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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Iron Horse Arts District Launches New Website
Date: May 29, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cassie Ehrenberg, Iron Horse Arts District Project Manager at (949) 295-7018, info@ironhorsedistrict.org
Iron Horse Arts District Launches New Website
HOLDREGE – The Iron Horse Arts District in downtown Holdrege has launched a new website to share information about their work and goals in the community.
The website, located at ironhorsedistrict.org, currently includes information about the District in general, pages discussing the Iron Horse Festival on September 14, and additional arts events and activities planned through the summer.
“The Iron Horse Arts District has a lot of projects and events in the works for Holdrege,” Project Manager Cassie Ehrenberg said. “Developing a website to easily share and update that information, and allow the public to get involved just made sense. As we start new initiatives or develop future events, that will be the first place to look for new information.”
Funding for the website was generously provided through a grant from the Phelps County Development Corporation.
“I’m thankful that PCDC provided the funding for this website project through their Digital Development Grant,” Ehrenberg continued. “In addition to being champions for the arts in Holdrege, Iron Horse is also working to become an economic driver in the city and county.”
For more information, please visit the new website (ironhorsedistrict.org) or email info@ironhorsedistrict.org with any questions.
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Iron Horse Arts District Announces Photo Contest
The Iron Horse Arts District in downtown Holdrege is hosting a photography contest in May with the theme “Embrace Your Space.”
The contest invites amateur or professional photographers to submit photos of places in Phelps County.
Date: April 30, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cassie Ehrenberg, Iron Horse Project Manager at (949) 295-7018, ironhorsedistrict37@gmail.com
Iron Horse District Announces Photo Contest
HOLDREGE – The Iron Horse Arts District in downtown Holdrege is hosting a photography contest in May with the theme “Embrace Your Space.”
The contest invites amateur or professional photographers to submit photos of places in Phelps County.
“Phelps County is home to a variety of natural beauty, rich agricultural lands, and vibrant communities,” Iron Horse District Project Manager Cassie Ehrenberg said. “We’re looking for images that show what makes Phelps County special to you. Whether you are a novice or professional, all are invited to share photos that Embrace Your Space and celebrate what you find beautiful and worthy of celebration in Phelps County.”
Funding for the contest was generously provided by a grant from the Women’s Giving Group and a donation from Those Blasted Signs.
The contest will be run on woobox.com/fjxdvd. Photo entries can be uploaded from May 1 to May 22, 2024. Community voting will begin on May 8 and close on May 31, 2024.
The top eight entries will be professionally printed and featured in a pop-up outdoor art show in downtown Holdrege in September. The show will be included in the Sept. 14 Iron Horse Festival, an all-day celebration of the arts in Holdrege. Winners will also receive an Iron Horse Swag Bag.
Photography should be limited to Phelps County, both to share what inspires you here as well as to challenge you to look for beauty you may have overlooked before. What makes Phelps iconic and memorable? What makes it special to you?
Even if a photograph does not win this contest, it may be featured on the Iron Horse District’s official website and social media.
For a complete list of entry and voting rules, please visit Iron Horse District 37 on Facebook or the contest website at (woobox.com/fjxdvd). Email ironhorsedistrict37@gmail.com with any questions.
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Iron Horse District Receives Grant, Contracts with Project Manager
The Iron Horse District has contracted with Inkton Solutions of Holdrege (Cassie Ehrenberg) for project management services.
Date: April 4, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kristine Jacobson, Phelps Co. Visitors Committee, (308) 991-2977, visitphelpscounty@gmail.com or Cassie Ehrenberg, Inkton Solutions at (949) 295-7018, ironhorsedistrict37@gmail.com
Cutline from left: Stephanie Dannehl (PMHC Board of Directors), Bridgette Bingham (Iron Horse Volunteer), Mike Burris (Iron Horse Volunteer/Holdrege Public Library), Cassie Ehrenberg (Iron Horse Project Manager), Ron Tillery (Iron Horse Volunteer/PCDC), Kristine Jacobson (Iron Horse Volunteer/Phelps County Tourism), Ryan Ehrenberg (Iron Horse Volunteer), Linda Heiden (PMHC Board of Directors), Mark Harrell (PMHC CEO), Adam Hernandez (Iron Horse Volunteer/Holdrege Chamber).
HOLDREGE – The Iron Horse District has contracted with Inkton Solutions of Holdrege (Cassie Ehrenberg) for project management services.
Ehrenberg has worked in project management for more than a decade with companies such as Warner Bros. and Gusto. She has a bachelor’s degree in Communications and an Executive Master of Business Administration degree.
Ehrenberg moved to Holdrege from the Los Angeles area in April 2023. She and her husband, Ryan, have both been actively involved in the Iron Horse District strategic planning process, and she has already donated countless hours to the project. She recently launched a new business, Inkton Solutions, which helps organizations with project management, websites and writing.
“I am excited about the chance to lead innovative art projects in Phelps County through the Iron Horse District,” Ehrenberg said. “This community is brimming with creativity, and I am eager to collaborate to highlight and honor it. Our upcoming events, such as the Iron Horse Festival, Pop-Up Gallery exhibitions, and other initiatives, will provide a platform to showcase and celebrate the arts in exciting new ways.”
Iron Horse Steering Committee Member Kristine Jacobson said Ehrenberg is the perfect fit for the new role, which will involve implementing the Iron Horse District strategic plan, organizing events in the new district, raising funds, and working with volunteers to make the area come to life.
“We are so lucky to have Cassie’s expertise to lead this next phase of the Iron Horse District development,” Jacobson said.
The initial funding of project management for the district was made possible through a generous grant from the Phelps Memorial Hospital Foundation.
“We are grateful to the Phelps Memorial Hospital Foundation for seeing the importance of project management to bring the Iron Horse District to life,” Jacobson said.
One of Ehrenberg’s main initial tasks is organizing, along with volunteers, the Iron Horse Festival on Sept. 14. The all-day event will feature demonstrators, artisans, vendors, food trucks and an evening outdoor concert featuring Logan Mize, Luke Mills and Savanna Chestnut. Tickets are on sale now at https://logan-mize-iron-horse.eventbrite.com.
Iron Horse volunteers are also currently working to finalize a logo and branding guide, planning pop-up art displays and physical enhancements, and securing the first mural artist.
A request for qualifications for professional muralists is open until April 17. A mural is being planned for the RiteWay Building at 815 4th Ave.
The Nebraska Arts Council officially certified downtown Holdrege as an official creative arts district in January. The arts district program elevates the arts as an economic driver to support Nebraska communities.
For more information or to volunteer or be involved in Holdrege’s Iron Horse District, email ironhorsedistrict37@gmail.com, visit Iron Horse District on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ironhorsedistrict37.
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Holdrege’s Iron Horse District Named Certified Nebraska Creative District
The Nebraska Arts Council has recognized downtown Holdrege as an official Certified Creative District and awarded a $10,000 grant to promote and enhance the area, now being branded as the Iron Horse District.
Date: Feb. 14, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kristine Jacobson, Phelps Co. Visitors Committee, (308) 991-2977, ironhorsedistrict37@gmail.com or Lori Larson, Holdrege Area Chamber of Commerce at (308) 995-4444, director@holdregechamber.com.
Holdrege’s Iron Horse District Named Certified Nebraska Creative District
Some of the Iron Horse District volunteers are pictured in this certification celebration photo. Front from left, Kristine Jacobson, Vickie Klein, Lori Larson. Back middle from left, Jaimee Anderson, Connie Jacobson, Chelsea Feusner, Allisha Melroy, Sierra Burrows. Back from left, Ryan Ehrenberg, Mike Burris, Micah Huyser, Adam Hernandez, Cassie Ehrenberg, Luke Mills, Mona Peterson, Sherry McClymont.
HOLDREGE – The Nebraska Arts Council has recognized downtown Holdrege as an official Certified Creative District and awarded a $10,000 grant to promote and enhance the area, now being branded as the Iron Horse District.
The public is invited to celebrate the new certification at a Leap Day party from 5-6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 29, at the Holdrege Public Library. The event will feature decorate-your-own cookies, an artsy photo booth, and information about the new district.
The Nebraska Creative District Program elevates the arts as an economic driver to support Nebraska communities.
Downtown Holdrege is already thriving with arts and creativity. Beautiful floral arrangements at Holdrege Floral Expressions, author talks and craft events at the Holdrege Public Library, painting events at the Lost Way Brewery and Holdrege Sun Theater & Event Venue, and live music at JB’s Sports Bar & Grill are just a few of the regular creative activities already happening in downtown Holdrege. Visitors can enjoy several bronze sculptures in downtown Holdrege, and the new Midtown Sculpture Garden is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2024.
This new certification will open funding opportunities to enhance the area even further and bring new life to downtown Holdrege, which has already seen momentum from recent new businesses and investments. The Iron Horse District will create opportunities for residents to create and connect, attract new residents and draw tourists to the area.
Plans for the district include physical enhancements such as lights, murals and painted crosswalks; a temporary and later permanent art center/gallery; public art displays and contests; and a signature art and music festival each fall with the first event scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 14. It is an ongoing program to support the arts and economic development in Holdrege.
The certification process for the Iron Horse District started in the spring of 2023 when five local organizations partnered to begin the process. Representatives from the Phelps County Visitors Committee, Holdrege Area Chamber of Commerce, Phelps County Development Corporation, City of Holdrege and the Holdrege Public Library hosted community input meetings during the summer of 2023. More than 40 residents attended those meetings and helped identify the area’s strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities and gave their ideas for the Iron Horse District. In the fall of 2023, more than 20 residents met to formulate a strategic plan for the district. The Nebraska Arts Council approved the strategic plan and officially recognized the Iron Horse District on Jan. 10, 2024.
The Nebraska State Legislature passed a bill to create the Creative Districts program in 2020. The program works to promote and support economic development and placemaking opportunities in communities dedicated to growing their arts-related economic sectors.
For more information about the Creative District program, visit the Nebraska Arts Council website at www.artscouncil.nebraska.gov/explore/creative-districts or call the office at 402-595-2122.
For more information or to volunteer or be involved in Holdrege’s Iron Horse District, email ironhorsedistrict37@gmail.com, visit Iron Horse District on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ironhorsedistrict37) or visit the Nebraska Arts Council’s website at www.artscouncil.nebraska.gov/iron-horse-creative-district.
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