OMAHA, NEBRASKA – The artwork will provide a visually engaging connection to the Federal Reserve and personal finance concepts, while also contributing to the artistic landscape of the city.
"The Omaha Branch has been a dedicated member of the Omaha community for more than 100 years," said Nathan Kauffman, Kansas City Fed vice president and Omaha Branch executive. “We serve as a local connection to the nation’s central bank, and we work to build a greater understanding of the Federal Reserve and the economy. This sculpture supports those efforts and represents our commitment to the community.”
The concept for the sculpture is "green and growing," which signifies the Kansas City Fed’s link to the economy, money and personal finance. Titled “Money Blomes,” it features three modern flower blooms that range from 9 to 12 feet in diameter.
The 12 points on the blooms represent the 12 regional Federal Reserve banks that are located throughout the United States. The three stems are various heights and symbolize the growth of money through saving and investing, and the numerous intersecting lines reflect the interconnectedness of money and the economy on everyday lives. Signage describing the sculpture will be installed in coming months.
Nebraska native and artist Jake Balcom was commissioned for the piece. “I lived in Nebraska for 42 years, and it’s a privilege to contribute to Omaha’s growing public art collection. Together, we created a dynamic and intriguing visual experience that both children and adults will enjoy,” said Balcom.
Credit: Jake Balcom
Credit: Jake Balcom
“In addition to being an eye-catching work of art, we hope this sculpture inspires curiosity and sparks conversations between parents and their kids or teachers and their students about personal finance and economic concepts,” said Erin Redemske, public affairs director at the Omaha Branch. “Parents and educators can include the sculpture as a stop for school trips and visits to the area.”
Located just west of 20th and Farnam and The Rose Theater, the sculpture is highly visible and accessible, especially for young audiences. An adjoining pedestrian sidewalk connects Farnam and Harney Streets, and the Omaha Children’s Museum is within walking distance.
The Kansas City Fed offers free economic and personal finance resources for educators, bankers, and consumers. Visit our education page to find resources that range from pre-kindergarten to adult audiences and include interactive stories, lesson plans, and articles.
As the regional headquarters of the nation’s central bank, the Kansas City Fed and its branch offices in Denver, Oklahoma City and Omaha serve the seven states of the Tenth District: Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Wyoming, northern New Mexico and western Missouri. The Omaha Branch opened in 1917 and has approximately 150 employees.