From Sunsets to Sculptures

At NebraskaLand Bank, we don’t just crunch numbers—we celebrate the unique passions of our team. And when two of our employees, Ricki and Stacey, channel their creativity through art, it’s impossible not to feel inspired. These two talented creators aren’t just making art; they’re reflecting the heart and soul of Nebraska’s beauty, community, and spirit.

Meet Ricki, the Welder and Wilderness Explorer

Ricki Reason, Personal Banking Document Specialist, has taken her love for Nebraska’s landscape to a whole new level this year. When she set a New Year’s goal to learn welding, she didn’t just stick to simple projects. She poured over 100 hours into creating “Prickly Pear,” a vibrant 3D metal sculpture inspired by Nebraska’s native cactus. “I love cactuses,” Ricki said, “so I wanted to make something that’s both rustic and colorful. My husband taught me everything I needed to know about welding, and together, we made it happen!”

Alongside her sculpture, Ricki’s photography pieces capture the magic of Nebraska. From “Amongst the Snow,” a snow-covered bridge scene at Scouts Rest Ranch, to “Tucked Away,” a serene pond reflection of an old barn on HWY 83, Ricki finds beauty in every hidden corner of the State. When asked where her passion began, she smiled. “I’ve been snapping photos of sunsets and lakes since I was little. If something’s beautiful, I just have to capture it.”

Stacey, the Sunset Chaser and Master of Moments

For Stacey King Senior Teller at our Main location, photography is the ultimate way to preserve the beauty of everyday life. Whether it’s a frost-covered morning at Lake Maloney in her photo “Whispers of Winter” or a group of cows stopping for a drink in “Sips on the Prairie,” Stacey’s work shows us the world through her eyes. “I love capturing the beauty of a moment,” she shared. “Sometimes you forget what you saw, but with a photo, it’s forever.”

Stacey’s love for art extends beyond photography. On weekends, you’ll find her painting, doing ceramics, or gathering creative inspiration with friends. Her advice for anyone hesitating to start their creative journeys? “Just pick up a camera, paintbrush, or pencil. You never know how much potential you have till you try.”

Where Passion Meets Community

Both Ricki and Stacey agree that Nebraska’s landscapes and culture fuel their work. “You can take a backroad and find the most overlooked, stunning scenes,” Ricki shared. Stacey chimed in, “North Platte has so many beautiful, historic places that inspire me every day.”

And what better place to share this creativity than at the NebraskaLAND DAYS art show? Events like this allow artists to connect with their community, showcase their work, and grow alongside other talents. “It’s a chance to get your name out there, learn from others, and show the beauty you’ve worked all year to create,” Ricki explained.

Creativity and NebraskaLand Bank

What’s most remarkable is how Ricki and Stacey seamlessly balance their roles at NebraskaLand Bank with their artistic pursuits. For both, it’s about making time for what they love, and their connection to Nebraska’s community ties into the Bank’s culture perfectly. At NebraskaLand Bank, we believe in celebrating the things that make us unique. We’re not just about banking; we’re about lifting each other up and empowering our team to thrive—in and out of the office.

To learn more about NebraskaLand Bank and our amazing culture, visit our website. And don’t forget to check out Ricki and Stacey’s work at this year’s NebraskaLAND DAYS art show!