Iron Horse Arts District Selected as 2025 Nebraska Passport Stop
Date: March 5, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cassie Ehrenberg, Executive Director at Iron Horse Arts District, at (949) 295-7018, or director@ironhorsedistrict.org
Iron Horse Arts District Selected as 2025 Nebraska Passport Stop
HOLDREGE, NE – The Iron Horse Arts District has been selected as a featured stop in the 2025 Nebraska Passport program, a statewide tourism initiative that encourages travelers to explore Nebraska’s unique destinations. As part of the program, the Iron Horse Arts District will partner with Coal & Feed, Coffee & Vittle and Lost Way Brewery to offer visitors an unforgettable cultural and culinary experience in downtown Holdrege.
“We are excited to showcase Holdrege’s thriving arts and small business community to travelers from across Nebraska and beyond,” said Cassie Ehrenberg, Executive Director of the Iron Horse Arts District. “This opportunity allows us to celebrate our town’s creative spirit while welcoming new visitors to experience our local food, craft beverages, and artistic attractions.”
The Nebraska Passport, organized by Visit Nebraska, features 70 stops across 10 themed tours, with participants collecting stamps at each location to earn prizes. The 2025 program runs from May 1 through September 30, inviting Passport travelers to discover the hidden gems of the state, including historic sites, female-owned businesses, delicious eats, and Nebraska’s flourishing Creative Districts.
Visitors stopping at the Iron Horse Arts District Passport location can enjoy:
Public art installations (such as “The Mailbox” mural on the Rite Way building), Pop-Up Art Galleries, the Midtown Sculpture Garden and creative spaces throughout downtown.
Delicious coffee and handmade treats at Coal & Feed Coffee and Vittle.
Craft brews and community vibes at Lost Way Brewery.
The program is expected to bring more than 3,000 visitors to the area. Visitors will be able to receive their stamps at either Coal & Feed or Lost Way Brewery after touring the art district.
Passports will be available at participating stops starting May 1, or can be pre-ordered at NebraskaPassport.com. Travelers are encouraged to download the Nebraska Passport App for digital stamps and an enhanced experience.
For more information about the Iron Horse Arts District, please contact our Executive Director Cassie Ehrenberg at director@ironhorsedistrict.org or visit our website at ironhorsedistrict.org.
Iron Horse Arts District Announces Pop-Up Art Gallery Featuring Local Artist Cheyenne Riggleman
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cassie Ehrenberg
Executive Director, Iron Horse Arts District
Email: director@ironhorsedistrict.org
Iron Horse Arts District Announces Pop-Up Art Gallery Featuring Local Artist Cheyenne Riggleman
Holdrege, NE - The Iron Horse Arts District is pleased to invite the public to a special Pop-Up Art Gallery showcasing the wildlife-inspired artwork of artist and graphic designer, Cheyenne Riggleman. The opening reception will be held on Thursday, March 13, from 5 to 7 PM at the Holdrege Area Public Library, offering an evening of art, conversation, and light refreshments.
Growing up in rural Nebraska, Riggleman spent much of her time outdoors, a passion nurtured by her grandmother, an avid outdoorswoman, and her grandfather, who served in the U.S. Forest Service. Their shared love of hiking, national parks, and ornithology sparked Riggleman’s fascination with birds and wildlife, themes that remain central in her art. Today, her work immerses viewers in whimsical worlds filled with flora and fauna, blending childlike wonder with a deeper reflection on her own experiences growing up in the Midwest.
Riggleman explores multiple artistic mediums, including acrylic and oil painting, printmaking, photography, and digital art. Her versatile approach and distinctive style show her deep connection to nature and her ongoing dedication to sharing its beauty with others.
The Pop-Up Art Gallery is free and open to the public during March at the Holdrege Area Public Library. We look forward to celebrating Cheyenne Riggleman’s artwork with the community!
About Iron Horse Arts District
The Iron Horse Arts District is dedicated to supporting and promoting local artists, fostering community engagement through the arts, and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of our region. Through pop-up galleries, workshops, and community events, the district seeks to connect people of all ages with creative expression.
Celebrate Local Talent at the Pop-Up Art Gallery Featuring Christi Anderson
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cassie Ehrenberg
Executive Director, Iron Horse Arts District
Email: director@ironhorsedistrict.org
Celebrate Local Talent at the Pop-Up Art Gallery Featuring Christi Anderson
Holdrege, NE – January 21, 2025 – The Iron Horse Arts District is thrilled to announce the opening of its next Pop-Up Art Gallery, showcasing the inspiring works of local artist Christi Anderson. Join us for an evening of art, conversation, and light refreshments during the opening night reception on Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 6:30-7:30 PM at Coal & Feed Coffee and Vittle, located at 612 4th Avenue, Holdrege, NE.
Christi Anderson grew up on a farm near Holdrege, cultivating a passion for painting and drawing from an early age. Her artistic journey blossomed into a career after earning a Commercial Arts degree from VTI Career Institute. She worked in printing and graphic design, where she created logos, ads, and print materials, and spent ten years as a member of Grow NE, crafting unique hand-painted glassware.
Christi’s entrepreneurial spirit led her and her mother, Carol O’Connell, to open The Red Shed, a beloved retail space that featured collaborations with 30 consigners. More recently, Christi has been focusing on creating stunning pencil drawings and acrylic paintings of landscapes and florals. Her works have been displayed at The Brickwalk Art Gallery in Kearney, NE, and she continues to delight clients with custom commissions that celebrate special places and cherished memories.
Selected pieces from Christi’s collection will remain on display at Coal & Feed Coffee and Vittle throughout February for those unable to attend the opening night.
Don’t miss this opportunity to support local talent and connect with an artist who brings beauty and inspiration to the community.
For more information, visit ironhorsedistrict.org/events
About the Iron Horse Arts District
The Iron Horse Arts District is dedicated to creating vibrant cultural experiences that celebrate the artistic roots, entrepreneurial spirit, and historical preservation of the Holdrege community.
Chelsey Neville Featured in November Pop-Up Art Gallery
Date: Oct. 21, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cassie Ehrenberg, Iron Horse Arts District Project Manager, at (949) 295-7018, or info@ironhorsedistrict.org
Chelsey Neville Featured in November Pop-Up Art Gallery
Local painter Chelsey Neville (left) will be featured in the Iron Horse Arts District’s November pop-up art gallery.
HOLDREGE – The art of Chelsey Neville of rural Holdrege will be featured in the Iron Horse Arts District’s November pop-up art gallery.
An Artist Meet & Greet Reception is planned from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at Lost Way Brewery, 614 3rd Ave. in Holdrege. Neville’s art will be featured at the brewery throughout November. The public is invited to attend to meet Neville and enjoy light refreshments.
Neville specializes in acrylic paintings that embody pastoral and rural scenes. One of her paintings earned first place in the professional landscapes category at the 2024 Nebraska State Fair.
“My art is meant to embody a simpler, country spirit,” Neville said. “I prefer painting comforting, utilitarian items and objects reminiscent of a rustic or cottage sensibility. I am drawn to pastoral scenes, and while every landscape has its own charm and challenges, I am enticed by the beauty of a wide, sprawling Nebraska sky. I especially love a cloud-speckled sky, whose play of shadows and light on a countryside illuminates golden patches of earth.”
Neville and her husband live on an acreage in Holdrege with their four daughters. She is a self-taught artist who has always had a passion for art and painting.
“Time is lost when painting, and it recharges me,” she said.
Acrylic on canvas is her preferred medium but she also uses watercolors.
“I’m always striving to improve and add a level of realism, while still maintaining a degree of romanticism,” she said.
Neville will also be leading a Pumpkin Paint-Along from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29, for children in grades 1-6 at the Holdrege Public Library. Registration is limited to 15 participants. There is no fee for the class, but freewill donations are appreciated. Cookies and refreshments will be provided. Register at https://tinyurl.com/pumpkin-paint-along.
The Iron Horse Arts District is also hosting a Fall-Themed Pop-Up Gallery at the Holdrege Public Library from Nov. 5-25. The opening night reception will be from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13, at the Holdrege Public Library.
A call for winter-themed art is due Nov. 15 for a pop-up gallery in December.
The Iron Horse Arts District is also hosting a Barn Quilt Workshop on Saturday, Oct. 26, with Artistic Innovations. It will take place from 1-4 p.m. at the Holdrege Public Library. Advance registration is required by visiting ironhorseartsdistrict.org.
For more information on any of these events, visit ironhorseartsdistrict.org or contact project manager Cassie Ehrenberg at info@ironhorsedistrict.org.
Meet the Iron Horse Arts District Muralist
Date: Oct. 1, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cassie Ehrenberg, Iron Horse Arts District Project Manager, at (949) 295-7018, or info@ironhorsedistrict.org
Meet the Iron Horse Arts District Muralist
HOLDREGE – The community is invited to a special reception on Tuesday, Oct. 8, at Glenwood Telephone (821 4th Ave.) to meet the muralist who will paint a new mural in the Iron Horse Arts District.
Dan Toro of Wyoming will begin work on the mural in early October. It is expected to take three weeks for him to complete the mural, which will be painted on the east side of the Riteway Milk building at 815 4th Ave., in downtown Holdrege.
Toro grew up in Wyoming and has enjoyed traveling the country to paint murals for the past nine years. In college, he studied art with an emphasis in oil painting and printmaking, both of which have helped him create large-scale murals.
“I love how much murals can change an area of town and bring joy to people,” Toro said. “My favorite is finding out how this type of art changes people’s commutes for just a moment so that they can enjoy art on their way to work.”
Toro was chosen from a field of more than 130 muralists who responded to a Call for Qualifications by the Iron Horse Art District. The list of muralists was narrowed to 25, and the public art committee selected their top three. The Iron Horse Arts District paid the top three muralists to create a specific mural design for Holdrege.
The public art committee unanimously chose Toro’s work because of his use of bold colors and attention to detail. The mural idea he presented for Holdrege is relatable and tells a story. Viewers will be able to play an “eye spy” game with the mural to find features unique to Holdrege.
“I love to get into the details and strive to make things have a sense of rightness, where the images don’t feel like a flat image pasted to the wall, rather a sculpted image that stands out,” Toro said.
The Norm and Corliss Stewart family, who own and operate Riteway Milk, have been instrumental in helping this mural become a reality. Corliss, who graduated from Holdrege High School with the class of 1966, is an art enthusiast and was involved in the selection process for the mural design.
“We are honored to have been a part of promoting our community through the Iron Horse Arts District,” Corliss Stewart said.
The mural is funded by the Stewart family and a grant from the Phelps County Visitors Committee. AJ/Integrity Construction prepared the building’s exterior for the mural.
The public is invited to meet Dan Toro and the Stewart family and hear about the mural at the October 8 Meet the Muralist reception at Glenwood Telephone (next door to where the mural will be painted) from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Light snacks and refreshments will be served.
A camera will be installed on the Glenwood building to record a time-lapse video as the mural takes shape over the next several weeks. For more information about public murals in Holdrege or about the Iron Horse Arts District, visit www.ironhorseartsdistrict.org or email info@ironhorsedistrict.org.
Holdrege Native Ryan Quincy, State Poet Matt Mason Featured in First Iron Horse Arts Festival
Date: Aug. 28, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cassie Ehrenberg, Iron Horse Arts District Project Manager, at (949) 295-7018, or info@ironhorsedistrict.org
Holdrege Native Ryan Quincy Featured in First Iron Horse Festival
HOLDREGE – Holdrege native Ryan Quincy will be part of the first Iron Horse Festival in downtown Holdrege on Saturday, Sept. 14.
Quincy, who graduated from Holdrege High School in 1991, is an animation professional and has worked in the industry for 26 years. He’s best known for his work as an animation producer/director on the long-running animated series “South Park,” for which he won two Emmy Awards in 2008 and 2009 and was nominated in 2010 and 2011, all for Outstanding Animated Program.
Quincy went on to create IFC’s animated series “Out There.” He also created and executive produced Disney XD’s “Future Worm!” He’s developed projects for Disney, Netflix, Nickelodeon and Fox. He was most recently co-executive producer and animation director for (HBO) MAX’s adult animated series, “Ten Year Old Tom.” Currently, Quincy is a Supervising Producer at Warner Bros. Animation.
Quincy is one of more than 40 artists who will attend the event. Artisans will give presentations on everything from dance, poetry, songwriting, weaving, culinary arts, tattoos and more during the festival.
The free artisan expo portion of the event be in downtown Holdrege at various locations from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Quincy will display his art in the lobby of the Holdrege Sun Theater & Event Venue, will give a presentation called “From Holdrege to Hollywood” at the theater at 2:30 p.m. and will show an episode of “Out There” at 3:15 p.m.
State Poet Matt Mason is also scheduled to attend. He will lead a poetry reading and discussion at 1 p.m. on the Phelps County Courthouse lawn and a poetry slam at the same location at 2:45 p.m.
Other artists scheduled to attend include:
Artistic Innovations, Bakopoly, Black Sheep Products, Bomba, Broken Horse Design, Cat’s Meow, Cheyenne Riggleman Studio, Chelsey Neville Fine Art, Creative Hand, Darcy Bahensky, Dogwood Road Pottery, Enchanted Adornments, Foxarts Ceramics, Full Moon Impressions, Golden Sheep Shop, Hal Snyder, Hogan’s Art, The Horse Canyon Jewelry, Inspirations in Oil by Brandy Edgren, JC’s Bakery, January Aldinger, Jeremy Hanssen, Jillian Bailey, Ken Caples, Luke Mills, Morninglark Crochet, Mosie’s Watercolors, MomenTum Dance Academy, Museum of Nebraska Art, Nebraska Prairie Museum, Paint Paradise on the Go, Phelps County 4-H, Sculptures by Sally, SG Studios/Kebz Creations, Steve Mawson Lathe Woodworking, Tattoos by Lackey, Todd Rundstrom Photography, Tri-County Porcelain Painters, UNK Glass Students and Victoria Harper/WeeHarperCreations.
For full details on each of these artists, visit https://www.ironhorseartsdistrict.org/iron-horse-festival-info.
Several area food and snack vendors will attend including Braxton’s Smokehouse, Knuckle Sandwich Grill, MK’s Ice Cream, P & D Foods & More, Ra Ca’s, and Rowdy Rott BBQ.
Also, as part of the artisan expo, the Holdrege Bronze Sculpture Tour will host free bus tours of area bronze sculptures. The tours will be offered at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and will begin with a 22-minute film featuring sculptor George Lundeen at the Holdrege Sun Theater and Event Venue. Reserve tours in advance to ensure a seat by visiting the Iron Horse Arts District website at www.ironhorseartsdistrict.org/festival-info (in the schedule).
The entire schedule of demonstrations during the event (culinary, painting, songwriting, poetry, etc.) can also be found on the website.
The free artisan expo concludes at 4 p.m. but the fun continues at 6 p.m. with a live country music concert featuring Logan Mize, Luke Mills, Savanna Chestnut, the Kyle Sayler Band and Hockett. It will take place in front of the Iron Horse Station on West Avenue. Tickets are available at ironhorseartsdistrict.org.
The Nebraska Arts Council certified the Iron Horse Arts District in downtown Holdrege in January 2024 as an official state creative arts district. Since then, one new mural has been painted and another will soon be painted. The district has hosted several pop-up art shows and will continue to plan events and activities to create a vibrant and attractive destination for residents and visitors to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit and roots of the community.
For more information, visit ironhorseartsdistrict.org.
Signature Event Planned in Holdrege’s New Iron Horse Arts District
Date: Aug. 15, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cassie Ehrenberg, Iron Horse Arts District Project Manager, at (949)295-7018, or info@ironhorsedistrict.org
Signature Event Planned in Holdrege’s New Iron Horse Arts District
HOLDREGE – Country music star Logan Mize will headline a new event in downtown Holdrege’s Iron Horse Arts District.
The Sept. 14 Iron Horse Festival will begin at 11 a.m. with an artisan expo and will culminate with a 6 p.m. outdoor concert featuring Mize, Nebraska Country Hall of Fame singer Luke Mills and “The Voice” star Savanna Chestnut.
Tickets are on sale now for the evening portion of the event, which will take place on the Flyover Country Stage sponsored by Ag Service Associates, Farm Bureau Financial Services and Landmark. Holdrege is one of the last stops on Mize’s “The American Dream Tour 2024.” Fans will hear Mize’s new song “Heaven on Dirt” and old favorites like “Grew Apart” and “Better Off Gone.”
During the daytime portion of the event, artists from around the state and country will display and sell their art, including Holdrege native Ryan Quincy, an Emmy-Award-winning professional animator who worked on the “South Park” series. Other artisans who plan to attend include state poet Matt Mason, Bertrand artist Jeremy Hansen, Holdrege artists Brandy Edgren, Jillian Bailey, Christi Anderson, and Chelsey Neville.
Demonstrations will include a short film festival, a Museum of Nebraska Art exhibit featuring five Holdrege native artists, and MomenTum Dance Academy.
A bus tour of Holdrege’s bronze sculptures will take place at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. starting with a 22-minute video narrated by bronze sculptor and Holdrege native George Lundeen at Holdrege’s Sun Theater & Event Venue.
Some of the food trucks scheduled to serve at the event include Braxton’s Smokehouse, Knuckle Sandwich Grill, MKS Ice Cream, P&D Foods, and JC’s Bakery.
The daytime portion of the event is free and takes place in downtown Holdrege around the Phelps County Courthouse from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
The concert will take place in front of the Iron Horse Station on West Avenue. Tickets are available at ironhorseartsdistrict.org.
The Nebraska Arts Council certified the Iron Horse Arts District in downtown Holdrege in January 2024 as an official state creative arts district. Since then, one new mural has been painted and another will soon be painted. The district has hosted several pop-up art shows and will continue to plan events and activities to create a vibrant and attractive destination for residents and visitors to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit and roots of the community.
For more information, visit ironhorseartsdistrict.org.
Iron Horse Arts August Pop-Up Art Gallery Features Knitting, Crocheting
Date: July 25, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cassie Ehrenberg, Iron Horse Arts District Project Manager, at (949) 295-7018, or info@ironhorsedistrict.org
Iron Horse Arts August Pop-Up Art Gallery Features Knitting, Crocheting
HOLDREGE – The Iron Horse Arts District’s August Pop-Up Gallery features the art of textile design.
Opening receptions are planned for Thursday, Aug. 8, from 3-5 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. at the Holdrege Public Library. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn and try knitting and crocheting as well as view examples from several local artisans, including Sue Stempke, Mary Norman, Sylvia Person, Deb Sindt, and Connie Jacobson. Refreshments will be served.
Sue Stempke’s grandmother taught her to crochet when she was 10. She started with hats and mittens. As an adult, Sue advanced to scares, doilies, and tablecloths. Her crocheted items received purple ribbons at the Phelps County Fair three times and a fifth place overall one year at the Nebraska State Fair.
Mary Norman learned to knit as a child. In college, she enrolled in a weaving class, and she learned more about knitting from “The Loom Shop” across the street from Union College. She began knitting more in her 30s, making items for family members.
When Sylvia was in junior high, Elvera Peterson moved from New York to her neighborhood and taught her to knit. Sylvia knitted throughout high school, including a special project for her high school art teacher. Syliva said knitting allows her to use her hands to be creative, and it’s calming for the mind. Sylvia considers it a good day if she can knit.
Deb Sindt learned to knit as an adult in a class that Sylvia taught. Deb has made baby blankets, scarves, and hats and finds knitting to be a fun hobby.
Connie Jacobson decided to learn knitting when she was pregnant with her first child. A family friend later taught her the techniques to be a successful knitter. Connie made quilts for several people and baby sweaters for her boys. Connie served as a 4-H leader, and the pattern she gave to one of the 4-Hers helped her compete at the Nebraska State Fair, where she won a purple ribbon.
The textile display will be displayed in the Holdrege Public Library main floor throughout August. The opening reception will be in the library’s basement.
The September art event will be the Iron Horse Festival on Saturday, Sept. 14. The daytime portion of the event is free and will include artisans and vendors from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Some of the artists/demonstrators will include Holdrege native and professional animator Ryan Quincy, Nebraska State Poet Matt Mason, a pop-up gallery from the Museum of Nebraska Art featuring five Holdrege artists, Artistic Innovations (barn quilt demonstration), and MomenTum Dance Academy. The event will culminate with a concert in front of the Iron Horse Station featuring country musicians Logan Mize, Luke Mills and Savanna Chestnut. Tickets are available for the evening concert by visiting the Iron Horse Arts District website at ironhorseartsdistrict.org.
For more information about the Iron Horse Arts District or to be involved, please contact project manager Cassie Ehrenberg at info@ironhorsedistrict.org.
Iron Horse Arts District Receives Grants from Nebraska Arts Council
Date: July 15, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cassie Ehrenberg, Iron Horse Arts District Project Manager, at (949) 295-7018, or info@ironhorsedistrict.org
Iron Horse Arts District Receives Grants from Nebraska Arts Council
HOLDREGE—Iron Horse Arts District announced today that it has been awarded two grants totaling $6190 by the Nebraska Arts Council. These grants will support different components of the Iron Horse Festival, held in downtown Holdrege on Saturday, September 14.
Nebraska Arts Council Executive Director Mike Markey commented, “The Iron Horse Arts District contributes a great deal to advancement of the arts in Holdrege. We commend the work being done by organizations such as Iron Horse Arts District because the arts are important to the education and quality of life for all Nebraskans.”
The Sept. 14 Iron Horse Festival will begin at 11 a.m. with an artisan expo and will culminate with a 6 p.m. outdoor concert featuring Logan Mize, Nebraska Country Hall of Fame singer Luke Mills, and “The Voice” star Savanna Chestnut.
For more information about the Iron Horse Festival, contact Project Manager Cassie Ehrenberg (info@ironhorsedistrict.org) or visit their website at ironhorsedistrict.org.
About the Iron Horse Arts District
The Iron Horse Arts District, located in downtown Holdrege, NE, was certified by the Nebraska Arts Council in January 2024. The mission is to create a vibrant and attractive destination for residents and visitors and to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit and artistic roots of the community.
About the Nebraska Arts Council
Nebraska Arts Council (NAC), a state agency, provides numerous grants, services and special initiatives that help sustain and promote the arts throughout Nebraska. NAC is supported by the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, Nebraska Legislature and National Endowment for the Arts. To learn more visit artscouncil.nebraska.gov.
Iron Horse District Begins Pop-Up Art Project with June Chalk Creations
Date: June 3, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cassie Ehrenberg, Iron Horse Arts District Project Manager, at (949) 295-7018, or info@ironhorsedistrict.org
Iron Horse District Begins Pop-Up Art Project with June Chalk Creations
HOLDREGE – Pop-up art, a mural, and a new all-day art and music festival will bring downtown Holdrege to life this summer as part of the new Iron Horse Arts District.
Cassie Ehrenberg, project manager for the district, said one of the long-term goals of the arts district is to operate a permanent art gallery or center. But for now, the Iron Horse team will highlight area artists through pop-up displays.
In June, Bertrand Native Taylor (Nation) Majerus will lead ESU 11 Summer Honors students in chalk art drawings in front of the Holdrege Public Library and other downtown locations.
Majerus will be teaching 14 students in her summer honors class June 10-21. Her students will learn about illusions in art and focus on anamorphic chalk art.
“These chalk images are illustrated in a way that they appear to be popping out, caving in, or standing on the sidewalk right in front of you, when viewed through a camera lens,” Majerus said. “Soft pastels are used to create the artwork, which gives it a bright high-contrast color and allows us to create more realistic fine details.”
Majerus said this type of artwork is sometimes referred to as “street painting” and has roots that date back to 15th-century Italy.
She said the students will create their own designs for the chalk art around town, but they will be encouraged to plan designs for the library that relate to book characters and the importance of reading.
Majerus hopes to have the library drawings done in time for Swedish Days, but it will depend on the weather. With no rain, the drawings will remain crisp and bright for several days. A heavy rain will wash away a lot of the color, but faded images could remain on the sidewalk for several weeks.
Businesses interested in hosting chalk art creations in front of their business should contact Majerus at taylorspalette@gmail.com.
The second pop-up will be in July when the artwork of 2023 Holdrege High School graduate Jillian Bailey and the late Brad Pearson will be displayed at the Spirit of Grace Church, 413 West Ave. The church will be open for viewing the art from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays in July. A Meet and Greet reception is scheduled for 5-7 p.m. Thursday, July 11.
Bailey is pursuing a career in digital illustration through the CG Spectrum Art Academy. She has loved art since she was a young child and fostered that talent through high school where she was a member of the National Art Honor Society. The art on display is part of the portfolio she is developing through her classes.
Pearson was a 1963 HHS graduate who started loving art from an early age. He practiced his skills on classmates’ papers and notebooks and then on ivory soap as a Boy Scout. In 1983, he moved on to bronze sculptures. One of his sculptures is displayed at St. Andrew’s Museum in Scotland. In 1984, Brad drew 11 pictures for the First National Bank’s Calendar for their 100th anniversary. Besides bronze, he also created art with watercolors and pastels. Pearson died in 2019.
In August, Iron Horse Arts District volunteers are planning a Community Talent Show at the Holdrege Public Library. The event will be from 5-7:45 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 8.
The deadline to register for the talent show is July 30. Register to participate in the talent show at www.ironhorsedistrict.org/events/community-talent-show. A piano and music stand will be available.
Contact Chelsea Feusner (feusner@gmail.com) or Ashley Brock (ashley.brock@dusters.org) with questions about the talent show.
The Iron Horse Art District’s first mural will be painted on the east wall of the Riteway Milk building at 815 4th Ave. A Wyoming artist was selected from an applicant pool of more than 130 muralists from around the country and world to paint the mural.
More details will be announced soon on the timing and content of the mural.
The district will host its first Iron Horse Festival on Saturday, Sept. 14. The all-day event will include artisans and vendors from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Some of the artists/demonstrators already signed up are current Nebraska State Poet Matt Mason, a pop-up gallery from the Museum of Nebraska Art, Artistic Innovations (barn quilt demonstration), and MomenTum Dance Academy. The event will culminate with a concert in front of the Iron Horse Station featuring Logan Mize, Luke Mills and Savanna Chestnut.
The day portion of the event is free. Tickets are available for the evening concert at ironhorseartsdistrict/iron-horse-festival-info.
For more information about the Iron Horse Arts District or to be involved, please contact project manager Cassie Ehrenberg at info@ironhorsedistrict.org.
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