Upholding the Legacy of Colleen Eubanks

Teacher. Artist. Volunteer. Colleen Eubanks filled many roles for the Lincoln community. More importantly she filled many hearts and touched many souls, including those at Lincoln Arts. It is with a now heavy heart—filled with sorrow—that we share the news of Colleen's passing. This past winter, Colleen lost her battle with pancreatic cancer and passed away. But for the arts community, Colleen will continue to live on as the mentor, creator, and giver she was.

For Lincoln Arts, she was all this and more. A teacher, an artist, a board member, a founder. Colleen helped to establish the beloved Lincoln Arts Festival in 2000. In the 20-plus years since, the Festival has grown in size and impact. We can only imagine how it will continue to expand in the next 20-plus. Not only did Colleen create this event for Lincoln Arts; she also participated in many others, selling her own works and prints at regional art shows and festivals. Most notably, though, she helped many artists in her community, and served as an instructor and consultant for a number of local organizations. The kind of impact she left on all she met cannot be replicated.

Thus, it is only fitting that, at Lincoln Arts' Mayor's Arts Awards of 2021, Colleen was honored with our Legacy of the Arts Award. The teacher, artist, volunteer had built a legacy in the arts community. Now, we must try to uphold that legacy. Using what she taught us, channeling her giving nature, we must continue to build. Already, so many of us have—particularly those who have made generous contributions to Lincoln Arts in Colleen’s memory. Thank you, donors, for honoring a true artist and servant to her community and for giving back to Lincoln Arts. And, thank you, Colleen, for everything.

Read more about the life Colleen led and the legacy she left.