The Great Plains Art Museum at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln will open three exhibitions on January 20, 2026, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Center for Great Plains Studies and the museum's 45th anniversary. The main and south galleries feature "Collection Connections: Art in Conversation," pairing artworks from the museum's history to highlight formal and thematic ties. The west gallery presents "'All the Beauty You Can See': Dwight Kirsch in Nature," focusing on the Nebraska-born artist's lifelong fascination with nature, while the mezzanine gallery hosts "Indigenous Ceramics from the Collection," showcasing ceramic works by Indigenous artists of the Great Plains and Southwest. The exhibitions run through July 25, with a First Friday reception on February 6.
These exhibitions matter because they mark significant milestones for both the Center for Great Plains Studies and the museum, underscoring the institution's role in preserving and interpreting the region's diverse artistic heritage. By juxtaposing historical and contemporary works, the shows emphasize the evolving narratives of the Great Plains, while the spotlight on Dwight Kirsch and Indigenous ceramics highlights underrepresented voices and deepens public understanding of the area's cultural landscape. The dual anniversary celebration also signals the museum's ongoing commitment to community engagement and educational programming throughout 2026.