The gallery space on Level 1 of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center will host the exhibition “Chica” through May 16.
“Chica” is a little grey dog’s story about her fortuitous rescue from a historic town in eastern Mexico.
Omaha artist Joseph Broghammer was commissioned in 2017 to produce a series of drawings to illustrate the children’s book, “Chica,” by arts collector and patron Karen Duncan of Lincoln, Nebraska. The book chronicles the early life, budding friendship and subsequent adoption of Duncan’s dog, Chica, starting in El Tajin, Mexico, and ending with preparations for a new life in Lincoln.
Broghammer’s whimsical illustrations and Duncan’s balance of fact and fancy bring this magical love story to life. His unique and bold use of chalk pastels provides a moving accompaniment to her travelogue, as told from the dog’s point of view.
“Chica” is written in both English and Spanish with Spanish translation by Ute Tiemann. With whimsy and touching sensitivity, from life in a circus to a scary visit to the vet, Broghammer’s authentic drawing style and peculiar compositions provide a fun and sincere illumination to this entertaining children’s book.
The UNMC and Nebraska Medicine’s Healing Arts Program thanks the Clarinda Carnegie Art Museum for the loan of these artworks and assistance in organizing the exhibition.
Learn more about the Clarinda Carnegie Art Museum at this link.