The Midtown Sculpture Garden Brings Public Art to Downtown Holdrege

October 25, 2025

Residents and visitors to Phelps County, Nebraska, have a place to relax while enjoying local art in the Midtown Sculpture Garden, located at 710 4th Ave in Holdrege. The space opened in November 2024 and currently features six pieces by different artists in varying themes.

“Public art is inspiring and makes people happy,” says Vickie Klein, a committee member for the Midtown Sculpture Garden. “We saw other communities developing artistic spaces and decided to invest in one too.”

The Midtown Sculpture Garden is just one of several improvements to downtown Holdrege that make it more inviting and creative. Keep reading to learn how the Garden transformed a space and contributes to the greater artistic ecosystem in Phelps County.

The Midtown Sculpture Garden Replaced an Abandoned Building

The Garden is valuable to the City of Holdrege because it has turned a previously neglected space into an asset to the entire community. Klein explains that the site used to be a derelict building that stood empty for decades, which created an eyesore for residents and a headache for the local government. Any business moving into the space would have to invest heavily in renovations, making the costs of buying it impractical.

The committee worked closely with the Phelps County Community Foundation, which provides grants to nonprofits, organizes charitable giving, and develops scholarships. Because the team developing the Midtown Sculpture Garden was not an official 501(c)3 organization, the Foundation stepped in as its fiscal sponsor. This allowed the Garden to be funded through grants and gifts from local donors.

The total cost to create the garden was around $600,000, with $400,000 coming from grants. Sherry McClymont, chair of the Midtown Sculpture Garden and the project's visionary, says the largest expense related to the garden was demolishing the abandoned building in the center of town.

The City of Holdrege Now Owns the Garden

Klein and McClymont emphasize that the Midtown Sculpture Garden was possible through several community partnerships. They credit local residents, Phelps County businesses, and the City of Holdrege for coming together to make their vision a reality. Once the Garden opened, the City took over ownership of the property and will maintain it in the future.

“The city has been incredibly supportive about the project,” says Klein. “In fact, everyone in Holdrege used their gifts to make the Garden happen. Our community is great at coming together like that.”

While the Garden is open, Klein and McClymont are still working to improve it. In the past year, they added two additional sculptures to the original four, a metal archway welcoming visitors to the Garden, benches, tables, and chairs to rest, and even an electric plug so food trucks can get the power they need without running a generator. Their next project is creating a shaded space so the Garden is more comfortable during warmer months.

“We want people to feel like it’s their space and feel free to use it,” says McClymont. “While also knowing the city owns it and can help where it is needed.”

Residents Can Enjoy Other Downtown Arts Improvements

Phelps County has experienced an artistic renaissance in the past few years. The Iron Horse Arts District continues to take on new projects, including the addition of a new mural, the growth of its annual arts festival, and the installation of festoon lighting to brighten downtown. As more people see what’s possible in Phelps County, they bring new ideas and artistic propositions to the community.

“Holdege has always been progressive when it comes to the arts,” says McClymont. “People love having theatre and music right within their community.”

She also mentions the Tassel Performing Arts Center's value in the region and how residents come together to support performances in the local venue throughout the year.

“What the Arts District has done in such a short time is amazing,” says McClymont. “But that’s what’s great about Phelps County. People buy into what needs to be here.”

Find Your Community in Phelps County

Phelps County is a place to call home, whether you are excited to embrace the arts or enjoy other favorite hobbies and pastimes. See why the residents of Holdrege and other communities love where they live. Download the community guide and see your future here. It’s time to come home, and Phelps County is ready to welcome you.

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.