With minimal interventions, Omaha-based Randy Brown Architects converted the studio of Kent Bellows, a deceased artist, into the Kent Bellows Studio and Center for Visual Arts. The storefront is a sculpture of steel plates and tubes that contains windows, seating, signage, and an entrance. A new staircase leads to a continuous walkway that connects new program spaces. The library provides meeting space, which hovers above the gallery, defined by a folded wood wall and ceiling.
Jury: “An excellent example of what is possible within limited means and unlimited desire. … Working within a historical structure, the project sensitively responded to both program and context in a series of deliberate and carefully considered moves.”
Client: “We, Kent’s family, wanted the public and young artists to draw inspiration from Kent’s studio spaces, to have a great place to come together to create and to discuss their art. We wanted to bring the creative energy back to the building. When the young artists express how much they appreciate being able to use and to learn from Kent’s inspiring spaces, we are overjoyed.” —Robin Bellows Griess, co-founder, Kent Bellows Studio and Center for Visual Arts
