Homer at the Pizza Shoppe
- Mural
- Watie White
In 2009, seven people gathered with the common purpose of transforming a portion of Benson’s environment through creative neighborhood projects. After much brainstorming they settled on a public art venture in the form of a mural project. The seven represented Leadership Omaha Class 31, itself a project of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. The group contacted Benson High School and 12 artists submitted their ideas. This piece was submitted by Andrew Forsman who took his inspiration from Homer’s “The Odyssey”, which he had just read in school. Artist Watie White brought Forsman’s vison to life. The result is a colossal wooden ship with a bright red mainsail amongst lively cobalt ocean waves. Three figures reach for help from the water, seven row the boat, a man is seemingly tied to the mast, a luminous red-hair womanly bodice paves the way (modeled after Pizza Shoppe owner, Amy Ryan). Other models include Pizza Shoppe employees.
- Collections: Benson Mural Project