In 1832, a Swiss artist Karl Bodmer became one of the first Europeans to travel across the plains of Nebraska. He was the official artist on a 2,500 mile expedition up the Missouri River led by the naturalist, explorer, Prince Alexander Philip Maxmillian. But he was not the first artist in what would become Nebraska. Native Americans had been recording significant events in tribal life on buffalo hides for years. Artists have continued to play a significant role in the cultural life of groups who have called Nebraska home to this day.

Nebraska has a rich visual arts heritage. MONA, the Museum of Nebraska Art, is the archive dedicated solely to that art. Our new Nebraska Public Radio and NET Online series, "MONA Moments," provide in-depth insight into Nebraska art.

On this site you'll find -

• An Archive of all the Moments done to this point, including full transcripts of the stories, full audio in Real Media streaming format, plus -- something you can't get on radio -- photos of the artwork.
  
  
• A link to MONA's own site.

• And a link to what is being broadcast right now on Nebraska Public Radio.

The Museum of Nebraska Art actually began with the building of a collection -- the Nebraska Art Collection in 1976. The establishment of the Museum followed in 1986 when the old Kearney Post Office was refurbished into the Museum. The Post Office was originally built in 1911 and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The facility was expanded and completely remodeled in 1991-93 and reopened as the NEW Museum of Nebraska Art in October of 1993. The Museum provides residents and visitors alike access to a wonderful collection, outstanding exhibitions and interpretive programs. The Nebraska Legislature has recognized the Nebraska Art Collection as the Official Visual Art Collection of the State of Nebraska.

Production of the series and of this Web site is supported in part by a grant from the Nebraska Arts Council.