The Iron Horse Arts District Unveils a New Mural and Plans for Festoon Lighting in Downtown Holdrege

February 19, 2025

Residents and visitors driving through downtown Holdrege will notice a beautiful new mural on the Rite Way Milk building. Affectionately called The Mailbox, it was painted by Wyoming-based artist Dan Toro, whose designs stood out against 130 applicants from more than 30 states (and multiple countries). The mural provides a window into Phelps County and is packed with small details that highlight why this is a wonderful place to live.

“People are drawn to public art because it’s fun to see things that are different from a wall that’s a solid color,” says Cassie Ehrenberg, director of the Iron Horse Arts District. “The mural makes the town more inviting and shows that people are invested in where they live”

The mural was unveiled in early November and is one of many beautification efforts by the Iron Horse Arts District. Learn more about this project and their upcoming goal of installing festoon lighting.

Multiple Phelps County Stakeholders Made This Mural Possible

The Mailbox installation was one of the first goals set by the Public Art Committee of the Iron Horse District, but several people and organizations came together to move this mural forward. Ehrenberg and her team promoted the request for proposals through the Nebraska Arts Council, which is how they received so many pitches. They received an Improvement Grant from the Phelps County Visitors Committee which helped fund the project.

Ehrenberg specifically thanked The Stewart Family, who own the Rite Way Milk building. Their location was perfect for Holdrege’s first mural.

“The Stewarts were really excited to do this,” says Ehrenberg. “They were fully supportive of doing something on the outside of the building that would support all of the cool things they’re doing on the inside.”

The Stewarts recently renovated the upstairs of the building into a vacation rental, further expanding Holdrege's tourism opportunities.

The District picked this location because of its location on the highway. When driving into town, it’s one of the first things people see, and the vibrant colors make it almost impossible to miss.

The Mural Reflects The District’s Commitment to Making Art Accessible

The Iron Horse Arts District has events, fairs, and showcases throughout the year, but one of its main tenets is that art should be accessible to everyone who wants to enjoy it. Investing in a mural downtown invites anyone driving through Holdrege to take a few seconds and appreciate local art.

The mural features rolling fields of corn and a farmhouse painted behind a sturdy metal mailbox. Framing the scene is a flowing curtain full of intricate details representing Phelps County. Visitors can spot a flying crane, curious pheasants, bees, tractors, cows, and other symbolism added by Toro.

“The artist took his time to research Phelps County to see what makes it special,” says Ron Tillery, Executive Director of the Phelps County Development Corporation (PCDC). “What feels like a sunset farm scene at first glance is actually much more intricate, and it makes you want to keep looking to uncover all the details.”
The Iron Horse Arts District is Also Investing in Festoon Lighting

The new mural is just one beautification project that the Iron Horse Arts District is working on. It is also meeting with city officials to install festoon lighting along two blocks of West Avenue and two blocks of East Avenue (from 5th Street to 3rd).

“We wanted to do festoon lighting because it makes the area look livelier,” says Ehrenberg. “The lights make it look like something exciting is happening so people want to stop. We wanted to make the downtown look more vibrant so people will want to enjoy the restaurants and shops in the area.”

The Iron Horse Arts District is metaphorically brightening downtown with its mural investment and literally brightening it with lighting plans. Ehrenberg says the City Council has approved the lights, and the District has requested that they be ordered.

There are Plenty of Opportunities to Get Involved in the Iron Horse Arts District

New residents to Phelps County can quickly find community in the Iron Horse Arts District. There are several ways to get involved, from volunteering at events to sitting on various project committees.

“You don’t have to consider yourself artistic to get involved,” says Ehrenberg. “We need people with artistic skills but also those who are willing to fundraise or handle the operational aspects of the District.”

Anyone interested in supporting the festoon lighting project, getting involved in local arts, or becoming a volunteer can contact Ehrenberg at director@ironhorsedistrict.org. You can make a positive difference to the arts scene in Phelps County.

About the Phelps County Development Corporation

The Phelps County Development Corporation has the tools, information, and skills to assist you with relocation for your business or family. PCDC is ready to help with housing and project advocacy, including permitting, timely utilities, and financial assistance. Contact PCDC at (308) 995-4148 or pcdc@phelpscountyne.com today. To further explore “Why Phelps,” download the community guide.