Listen to the full interview with Holly Howe on our Kubota Podcast
A local effort is bringing art and community together to support Nebraskans impacted by this year’s devastating wildfires.
Holly Howe with HeARTland Artists Helping Nebraskans is organizing an art auction and luncheon on April 18 at the Prairie Arts Center in North Platte. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with all proceeds going toward wildfire relief efforts within the state.
The fundraiser comes as Nebraska faces historic wildfire damage. More than 827,000 acres have burned across the state, and an estimated 35,000 to over 50,000 cattle have been displaced, creating lasting challenges for ranchers and rural communities.
Howe said the idea behind the event is to contribute in whatever way possible.
“I can’t dig fence post holes. I can’t haul truckloads of hay,” Howe said. “But there’s a lot of things I can’t do, but I can do this. And if everybody just did the little bit that they can do, then it makes a huge difference.”
The auction will feature a wide variety of donated artwork, including paintings, fine art photography, handmade jewelry, chainsaw carvings and other creative pieces. Contributions have come from artists both locally and beyond, including one who previously lost a cabin to a wildfire and wanted to give back.
In addition to the auction, attendees can enjoy a meal provided by North 40, featuring prime rib sliders. While lunch is available for a $5 donation, organizers encourage attendees to give more if they are able, as all funds will go directly toward relief.
All proceeds from the event will benefit ALERT, an organization that provides disaster assistance nationwide. Howe said it was important to ensure the money raised would stay in Nebraska and support those directly affected by the fires.
Beyond financial help, Howe said the emotional support from community efforts like this can be just as meaningful.
“Sometimes just knowing that someone wants to help you, the emotional impact of that is just as great as monetary,” she said.
Howe first organized a similar art auction during the 2019 floods in eastern Nebraska and revived the idea in response to this year’s wildfires. Since announcing the event, she said support has poured in from across the region, reflecting what many describe as a strong Nebraska spirit.
The impact of the fires extends beyond those who lost homes, pasture or livestock. With tens of thousands of cattle displaced, the effects are expected to ripple through local economies and agricultural markets, affecting businesses and communities across the state.
The art auction and luncheon is open to the public, and organizers hope for a strong turnout as the community comes together to support wildfire survivors—and help Nebraska rebuild.