Modern Arts Midtown Fine Art Gallery

04/03/2026

Exhibition photos of Edwin Carter Weitz: The Line featuring Terry Hager, Stephen Dinsmore, Justin Meyers and Emilia Van Ert. Now showing through May 26th!

03/02/2026

Opening this Friday, 6 - 9pm!
Edwin Carter Weitz - The Line
also featuring artwork by Stephen Dinsmore, Justin Meyers, Terry Hager and Emilia Van Ert

Statement by Edwin Carter Weitz
The Neverending Paintings of The Line Series is a study of the journey of a continuous rule as it enters a composition, meanders through right angles, and exits—only to reappear in the next painting. This ongoing movement examines how a single line interacts with surrounding shapes, tonalities, and textures across a series of 36” × 60” canvas environments. Throughout the work, the line functions as the elixir—the connective force that animates the series.

Set free to zigzag, the line wanders through each space—never confined, always evolving. It leaves one canvas and re-enters another, forming a continuous narrative across the body of work. Like a traveler, it moves through distinct “regions,” shifting from minimalist abstractions to dense geometric fields and eventually into more conceptual terrain.

This series is not simply about a line, but about motion, connection, and transformation. Through trial and error, it was discovered that twelve directional changes created the ideal balance between control and freedom. After the first painting, this parameter remained constant. To date, the line has traveled a total distance of approximately 125 feet.

Each painting contains its own story, shaped by unique formal decisions and evolving artistic concerns. While the series progressed over time, it became clear that the journey was not directed by the painter. In reality, the line led the way.

01/31/2026

Spectral Dynamics exhibition photos
Featuring Mads Anderson, Jacqueline Kluver, Julie Owens and Mykl Welch
Now on view through February 26th!

01/09/2026

Opening tonight, 6 - 9pm!
Mads Anderson | Spectral Dynamics
also featuring work by Jacqueline Kluver, Julie Owens and Mykl Welch

Please join us for the first show of the new year!

12/24/2025

Modern Arts Midtown would like to thank all those who attended Larry Roots: Making the Mark and wish everyone happy holidays and a wonderful New Year! 🎀

Please note: will be closed from December 24th - January 1st, but will resume regular business hours January 2nd.

After the holidays, please join us for the opening reception of Mads Anderson: Spectral Dynamics January 9th, 6- 9 pm!

11/15/2025

For those planning to visit, Modern Arts Midtown would like to announce that Making the Mark featuring work by Larry Roots has been extended and will be on view through December 23.

Following this, we will be closed for the holiday from December 24th - January 1st, with regular hours resuming on January 2nd.

08/01/2025

Larry Roots: Making the Mark
Opening Reception Friday, September 5, 6 – 9pm

“Relentlessly inquisitive best describes me, both in the studio and in life. Simply stated: my quest is to seek it, find it, and do something with it. I have learned there are unlimited ways to find meaning in these pursuits.

I have also found endless ways to express those experiences in the studio. Like an alchemist, an artist spends a lifetime learning the physics of paint and other mediums in order to produce a desired result, which is “what” you see. As a result of these explorations, my career reflects a wide range of interests that have evolved and become intertwined through the years.

I could say that each of my works tells a story, recalls a memory, or is a mystery that requires/allows the viewer to complete it. With each project I challenge myself to exceed my expectations and, in the end, to please myself—a condition that has become increasingly difficult. When the finished piece pleases someone else, it’s comforting to know I’m not satisfied alone.

Finally, I hope the viewer of these works feels at least some of the interest and enjoyment I had in making them. After all, art is a celebration of life for both of us.”

Larry Roots, 1952 – 2025

05/09/2025

Victory in Color
Now showing May 9 – August 23, 2025
Featuring artwork by Jamie Burmeister, Merrill Peterson, Ann Pape, Charles Novich, Michael Welch, Shiri Phillips, Brian Gennardo, Mads Anderson, John Himmelfarb, Judith Burton, Graceann Warn, Chris Cassimatis, Julie Owens, Jennifer Homan, Kenneth Adkins, Jason Papenfuss, Michael James, Woohyun Shim, Jacqueline Kluver, Al Harris-Fernandez, Tom Rierden and more.

05/01/2025

Modern Arts Midtown will now resume regular business hours Tuesday - Saturday 11:00 - 6:00. We thank you for all of your comments, emails, cards, calls and support during our temporary closing.

04/15/2025

We are tremendously sad to inform you that Larry Roots, Director and owner of Modern Arts Midtown, has died following a brief illness.

The gallery will temporarily close for two weeks starting Wednesday, April 16 to honor Larry.

In remembrance we would like to welcome you to share condolences, comments, stories or artwork either in the comments below or on in the guestbook section of his obituary page (link below).
https://www.gsfuneral.com/obituaries/larry-roots

We will reopen on the 1st of May with a new exhibition shortly after. Modern Arts Midtown will continue to operate into the future as Larry had planned.

Larry has requested a private funeral but the gallery will host a retrospective exhibition/memorial at a later date.

He is dearly missed.

Best,
Logan (son) and Judy (wife) Roots

02/06/2025

Just installed!
Larry Roots, "Reach for the Stars"
198"h x 32"w x 32"d
Aluminum

A special thank you to Michael Staenberg for making it possible!

Also, thank you to Les Bruning and Alan Austin at Bruning Sculpture for helping make it happen!

"Stars appear ever present above us and always beyond our grasp. And yet at times, we surrender our earthly concerns and aspire to the hope and strength of these heavens." - Larry Roots, 2025

We have a new sculpture now residing near the Front Entrance of the Staenberg Omaha JCC. The piece, Reaching for the Stars, was created by local artist, Larry Roots, and was generously gifted by Michael Staenberg. This powerful piece serves as a reminder of hope, strength, and endurance.

"Stars appear ever present above us and always beyond our grasp. And yet at times, we surrender our earthly concerns and aspire to the hope and strength of these heavens." - Larry Roots, 2025