photo by: Shawn Valverde
Haskell Indian Nations University is pictured on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024.
In a public-driven effort to help Haskell Indian Nations University since its federal layoffs, an art auction next month will raise funds to support cultural programs at the university.
The Haskell Cultural Preservation Art Auction is a first-time event that will be at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 3, in the regency ballroom of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 200 McDonald Drive. There is no charge to enter the auction, and the event will include both a silent and a live auction. All of the proceeds from the event will be given to the university.
There are many local and national artists that have been donating to the event, and a call to artists is underway for additional donations, according to a press release from Tamara Werth. All art forms are welcome to include custom commissions, and there is no age of art, artist, and no value of art restriction for participation.
Lora Jost, a local artist in Lawrence, told the Journal-World via email that she is honored and excited to contribute art for the auction and plans to make something that involves cardinals and vibrant colors.
“Haskell is an important part of our community and vital to support as the (premier) tribal university in the United States,” Jost said. “I should not have been surprised, but I was still shocked when I learned that DOGE had terminated so many Haskell faculty and staff.”
“One of the faculty who was terminated is someone I know, a wonderful art teacher and artist,” Jost said. “… I was excited to hear about the art auction as a concrete way for me to help. I know that other artists feel that way, too, and dozens of local artists are contributing work for the show. I hope that folks come out for the auction and bid generously on the art.”
As the Journal-World reported, on Feb. 14, numerous Haskell employees were suddenly let go. However, on Thursday, U.S. District Judge William Alsup in San Francisco directed the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Defense, Energy, the Interior, and the Treasury to immediately offer reinstatement to those who had been terminated. The Haskell employees were under the umbrella of the Department of the Interior. However, the Trump administration has appealed, and many in the university community are still uneasy about what may happen next.
“This will help Haskell, and those who purchase art will leave with something that brings a little joy and beauty into their lives, too,” Jost said.
Artists who are interested in submitting artwork for the auction can contact Werth by calling 785-393-4966.
