Brief Bio
Liz Shea-McCoy's public-minded spiritedness continues in the area of the Arts to enrich both individuals and organization, creating a more beautiful world.
Her passion for directing large-scale Public Arts Projects showcasing artists and their creative gifts has transformed Nebraska communities into bigger-than-life outdoor galleries. Additionally, Liz has led the effort to save the iconic Pershing Mural from its planned destruction to ultimate restoration and eventual installation within the Park area of the Wyuka State Historic Cemetery.
Extensive Bio
Liz Shea-McCoy is an advocate for children and artists in celebrating the Arts in Nebraska and beyond with consistent excellence in the areas of art exhibition/collaboration /creation, teaching humanitarian efforts and leadership. She has won local, state and national recognition for her work as an exhibiting Artist. As a lifelong educator, she works with the Nebraska Arts Council and Nebraska Rural Teaching Artist Initiative, traveling throughout the state, collaborating with teachers, schools and organizations who want to challenge their students to express themselves artistically. Her goal when working with students is to build their self- confidence in the arts and in their own creativity.
She is currently serving as the Chair of the Pershing Mural Historic Preservation Project initiated in 2021. She has also directed and participated as an Artist in a number of large-scale Public Arts Project such as Serving Hands (2019, Lincoln), Nebraska by Heart (2017, celebrating Nebraska's Sesquicentennial), Illuminating Lincoln: Lighthouse (2015, Lincoln), An Enchanted Arboretum (Nebraska City, 2013), aCross Lincoln (2008, Lincoln), Star Art -The Star City Art Project (2007, Lincoln) and Tour de Lincoln (2003, Lincoln).
As a humanitarian and supporter of her community and State, Liz has served as the Homefront Chair for five Heartland Honor Flights, recognizing Gold Star Families and veterans of the Viet Nam conflict and WWII. Through her volunteer efforts, Liz has work with many of Lincoln's art (and civic) organizations (Sheldon Museum of Art Board of Trustees, Friends of the Haydon Art Center, Friends of Lied, Lincoln Children’s Museum, Lincoln Arts Council, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Leadership Lincoln XV and Abendmusik). She is also a member of Omicron Nu and Pi Lambda Theta honor societies.
Other organizations and entities have recognized Liz’ excellence in her art, teaching and contributions to the community; she has been awarded the Prism Award (Nebraska Art Teachers Association), Distinguished Service Award (Lincoln Center Kiwanis), Distinguished Alumni Award (Lincoln High School), Spirit of Hope Award (Mourning Hope Grief Center), Diana Award (Distinguished International Academy of Noble Achievement), Mayor’s Art Award for Leadership, Mayor’s Choice Award, and Lincoln Women’s Entrepreneurial Award In Excellence.