IMPERIAL, NEBRASKA--SOMETHING TO SEE HERE

One of my recent stops for the night was in Imperial, Nebraska.  I don't think it's known for much of anything.  One of those through towns on the way to full-service towns.  So you might think, nothing to see here.  True, except  or the miracle on West 7th and Broadway.    Tucked away right behind the police building on the corner of 7th and Broadway is the most extraordinary cubbyhole of art I've ever seen in a town.  They call it "Art Park" and it's getting a reputation and just getting started.  

So, because the outside police station walls are the canvas where the paintings "hang," I talked to Sergeant Chad Ostmeyer to get the scoop on this amazing outdoor art.  Sergeant Chad said, Behind our police department was this huge ugly dirt patch.  It was really an eyesore.  Then one day the town administrator proposed an idea: Let's turn that dirt patch into an Art Park!  The idea caught on and the little town of Imperial came together and raised $30,000 to create this extraordinary, beautiful, permanent art gallery and park.   Soon art was in the air . . . and on the walls . . . and over the dirt patch.

Four artists came together for the project--an artist from Denver, another from Omaha, and two local artists to create this Garden of Eden.  Through their efforts an eye sore has become a feast for the eyes.  Children now gather in the park to play on a jungle gym, horticulturists have laid beds of flowers, and the Art Park has drawn the community together and breathed new life into the town.  

May we also see possibilities where others only see a dirt patch and an eyesore.  May we spread beauty and truth with our faith grounded in the Creator and Artist whom we love and serve.  The pictures below are gigantic murals, at least 15 feet tall.  Enjoy!