Mission Statement

"The Brownville Fine Arts Association strives to promote the visual and performing arts and pledges to weave them into Brownville's historically and culturally rich setting. We also recognize the gratifying beauty in nature and the outdoors. We endeavor to maintain a place for those who wish to develop the creative process, expand aesthetic appreciation, and derive new meaning and understanding from the arts and nature." As a non-profit member organization, the Brownville Fine Arts Association serves as a vital volunteer resource in support of cultural, educational, recreational events and activities in historic Brownville. In these endeavors, it operates, maintains, sponsors and supports: 

SCHOOLHOUSE ART GALLERY AND NATURE CENTER

Located at 427 Main Street, special exhibitions focus on visual artists of the region and are dovetailed with lectures, workshops and artist receptions. There are five artists shown each summer, one a month from June to October. There is also a Speaker Series presented with a talk given once a month from June to October on subjects ranging from books, living history, nature and other topics of interest. Open Thursday - Sunday from 1:00-4:00pm June - October. For tours call 402-274-4146 or go to the Brownville Market. Keep an eye on the Community Calendar for event dates!

GOV. ROBERT W. FURNAS HISTORIC HOME & MUSEUM

Open to the public for special and holiday displays, this 1868 Italianate and Gothic Revival home reflects the typical expressions of the era in addition to serving as an illustrative documentation of historical activities and events related to Historic Brownville. The Gov. Furnas Home is located at 230 S. 6th Street. Open Thursday - Sunday from 1:00-4:00pm June - October. For tours, call or text 402-245-7879 or go to the Brownville Market.

GOV. ROBERT W. FURNAS ARBORETUM & WHISKEY RUN CREEK NATURE TRAIL

The Furnas Arboretum, an affiliate site of the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, provides educational activities, eco-tourism, birding, symposiums, garden tours and memorial plantings and dedication opportunities. The Furnas Arboretum entrance is located on Main at 5th Street and extends from 6th Street to 4th Street. Consider donating a tree in honor of or in memory of a loved one or making a donation to the Gov. Robert W. Furnas Endowment Fund. The Whiskey Run Creek Nature Trail follows along and crisscrosses Whiskey Run Creek between Main and Water Street from 7th Street and Main through the Gov. Furnas Arboretum, past the Brownville Village Theatre, behind the row of shops at 2nd Street and across Hwy 136 to meet with the Steamboat Trace Hike & Bike Trail. Always open year ‘round.

ROHMAN GARDENS

This will be the latest addition to the arboretum in honor of Carl Rohman who was instrumental in creating and designing the arboretum in addition to saving many of the historic homes in Brownville. Construction will begin in Spring 2018 and donations are being solicited. Located at the corner of 5th and Main St across from the Schoolhouse Art Gallery. the gardens will contain Iris beds reflecting his work breeding hybrid Irises, a poem written by US Poet Laureate Ted Kooser and dedicated Carl Rohman, a circular walkway with benches and a history wall. This community space will be perfect for outdoor events and performances. Check the PHOTO gallery for renderings.

QUILTING BROWNVILLE

This is a project spearheaded by the Brownville Fine Arts Assocaition with cooperation and participation from members of the Brownville Community and with special thanks to Don & Margaret Hoffmeyer. There are 19 unique quilt blocks on various barns, homes and buildings in Brownville easily seen by walking or by car. Brochures are available at the Post Office, Town Hall foyer, Brownville Market, Schoolhouse Art Gallery, The Lyceum, Winery and most of the shops. 

Join Us!

You are invited to join in these educational and cultural endeavors with your yearly membership/donation: Categories: FRIEND $10; PATRON $30; CONTRIBUTOR $65; SPONSOR $125. Please mail your check to: BFAA Membership, PO Box 4, Brownville, NE 68321.