Omaha Artist Josie Langbehn Steps Into the Spotlight With First Solo Exhibition

March 24th, 2025

For years, Josie Langbehn nurtured the creativity of others as an arts educator, guiding students through the world of artistic expression. While she loved teaching, she felt something was missing—a more profound calling that remained out of reach.

That changed when Langbehn decided to fully dedicate herself to her artistry, taking a leap of faith into the uncertain but rewarding path of becoming a full-time artist.

“I loved being an educator, but I knew I wasn’t creating as much as I wanted to,” Langbehn said. “There was always a pull toward spending more time behind the canvas.”

Langbehn, who now serves as the Education and Program Manager at Hotshops, still finds joy in art education but says she has never felt more fulfilled as an artist.

Her first solo exhibition, The Space in Between, is now on display at the Ming Toy Gallery in Benson. The collection reflects her long-standing fascination with black-and-white portraiture, a passion that began in childhood when she started collecting vintage photographs.

Langbehn’s work breathes new life into forgotten faces, blending nostalgia with contemporary storytelling. She hopes her journey will inspire others to pursue careers that truly fulfill them.

An artist talk is scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. More information is available at MingToyGallery.com.