strengthen digital infrastructure, and elevate education and training in this rapidly evolving field. Zayed University to partner in organising event The symposium, organised by Dubai Culture in collaboration with Zayed University, will be held from 10 to 17 April 2026 under the theme 'ELYAH: Constellating Place, Data and Identity.' It will feature a series of workshops, discussion panels, networking events, and creative showcases across Dubai's key cultural sites and landmarks. The event is expected to attract between 200 and 500 international participants and a wide audience interested in digital arts. Her Excellency Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, affirmed that Dubai's inspirational spirit and agile ecosystem continue to attract exceptional talent, forward-thinking investors, and creative entrepreneurs, offering them world-class infrastructure and unique incentives that mirror the richness of the city's cultural landscape. She said: 'Dubai's win to host ISEA 2026 reflects the vision of our leadership to position the city as a global hub for talent and a frontrunner in the creative economy; this milestone underscores our commitment to advancing the digital arts sector, empowering emerging talent, and inspiring them to connect, collaborate, and create. 'Hosting this prestigious international symposium will open new pathways for our creative community to engage with global counterparts while also enhancing cultural tourism and showcasing the landmarks, spaces, and heritage that define Dubai's creative identity. ISEA will invigorate the city's artistic momentum, foster meaningful knowledge exchange, and spark new conversations around how digital arts shape our understanding of place, identity, and community.' The event will provide artists, researchers, and digital arts specialists with a platform to exchange ideas and visions, craft a global agenda that introduces new artistic expression methods, ignite innovation, and encourage participants to showcase their creativity to the public, supporting technological sustainability and the cultural and creative industries in Dubai. Main themes Discussions during the symposium will focus on four main themes: Charting Constellations, which explores concepts of place and identity in the digital age and how we reshape our understanding of geography, identity, and community in a multidimensional world; Celestial Dialogues, which delves into how artistic and technological practices can foster intercultural dialogue and shared cross-cultural experiences; Eco-Tech Futures, examining the role of electronic art in addressing environmental issues and how digital tools can inspire sustainable futures; and Starlinked Worlds, which investigates the evolving relationship between technology and human experience and the ethical, philosophical, and speculative implications of future technologies. Professor Michael Allen, Acting Vice President of Zayed University, said: 'We're immensely proud to partner with Dubai Culture in hosting the 2026 International Symposium on Electronic Art, a landmark event that underscores Dubai's position as a global hub for creativity and innovation. We are committed to fostering a dynamic platform where global artists, innovators, and scholars can converge to explore the transformative potential of digital arts. This symposium aligns with our mission to empower the next generation of creative leaders, advance interdisciplinary collaboration, and contribute to shaping a future where art and technology inspire sustainable progress and cultural dialogue.' The theme of the symposium is inspired by 'ELYAH,' one of the most prominent stars in the Arab region's sky, also known as the 'North Star,' which for centuries served as a beacon for travellers and storytellers alike, guiding navigation across land and sea. It was chosen to represent the event to explore the convergence of digital and electronic arts with AI and present a future-facing vision for the digital arts sector. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
