Prairie Arts Center
Home of the Historic Federal Building in North Platte, Nebraska.
Connecting our Community
Through Arts
The Prairie Arts Center is a nonprofit rooted in the rich history of the downtown Canteen District in North Platte. Housed in a beautifully restored historic building, it reflects the area’s cultural heritage while continuing to evolve as a creative hub.
Today, PAC provides opportunities for artistic expression through exhibits, classes, concerts, and community events. Discover how it all began and learn more about its story.
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HISTORY
ABOUT THE PRAIRIE ARTS CENTER
The Prairie Arts Center is housed in a historic 1913 federal building that once served as a post office before being reimagined as a space for the arts. In 2008, the building was acquired and began an ongoing restoration through community support and volunteer efforts, transforming it into a vibrant creative hub that continues to preserve its rich architectural and cultural legacy.
Artists on Display - Gary Bargell
The Prairie Arts Center is honored to present a special exhibition celebrating the work of the late Gary Bargell, a respected artist, educator, and lifelong advocate for the arts. A 1956 graduate of North Platte High School, Gary earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas, where he studied under renowned Midwestern painter and printmaker John Bashor. He later returned to North Platte, inspiring generations of students as an art teacher at North Platte High School until his retirement in 1998. This exhibition showcases Gary's artistic legacy and the lasting impact he made on both the local arts community and countless young artists.
Raildays Photography Exhibit
Step into the RailDays Photography Exhibit, a special collection sponsored by the Golden Spike Tower & Visitor Center and celebrating the enduring legacy of railroading through powerful visual storytelling.
This exhibit features a diverse archive of railroad photography capturing trains in motion, quiet yards, and historic moments across generations. Curated from preserved archives and generous community contributions, the collection highlights not only iconic locomotives but also the people, places, and culture that have shaped the rail industry.
Artist on Display - JJ Ulrich
Our Artist on Display for May is JJ Ulrich, featured at the Prairie Arts Center gallery. His paintings strive to invite viewers to appreciate the brilliant colors and wondrous features that nature shares with us every day.
A beautiful world exists all around us—one that can be loved and enjoyed from sunrise to sunset, from river to sea, from mountain to sky, and from land to life. Through his work, JJ captures the greens and grandeur of what he calls the “Blaze of Nature,” highlighting the energy, color, and movement found throughout the natural world.
Signs of Rural Life Open Art Show
From tractors to tall tales, this exhibition captures the essence of Midwestern living — a vibrant blend of charm, hard work, and humor. Through each piece, visitors are invited to experience the region’s enduring spirit, from its agricultural roots to its storytelling traditions.
Download the open art show entry form and be apart of the showcase. All entries need to be gallery ready with wire hangers.
August 4-28th $10 per entry. Judged Show
In the Galleries
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