History

History of the Art Show according to Vance Nelson, former Superintendent of Fort Robinson State Park. In the early 1970’s some of the local well-known artists decided to have an Art Show and were offered the upper floor of the Lodge at Fort Robinson.  Although they had good attendance at the Show, it was uncomfortably warm and the space was limited.  Retired General Robison met with Vance after viewing the Park and the Show and suggested that the horses should be remembered in a more public way.  He suggested that the Vet Hospital could serve as an Art Gallery for a few days each year.  It took some time to clean up the building and for a time only the East end was used for the Art Show.  In time the Show grew and the entire building which is under the umbrella of the Nebraska Museum Board was and is used for the annual Show. February 1972 Fort Robinson Centennial, Inc. was incorporated with the State of Nebraska.  As of April 11, 2016, it is identified by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) corporation.  Although the Art Show within this corporation has grown through the years under several name changes the final name is now the Western Wildlife Art Show.  It is held annually July 2-4 in the Historic Veterinary Hospital.  It is rented annually from the Nebraska Museum Board, and through the hospitality of Fort Robinson State Park, the Show is set up on the 30th of June, tables are rented from the Park and many of our artists and guests stay in the Park.  This Show brings in 2500 -3000 visitors to see and purchase the fine art from up to 25 artists.   The Show is free to the public.  The Art Board is always searching for new artists to join us. They can contact us through this site at any time.  Nebraska Museum Board is now "History Nebraska" Nebraska State Historical Society.