Our Culture
The arts are a powerful catalyst for building a better world! Say hello to our team and learn a little bit more about what makes BLIXT ARTS LAB so cozy yet electric!
About Our Physical Home
In August 2022 BLIXT ARTS LAB knew a good thing when we saw it: an opportunity for bricks in mortar home in Lincoln's vibrant University Place. Gaga's Flowers had been a staple in the neighborhood for over 25 years, and was preparing to permanently close. Soon it would be an empty storefront.
At BLIXT ARTS LAB, we know that what sometimes looks "empty" is space for a dream.
We embraced risk and got to work, taking over 10 months to complete our zoning and to transform the beautiful old building into an intimate blackbox theater, meeting, educational, and research space.
We believed enough in the possibilities for deep community connections that we invested over $16,000 into this transformation.
Already, the physical home of BLIXT ARTS LAB has become a strong presence in North Lincoln, providing the following:
- Rehearsal space for BLIXT productions, as well as for other nonprofit theaters
- A home for creative camps for LPS CLC participants (at no cost to families)
- A neighborhood gathering and meeting space for other nonprofits
- A haven for our LGBTQA+ community and others who feel marginalized
- An incubator for Nebraska Wesleyan University students/BLIXT interns learning to become Teaching Artists
- A research facility for new works and lab for experimental theater geared toward social change
- A performance home for other theater companies and performers
Whatever your passion, please join us soon at BLIXT ARTS LAB for an upcoming event. You are wanted and welcome here. Always.
Board of Directors
DeWayne Taylor
Mary Kay Quinlan
Mary Kay Quinlan
PRESIDENT
TV/Radio Host, Public Speaker, Beatboxer
Mary Kay Quinlan
Mary Kay Quinlan
Mary Kay Quinlan
VICE PRESIDENT
Freelance Journalist and Oral Historian
Shelby Bauer
Mary Kay Quinlan
Shelby Bauer
SECRETARY
Administrative Assistant, Eye Surgical Associates
Shannon Chinn
TREASURER
Director & Theater Artist
Mackenzie Davenport
MEMBER AT LARGE
Founder/CEO, Ensemble
Max Antoine
Dr. Darl Naumann
Dr. Darl Naumann
MEMBER AT LARGE
Digital Creator
Dr. Darl Naumann
Dr. Darl Naumann
Dr. Darl Naumann
MEMBER AT LARGE
Business Development Executive, Ayars & Ayars Inc.
Co-Founders
Petra Wahlqvist, Executive Director and Co-Founder
Originally from Sweden, Petra lived in Paris and London before moving to Lincoln in 2008, and finding her creative home in the state of Nebraska, alongside her best friend and BLIXT Co-founder Becky Boesen. Petra has over 25 years of experience as a project creator, educator, and producer. She previously served as the Education Director at the Lied Center for Performing Arts, and is the former Executive Director of Nebraskans for the Arts, the state’s arts advocacy organization.
She has worked as a consultant for several Creative Districts on their workbook and Strategic Plans.
In Spring 2024, Petra produced an original play, FOSTER by Summer Lukasiewicz, which focused on the importance of early childhood education in Nebraska., in collaboration with Lincoln Littles and First Five. She has also worked with ESU 10 in Kearney on Training Sessions with early childhood educators in the area paired with creative outlets.
Petra has a passion for new works and loves leading classes for children and youth.
Becky Boesen, Co-Founder, Advisor
Becky loves assisting vibrant organizations and communities throughout Nebraska and the United States discover the powerful link between creativity and belonging. As a playwright, she has penned several award winning and commissioned works including PUDDIN' AND THE GRUMBLE and WHAT THE WIND TAUGHT ME, both of which debuted at the Lied Center for Performing Arts and continue to be produced across the United States of America. Becky has been featured as a "top 20 under 40" by the Lincoln Journal Star for her business leadership in the arts and is the recipient of 3 Mayor's Arts Awards. She’s been a honored as a Chime Changemaker, a Melba Cope Associate for her work toward equity and belonging, and a member of ASCAP and the Dramatists Guild of America. The former Executive Director of BLIXT, Becky now serves as the Community and Cultural Impact Specialist at Nebraska Community Foundation.
Teaching Artists
Sasha Dobson
Michelle Colette Ingle
Claire Hosford
Claire Hosford
Michelle Colette Ingle
Claire Hosford
Ann Truka
Michelle Colette Ingle
Michelle Colette Ingle
Michelle Colette Ingle
Michelle Colette Ingle
Michelle Colette Ingle
Shannon Chinn
Ryan J. Furlong
Ryan J. Furlong
Ryan J. Furlong
Ryan J. Furlong
Ryan J. Furlong
Robbie Exstrom
Teaching Artist Interns
ASHTON BARLOW
SOPHIE WILLIAMS
KATHERINE BAIER
JAIME ORTON
JACK LIEGL
INNA GOMEZ CASTILLO
Mission, Vision, & Values
Our Mission
Arts innovation beyond expectation.
Our Vision
Electrifying arts experiences for all, by all.
Our Values
- Creativity - We encourage the exploration of new ideas & unconventional approaches to the arts and to life.
- Inclusivity - We welcome people from all backgrounds, cultures & perspectives.
- Diversity - Our differences make us stronger.
- Collaboration - We relish the opportunity to learn from & work alongside others.
- Experimentation - We take on bold endeavors to learn more about unexplored territories.
- Transparency - We are open and generous.
- Accessibility - We're dedicated to removing barriers.
- Assets-based - We celebrate what we have and share it with others.
- Flexibility - We embrace change with open arms.
- Ethics - We lead with a strong Hippocratic Oath.
The most dangerous phrase in the language is 'We've always done it this way.'
Admiral Grace Hopper
