On what should have been a joyful and successful weekend sharing art with the public, my dear artist friend Deneena Hughes experienced a devastating loss.
A severe storm tore through the Omaha Art Fair. One section was hit particularly hard where the wind funneled in an intersection where Deneena's booth was located. She experienced complete destruction of her entire booth setup and the loss of all of her painting inventory. Her professional art fair tent, display equipment, and years of creative work were damaged or destroyed in a matter of minutes.
For independent artists, art fairs are more than events—they are their livelihood. Deneena relies on summer art fairs to generate the income that supports both her art practice and her family throughout the year. The destruction of her booth and inventory represents not only the loss of physical artwork, but also the loss of future income opportunities. Without the artwork and equipment needed to participate, she has been forced to cancel portions of her remaining summer show schedule, creating an even greater financial impact in the months ahead.
Deneena is a Minnesota-based artist known for her powerful wildlife and equine paintings that celebrate resilience, freedom, and our connection to the natural world. Through her art, she has spent years bringing beauty, inspiration, and encouragement to others.
Today, she needs that same support from her community.
Funds raised will help replace:
- Lost and damaged artwork inventory
- Her professional art fair tent and display equipment
- Art supplies needed to begin rebuilding inventory
- Income lost from canceled summer art fairs and missed sales opportunities
Every contribution, no matter the size, will help Deneena rebuild, return to future art fairs, and continue creating the work that has touched so many people. I sincerely ask, if you can, to support my friend through a donation to assist in recovery and her ability to start over, emotionally and physically.
If you're unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser would mean the world.
Thank you for helping an artist rise again after the storm.