GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — Visitors to Grand Island’s Railside District may notice a few empty sculpture bases in the coming weeks, but organizers say it’s part of the annual changeover for Sculpture Walk Railside.
The outdoor exhibit is transitioning as 13 existing sculptures are removed and 14 new pieces are installed across the district. The new works 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.”
Organizers said the logistics can be unpredictable because participating artists often show work in multiple exhibits across the country, creating what they described as a “cobweb of travel” as pieces are moved. Some artists travel more than a thousand miles to deliver their work to Grand Island.
Ziller, who is coordinating the transition, uses his background in art and construction during installation, which requires assistance and specialized portable welding equipment. He said he may need extra help this year.
“My sons have always helped me with installation and welding, but they aren’t available this year,” Ziller said.
Organizers said the updated exhibit is expected to be fully installed before the last week of May.
For more information, 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 a component project of the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation.
