Sculpture Walk Railside

Sculpture Walk Railside's mission is to add art to Grand Island's historic downtown district. The purpose is to inspire, educate, and entertain through a revolving public art display.

Sculpture Walk Railside selects sculptures from submissions by artists from throughout the country. Each year, selected sculptures are on display from May to April to keep the exhibit fresh. It changes out every year, so several styles of art can be presented to the community.

Fourteen new sculptures will be installed at the beginning of May, and the thirteen currently on display will be removed at the end of April. Each selected artist receives a stipend for transportation and for displaying their sculpture for the year. Each piece in the exhibit is for sale.

Sculpture Walk Railside uses a variety of tools to engage the community. Audio messages for the artists are recorded and available through the Otocast app, which includes a map and photos, along with the messages. QR codes are also available for scanning at each sculpture. 

Maps are available at the Grand Island Tourism office, or may be found at https://www.grand-island.com/o/railside/page/sculpture-walk

People may choose to take a guided tour, which includes information about each sculpture and/or artist. Special tours may be requested by businesses and community groups. If a tour is not taken, people may still enjoy individual sculptures outside their favorite Railside restaurant, entertainment venue, or business. 

Locals and visitors of all ages and backgrounds enjoy Sculpture Walk Railside, which helps showcase our historic downtown as an art destination.

Testimonials

Family Activity: Diane Rouzee shared, "I took my daughter and grandkids to see some of the sculptures. The kids loved it and asked when we could do it again. We took videos of them with the art that was shared across the sculpture walk network. I asked if there could be a guided tour next year for kids." 

Education: Sculptor Michael Fluent from Wayne, Nebraska, said that after sixty 3rd grade students took a guided tour of the sculptures, they sent him a thank you. "Those kids sent me a thank you...I was so surprised they liked my sculpture (which is based on a mythological story), and that they actually knew the story...they're 3rd graders!" 

Arts and Culture: Reflecting on a guided tour of Sculpture Walk Railside, Linda Dahlstrom said, "The Railside Sculpture Walk totally elevates the downtown experience for Grand Island. Experiencing these fantastic sculptures is exhilarating and inspiring. Take a guided walking tour, it's an open-air art appreciation class."