The Artists of North Platte

 

Chloe Walchesky

North Platte Nebraska is home to the largest rail yard in the world. The humble town contains more than what initially reaches the eye.

Just ajar to the bricks, lies a large building with a sign reading Prairie Arts Center. The first floor is home to galleries displaying local sculptures and paintings for sale. The positions at the arts center are mainly on a volunteer basis. You are able to find friendly volunteers from 11-4 Tuesday through Saturday. Local volunteer of five years Sheri Polk says, “North Platte is surprisingly full of talent.”

Having a creative outlet for those artistically inclined is vital to the growth of a community. A multitude of classes is available to the public, including painting and pottery. The cerulean blues and midnight black cartons of paint settle on the wooden shelves of the third floor. The third floor is home to pottery open studios Friday and Saturday. Participants choose a piece to paint, and the teacher will fire the piece within a week.

Subtle piano hymns echo through the quiet hallways rising from the marble slab it resides on. Children pour out of the dandelion colored school bus. They wander around in amazement taking in every ounce of the world around them. This hall is truly an artist's paradise. Childlike wonder is fascinating, an elevator becomes the vessel to a new reality.

The basement is accessible to those wanting a refreshment on the art of acrylic painting. To an artist, the mundane pale colors of the fields transform to a dystopian fantasy. Starting October first and continuing throughout the month, a Tim Burton style exhibit is showcased in the museum. Tim Burton is a director with American roots, his art style often reflects big eyed creatures and a dark underlying tone. His art style may resemble that of Margaret Keane. Big eyes and helpless blank stares echo throughout her work. This is perfect for the Halloween season. The exhibit is judged and will be shown in the gallery room on the first floor.

While the North Platte exhibits alone are quite interesting, traveling exhibits rotate into show. Currently, “The Artist As Muse” from the University of Nebraska Lincoln is in the halls. If one is interested in the arts, the Prairie Arts Center would be the perfect weekend escape.