Travis Hencey was born and raised in Chadron, Nebraska, a small town in the northwestern panhandle of the state. In elementary school, Travis discovered an early interest in creative endeavors: building with LEGO, drawing cartoons, constructing model cars, and making books. This hobby grew into a serious passion that lead him to pursue studies in humanities and studio art at Chadron State College from 2005 to 2009 where he developed a love for drawing and traditional materials. After college, Travis began working in the technology and design realms, using his creative sensibilities to solve problems. He returned to studies at Chadron State College in 2014 to explore teaching and to refocus on visual arts. Travis is currently teaching Art & Design at Chadron High School, bringing up the next generation of Chadron artists.
Generally, Travis's work deals with themes of transience, memory, and family history in the Western Nebraska landscape with an eye toward materiality and mark-making.
EDUCATION
2014-2015
B.S. in Education, Art K-12, Chadron State College
2005-2009
B.A. Studio Art Comprehensive, Humanities, Chadron State College, Summa Cum Laude
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2016
Rubble Sturgis Center for the Arts, Sturgis, SD
SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2023
Visions Seen in the Air The Willa Cather Foundation, Red Cloud, NE
2020
Spirit: A Celebration of Art in the Heartland 2020 Museum of Nebraska Art, Kearney, NE
2015
The Growth of an Artist The Willa Cather Foundation, Red Cloud, NE
2014
PIONEER The Golden Tread Gallery, West Hartford, CT
2013
STILLNESS The Golden Thread Gallery, West Hartford, CT
2013
Inspired by O Pioneers! The Willa Cather Foundation, Red Cloud, NE
2013
Chad Fonfara & Travis Hencey Nebraska Arts Council Fred Simon Gallery, Omaha, NE
2011
People, Places, & Things Circa 1900, Chadron, NE
2010
Alumni Art Show Chadron State College Main Gallery & Gallery 239, Chadron, NE
2009
Higgins, Hudson, & Hencey Chadron State College Main Gallery, Chadron, NE
SELECTED EXPERIENCE
2017-Current
Art Teacher (5-12), Chadron Public Schools, Chadron, NE
2016-2017
Art Teacher (K-5, 9-12), Riverside Public Schools, Cedar Rapids, NE
2012-2017
Business Academy Support, Chadron, NE
2012-Current
Art Instructor, Upward Bound Summer Program, Chadron, NE
2016
Substitute Teacher, Chadron Public Schools, Chadron, NE
2015
Student Teacher, Rapid City Area Schools, Rapid City, SD
2011-2015
Graphic Designer, Petersen Drug & Home Care, Chadron, NE
