Katie and Craig LeDoux’s home in Omaha is a vivid testament to their passion for contemporary local art. Katie’s admiration for Omaha artists began with the work of one artist in particular: Therman Statom.
She first saw Statom’s work when she was employed at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C. She recalls coming across one of his pieces in the museum’s collection and feeling an immediate, almost visceral reaction. “I remember thinking, ‘I need this someday,’” Katie said. Fast forward two decades, and she and Craig now own several of Statom’s stunning works, connecting with him and purchasing his works directly. “It’s been such a great experience to collect his work together.”
Over the years, the couple has cultivated more than 75 pieces. Their current collection of vibrant canvases adorns the walls of their century-old home, a living space that is not only aesthetically dynamic, but also richly tied to the local artistic landscape.
The couple’s journey into the world of art collecting began on the East coast, when the two lived in Washington, D.C. Their first purchase was a piece by Heather Kirtland, an artist whose work they had admired in a restaurant in Frederick, Maryland. The LeDouxs were immediately drawn to her style and, after a year of saving, they were able to purchase their first piece. It was the beginning of a collection that would grow to encompass around 20 of Kirtland’s works.
When they relocated to Omaha, the LeDouxs were eager to dive into the local art scene. As their collection grew, the LeDouxs took a particular interest in how their art interacted with their home’s historic features. Their house, with its early 1900s charm, provides a striking contrast to the modern, colorful works that fill their walls. Katie explained that they’ve chosen to hang most of the pieces salon-style, clustering multiple works together to create a dynamic visual experience. “We’re mostly drawn to contemporary, colorful pieces,” she said. “The mix of modern art and the historic nature of the house is a great contrast. It just works.”
A unique addition to their collection was a commission from local artist Shiri Phillips. The couple had been following Phillips’ work for some time and decided to commission a woven paper piece for a special spot near their staircase. “It was such a fun way to make our home truly ours,” Katie reflected. “Shiri did an incredible job capturing the feel of the space.”
The LeDoux’s commitment to supporting Omaha’s local art scene extends beyond simply purchasing pieces for their home. They are active members of several local galleries, including Gallery 1516, and have been enthusiastic supporters of the Joslyn Art Museum since its reopening. Their weekends often include gallery visits, checking out new murals around the city, or attending art exhibits. For the LeDouxs, the art community plays a significant role in shaping their experience of Omaha. Collecting art is not just about owning beautiful pieces—it’s a way to connect with their city and its creative pulse.
Their passion has also led to lasting personal connections with the artists. A memorable encounter occurred when they met Jeff Koterba at a boutique wine shop in Little Bohemia. “We connected with him right away,” Katie said. “Since then, we’ve become good friends with Jeff and his partner, Christine Burright.” Their most recent purchase—a large, four- to five-foot piece by Koterba—was a major addition to their collection. The installation process for this artwork was a special occasion. “Jeff and Christine came over with her dad to install it,” Katie recalled. “It was such a fun day, and we look forward to getting more of his work in the future.”
For those looking to incorporate local art into their own homes, Katie has valuable advice: “Building relationships with artists is key.” She explains that her connection with Kirtland began by reaching out to the artist directly to express her admiration for her work. They kept in touch for a year before the LeDouxs were able to purchase a piece, and that relationship made the purchase feel more meaningful.
“Many local artists are happy to share their process and work,” she explained. “If a piece is initially out of your price range, don’t be discouraged—stay connected, and purchase when the time is right.”
Through their careful curation of contemporary pieces, their involvement in the local art scene, and their friendships with the artists, the LeDouxs have created a living space that is as personal as it is beautiful—a true celebration of Omaha’s thriving artistic culture.
This article originally appeared in the March/April 2025 issue of Omaha Home Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
