Linda Garcia-Perez ’71 creates art for Omaha’s new Central Library

Of the 242 Omaha-area artists who responded to nonprofit Amplify Arts’ call for permanent public artwork at Omaha Public Library’s new Central Library, Linda Garcia-Perez ’71 was one of 16 selected.

The selected artists were awarded project budgets ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 to bring their works to life. Garcia-Perez is creating a book tunnel made from acrylic boxes. It will sit in a window in the children’s section of the new library, which is set to open in 2026. Part of the tunnel is inspired by her favorite section of books in the library, 398.2: folk tales.

Garcia-Perez said she’s never worked so hard in her life. She’s conducted extensive research to ensure her creation will be protected from light, dust, and fluctuating temperatures due to its exposure to natural light.

But she doesn’t mind the work.

“Artists always need a challenge,” she said.

Garcia-Perez earned her art degree from the College of Saint Mary in 1971, an experience she describes as one of the best periods of her life.

“It changed me forever,” she said.

The College of Saint Mary helped her realize that women had choices and opportunities beyond the societal boxes they had been placed in.

“The college blew that open for me,” she said.

She also recalls being challenged by some of the best teachers she’s ever had, as well as the nuns. Another transformative experience was a trip to Mexico while she was an art student — one she took to see how her art would evolve.

“I didn’t realize that it wasn’t the art that would change — it was me,” she said. “The influence of being in Mexico is the second really life-changing experience for me. But it all started with the College of Saint Mary.”

After graduating in 71, Garcia-Perez became the artistic director at the newly founded Chicano Awareness Center, currently known as the Latino Center of the Midlands, which launched her community activism. She also worked for more than 30 years as a children’s librarian with Omaha Public Library and, along with her husband, Jose,  founded the Mexican American Historical Society of the Midlands.