Lincoln Arts is saddened to learn of arts champion, talented accompanist, and our 2022 Heart of the Arts Award recipient Jean Patoka’s passing. Driven by her love for music and for helping others, Jean taught piano, led choirs, wrote parodies, and more.

Lincoln Arts is heartbroken to learn of arts champion and former president for our Board of Directors, Joe Ruffo’s, passing. For Lincoln’s arts community, Joe was a vital member and leader. More than that, he was a champion for others’ ambitions.

It is with a now heavy heart—filled with sorrow—that we share the news of Colleen's passing. But for the arts community, Colleen will continue to live on as the mentor, creator, and giver she was. For the kind of impact she made cannot be replicated.