You could call Benson a mecca for Metro creatives.
"We have a lot of artists, a lot of creatives, they are all flocking here," said Tyler Zach, the Pastor of Citylight in Benson.
The North Central neighborhood is not only a vibrant arts community, but an inclusive community.
"Benson has one of the highest populations of refugees in the entire city," said Zach.
Tyler Zach, the Pastor of Citylight in Benson says they not only aim to include refugees in their church, but in their arts program. Inside the Citylight Art Project, adjacent to the church, are works of art by two refugees.
"It is sad to know that the world has not seen this art. We are so delighted to be able to show it off," said Zach.
One side of the gallery is art by Sudanese refugee Assad Komi. On the other side are paintings by Iraqi refugee Ameer Kadim. Kadim only brought a large painting and a few personal belongings with him to America.
The incredible talents of Omaha's refugees and immigrants are on display throughout Benson as part of the fifth annual New American Arts Festival in conjunction with Benson First Fridays and Lutheran Family Services.
Inside Aroma's are beautiful works of Mithila Folk Art, they depict Hindu scripture. Painted on handmade paper are colorful scenes, but the man behind the bright art has a dark past.
"Those groups kill a lot of people. I was kidnaped three times," said Pratik Rayamaghi, a refugee from Nepal.
Fearing for his life because of corrupt underground political groups, Rayamaghi sought refuge in the US.
"I was quite hard for me to leave, quite hard," said Rayamaghi.
He had to leave his family and his art school he founded for impoverished women and girls. But, Rayamaghi brought his talents with him.
The folk art is different than most people in America have seen making it hard to put a price tag on it. Rayamaghi quickly learned that while trying to sell his first piece in the US.
"The buyer said okay, will you accept just one dollar? I told him okay, I will accept," said Rayamaghi.
Rayamaghi says selling a piece of art in America for a buck would have felt like a billion, but he got a lot more.
"He paid me $28,000," said Rayamaghi.
Exposure for an artist doesn't come easy, but Rayamaghi is grateful for his opportunity to display his works in Benson. Zach says including everyone in their arts community is the goal.
"Well hopefully this is the first of many future spots they can continue to get to show off their art to people," said Zach.
