Dan Howard

Born, raised, and educated in Iowa, Howard received both B.A. and M.F.A. degrees in art from the University of Iowa. It was during this time that Dan met the love of his life, Barbara “Bobby”. Dan served in United States Air Force from 1953-1955.

Identified by the Omaha World-Herald as Nebraska’s most highly decorated artist, Dan Howard was the recipient of 100 prizes, awards, and honors during a 5O-year career as a professional artist and art educator. Dan was a faculty member and administrator at three state universities: Arkansas State, Kansas State, and served as the Dean of the College of Art and Art History for 10 years at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

The generosity of Dan and Barbara Howard shaped the School of Art, Art History & Design. The Howards contributed support for the school’s art gallery. The Eisentrager-Howard Gallery forms the beating heart of Richards Hall. The gallery has hosted student, faculty and alumni exhibitions; award ceremonies; celebrations; fundraisers; and other university events. It is where students experience the primary goal of their profession—the exhibition.

The Dan and Barbara Howard Creative Achievement Awards and Award for Best Art Historical Writing were introduced 20 years ago. These awards have been instrumental in shaping student careers. These awards have contributed to the improvement of student work in quality and character.  Dan’s steadfast presence in the School of Art, Art History & Design and his own practice as a painter, is a model to all practicing and aspiring artists. His own work is included in the collection of the Smithsonian, The Lowe Art Museum, and numerous public, corporate and private collections.

Dan Howard exhibited extensively throughout the United States, with artwork represented in well over 350 competitive and invitational showcases. Further, more than 600 public, corporate and private art collections in this country and abroad have one or more Howard works among their acquisitions.

Dan’s art is featured by many institutions, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, D.C.; Lowe Art Museum, Miami, FL, The Parthenon Museum, Nashville, TN; Arkansas Arts Center, Little Rock, AR; Sioux City Art Museum, IA; Fort Dodge Art Museum, IA; Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha, NE; Museum of Nebraska Art, Kearney; Sheldon Museum of Art, Lincoln, NE.

Dan’s national collections are prominently featured by such entities as Hallmark Cards, West Law Publishing, United Airlines, American Airlines, U.S.West, Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing (3M), Pepsi Cola, Chicago Steel Corporation, Riceland Foods, Sheraton Hotels, Holiday Inns, Coopers & Lybrand, ConAgra and numerous banking and financial/insurance institutions. Locally, Assurity Life Insurance, Farmers Mutual Insurance, Great Western Bank and the Lied Center for Performing Arts.

Dan lived a life full of love, laughter and artistic inspiration all while enjoying Nebraska football, playing cards with Barbara and friends, entertaining and attending University events and Lied Center for Performing Arts.

Dan’s quick wit, artistic eye, obsession for crisp $1 bills and his snappy sense of humor will be missed by many.

Dan was preceded in death by the love of his life of 65 years Barbara, his parents Mike and Laura and infant brother. Dan is survived by his God-daughter Donnis Minx, nieces Martha, Mary and Elizabeth, and nephew Charles Glaman, and many lifelong friends.

Memorials to Department of Art and Art History at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, People's City Mission and the Lutheran Center (ELCA) 535 N. 16th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68508.

A funeral service for Dan will be held Friday, September 20, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S. 14th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68512. Arrangements entrusted to Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home in Lincoln, Nebraska.