Former NAC Board Member Joan Gibson passes away at 69

Joan Gibson, who served on the Nebraska Arts Council board from 2002 to 2008, passed away on January 1st, 2023, at age 69.

Originally from Michigan, Joan was an artist who lived and worked in Omaha. She pursued studio art courses at the California College of Arts and Crafts, the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and Creighton University.

In addition to her role on the NAC board, she also served on the boards of the Literacy Council, Joslyn Castle, Omaha Chapter of the Links, Inc., Charles B. Washington Branch Library, Nebraska Cultural Endowment, and Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts.

NAC Interim Director Mike Markey worked with Joan and her husband, Don, while employed at Nebraska Shakespeare and remembers her as a strong advocate for the arts, as well as literacy for all Nebraskans.

A long-time supporter of the Nebraska Cultural Endowment and an avid community volunteer, she impacted the Nebraska arts community and will be missed by many. 

Joan is survived by her husband Donald F. Wuster; mother Lola M. Jones; sisters, Janet M. Gibson, Carol E. Gibson, and Karen Stewart (Anthony).

A visitation will be held Saturday, January 7th, at 10am at the West Center Chapel, with comments at 11:30am and lunch following.