Nebraska Arts Council

Artist John Raimondi, who created Erma's Desire, returns to Grand Island July 1st. Learn more about the 50th Anniversary of the I-80 Sculpture Garden: https://www.artscouncil.nebraska.gov/america250-nebraska-celebrations/

Grand Island, Nebraska and America threw a party in 1976 to mark bicentennial One of the biggest projects in Nebraska was a series of sculptures along Interstate 80. None received more attention than "Erma's Desire," which stands at Grand Island's eastbound rest area.

The I-80 Bicentennial Sculpture Project marks its 50th anniversary this year! The 500-mile sculpture garden placed contemporary sculptures at rest areas along Interstate 80 in Nebraska in 1976 to celebrate the Bicentennial. The Cooper Foundation was an early supporter of the project and has funded conservation and repairs through the Nebraska Arts Council over the years. The most recent funding to the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation in 2025 was to support listing the sculptures on the National Register of Historic Places.

Art Thompson, former Cooper Foundation president and board chair, was the Executive Director of the project 50 years ago and is featured in this Nebraska Stories episode, “Art Project That Divided a State”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=San4ljk2z0Y

Check out the free events on June 30 to commemorate this project:
+The Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center, 3:00 – 4:30 pm, Screening of 500 Mile Sculpture Garden, a 1976 documentary exploring the project, produced by Nebraska Public Media.
+Sheldon Museum of Art, 6:00 – 8:30 pm, Celebrating 50 Years of Nebraska's 500-Mile Sculpture Garden - This panel discussion brings together artists, historians, and project leaders who played key roles in shaping and preserving this landmark public art initiative.

(Image: Artist George Baker’s Nebraska Wind sculpture is the only kinetic work in the collection)

Iron Horse Arts District is getting much-deserved notice.

Nebraska has a small creative escape that feels like it is figuring out its next chapter in real time.

Your FFP weekend read: For decades, Keith Jacobshagen has been one of Nebraska’s best-known artists with works featured in scores of exhibitions across the state and the U.S. Now 84 years old and in the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s disease, Jacobshagen is facing the reality that his painting days are largely behind him.

Read more 🔗 https://buff.ly/aHdeRVp

Story by Kyle MacMillan for the Flatwater Free Press