Tracks' Adventures: Behind the Scenes of the Columbus Sculpture Walk
Have you ever wondered how those amazing sculptures find their way to Downtown Columbus? Tracks is taking a peek behind the scenes to discover how a little creativity, a lot of teamwork, and a community that believes in public art bring the Columbus Sculpture Walk to life!
It All Starts with an Invitation
Long before a new sculpture appears on a downtown sidewalk, the process begins with an invitation to artists.
Columbus is part of Sculpture Walk Across Nebraska (SWAN), a partnership connecting eight Nebraska communities through rotating outdoor sculpture exhibitions. Along with Columbus, participating communities include Cozad, Fremont, Grand Island, Norfolk, North Platte, Ogallala, and Valentine.
Each year, professional and emerging artists are invited to submit up to six original sculptures for consideration. The artwork must be suitable for outdoor display and available for purchase.
Artists from across the country have an opportunity to share their creativity with communities they might never otherwise visit.
And for Tracks, that means new discoveries could be just around the corner!
How Do We Choose the Sculptures?
This is where things get especially interesting!
Once the October 31 submission deadline passes, each participating SWAN community receives information about the sculptures available for the upcoming season.
In Columbus, the Sculpture Walk Selection Committee reviews the submissions and creates a wish list of sculptures they'd love to see displayed downtown. Committee members consider the artwork's visual appeal, variety, and how each piece might complement the downtown environment.
But here's something Tracks discovered — just because a sculpture is at the top of Columbus' wish list doesn't mean it will end up in Columbus!
On November 19, representatives from all eight SWAN communities will meet virtually for a sculpture selection process that works much like a draft in sports.
Communities take turns selecting sculptures from the available artwork. If another community chooses a sculpture before Columbus gets its turn, Columbus must move on to another piece from its wish list.
It's a process designed to give participating communities a fair opportunity to select artwork while bringing a variety of sculptures to communities across Nebraska.
And that means there's always a little excitement and anticipation as the selections unfold!
Which sculptures will make their way to Downtown Columbus in 2027? Even with a carefully prepared wish list, the final lineup isn't certain until the draft is complete.
That's part of the adventure!
Finding the Perfect Spot
Selecting a sculpture is only part of the process. Next comes figuring out where it belongs!
Before a sculpture is installed, the City of Columbus reviews proposed locations to ensure each placement is safe and practical.
That means checking sightlines at intersections, making sure artwork doesn't interfere with pedestrian or vehicle traffic, and avoiding important infrastructure such as water shutoffs and underground utility lines.
The committee also has to consider the size, weight, and mounting requirements of each sculpture. The proper bases must be ready before installation day.
It's a careful balancing act between artistic vision and everyday downtown operations.
After all, a sculpture should make people stop and look — but not because it's blocking their view of oncoming traffic!
Installation Day: When Art Comes to Life
One of the most exciting parts of the Sculpture Walk happens in the spring when the selected pieces finally arrive in Columbus.
Installation for the 2027 season is scheduled for May 3–9.
With help from the City of Columbus Street Department, sculptures are unloaded, positioned, and secured on their prepared bases.
Sometimes the artists themselves help with installation, creating a wonderful opportunity for committee members and volunteers to hear the stories behind the artwork.
What inspired the piece? How was it created? What does the artist hope people will experience when they see it?
Those conversations can reveal fascinating details that aren't always obvious from looking at the finished sculpture.
And those are exactly the kinds of stories Tracks loves to uncover!
A Community Effort from Start to Finish
The Columbus Sculpture Walk wouldn't be possible without an incredible network of community support.
The Trax Creative District, Sculpture Walk committee members, local sponsors, the City of Columbus, and the Street Department all play important roles in bringing the exhibition to life.
Sponsors help make it financially possible to welcome talented artists to Columbus, while committee members volunteer their time to review submissions, plan locations, coordinate installations, and promote the exhibition.
Each selected artist receives a $1,000 stipend through the SWAN program, helping offset costs associated with participating.
The result is an outdoor art experience that residents and visitors can enjoy while discovering everything else Downtown Columbus has to offer.
You Can Help Keep Art on Display!
Public art is something everyone can enjoy, and supporting it doesn't have to mean making a large contribution.
The Trax Creative District welcomes businesses, organizations, and individuals who would like to help support future Sculpture Walk exhibitions.
Sponsorship opportunities begin at just $100, with additional levels at $500, $1,000, and $2,500.
And did you know the sculptures are available for purchase?
Purchasing a sculpture is another way to support the artists and the program. A portion of each sale helps the Trax Creative District maintain and grow the Sculpture Walk, including providing brochures, visitor information, and updates to the Otocast audio tour.
It's a way to bring a piece of public art into a permanent home while helping future artists share their work.
The Adventure Continues
For Tracks, the Sculpture Walk is about more than the artwork itself.
It's about the creativity of the artists, the dedication of volunteers, the generosity of sponsors, and the teamwork that transforms ordinary public spaces into places of discovery.
The next time you're strolling through Downtown Columbus, take a moment to look a little closer at the sculptures along your route.
Behind every one is a story — and a whole lot of people who helped bring it here.
Keep following Tracks' Adventures as we discover more of the art, history, businesses, and experiences that make Downtown Columbus special!
Interested in sponsoring the Sculpture Walk or learning more about purchasing a sculpture? Contact the Trax Creative District or visit traxcreativedistrict.com.
Want to explore the current Sculpture Walk? Pick up a brochure downtown and discover the stories behind the artwork using the Otocast audio tour.
