Sculpture Walk Railside Announces Exhibit Transition

Grand Island, Neb. — Visitors to Grand Island’s Railside District may notice a few empty sculpture bases in the coming weeks, but Sculpture Walk Railside says there’s nothing to worry about. The temporary vacancy marks the exciting annual transition of the outdoor exhibit, with new pieces arriving over the next few weeks.

The complex transition involves the removal of 13 existing sculptures and the installation of 14 new pieces, creating a fresh new look throughout Railside. The incoming pieces were selected last fall and are now arriving for installation.

“This transition is a complicated, multi-week process,” Sculpture Walk Railside Committee Member Dana Jelinek said. “Tom ZIller is coordinating the pickup of 13 sculptures and the arrival of 14 new ones, all on different days, as artists travel to us from as far away as Maryland.”

Participating artists are often in multiple exhibits across the country, which creates a complex, often unpredictable “cobweb of travel” to move their pieces. Some travel more than a thousand miles to deliver their work to Grand Island. Ziller leverages his background in art and construction during the installation process, which requires assistance and specialized, portable welding equipment. He also may need a helping hand through the process this year.

“My sons have always helped me with installation and welding, but they aren’t available this year,” Ziller said.

The public can look forward to a complete, refreshed, and fully installed exhibit before the last week of May. For more information on Sculpture Walk Railside, contact the Railside office at (308) 398-7022 or Grand Island Tourism at (308) 382-4400. Sculpture Walk Railside is a member of Sculpture Walk Across Nebraska and is a component project of the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation.