Public Art Projects – Facts and Fiction

Liz Shea-McCoy
Art Educator/Artist/Public Art Project Director

Philanthropy has been described as the desire to promote the welfare of others; an idea, event, or action that is done to better humanity.  As a volunteer and supporter of her community and State, Liz’s public-spiritedness, compassion and unselfish mentorship of others enriches the lives of individuals and builds better organizations, ultimately creating a more caring and beautiful world.  Liz is an advocate for artists of all ages and believes in celebrating the Arts in Nebraska and beyond with consistent excellence in the areas of art exhibition, collaboration, creation, teaching humanitarian efforts and leadership. 

As an Artist-in-Residence, Liz continues her 3 decades of work with the Nebraska Arts Council. She is also affiliated with the Nebraska Rural Teaching Artist Initiative.  Both require traveling throughout the state, collaborating with teachers, schools and organizations who want to challenge their students to express themselves artistically.  Her goal when working with students is to build their self- confidence in the arts and in their own creativity.

Liz exhibits her work at the Burkholder Project in Lincoln and has been published and recognized on local, regional and national levels in a variety of media including textile design, printmaking, painting, collage and assemblage techniques.

Liz’s passion and tireless efforts for directing public art projects has brought forward large-scale community Public Arts Projects such as Serving Hands: Celebrating the 50^th Anniversary of Campus Life (2019), Nebraska by Heart: Celebrating Nebraska’s Sesquicentennial (2017), Illuminating Lincoln: Lighthouse (2015), An Enchanted Arboretum (Nebraska City, 2013), aCross Lincoln (First-Plymouth Church, 2008), Star Art -The Star City Art Project (2007) and Tour de Lincoln (2003). 

Directly translated, altruism means ’Love of mankind in general.’ Liz’s philanthropic spirit and her work with the community and as an art educator demonstrate her unselfish giving spirit and interest in the well-being of others, as well as her compassionate and unselfish spirit which continues to creatively enrich the citizens of Lincoln.