Waters of Life Exhibit

JERENE KRUSE

Albion, Nebraska

Splish, Splash, Drip, Drop

Hand-built Clay

“In one drop of water are found all the secrets of all the oceans.” --Kahlil Gibran

When I saw a slow-motion video of a water droplet, I was fascinated by what happens to that simple drop of water.  I was in awe of the action of the drop of water.  There is so much power and movement in the splash and drip. I decided to create a sculptural piece of clay that portrays the idea of a water drop combined with the idea of a splash. I started with a simple pinch pot, then shaped the clay into a splashing drop and wave. Water is life-sustaining and refreshing, but can also be cruel and cause devastation. Water is an intriguing force of nature.

Waters of Life Exhibit

TIM O'NEILL

North Platte, Nebraska

Aqua Vitae and the Ancient Observer

Mixed Media

Sandhill cranes are among Earth's most ancient bird species, with fossils dating back 2.5 million years. Each spring, over 650,000 cranes converge along Nebraska's Platte River—a critical "hourglass" in their migration pathway. This mixed media painting captures a solitary crane in quiet contemplation, symbolizing the timeless relationship between these prehistoric travelers and the life-sustaining waters they depend upon.

The fractured, layered technique mirrors the complex interplay between water, wildlife, and human influence. Just as water transforms landscapes over millennia, these ancient birds have witnessed vast changes while remaining essentially unchanged themselves. In this moment of stillness, the crane stands as both guardian and beneficiary of these sacred waters—an ancient observer of life's continuous flow.