New Gallery, New Businesses Add Momentum to Iron Horse Arts District

A music studio, creative wellness center, photography business and new art gallery are all adding energy to downtown Holdrege. Together, they represent the growing impact of the Iron Horse Arts District and its mission to spark economic growth through the arts.

The Iron Horse Arts District opened its new Art Gallery on June 11 with a ribbon-cutting and grand-opening event featuring the art of former HHS art teacher Christy Kosmicki.

The gallery is located in the basement community room of the First State Bank, which generously donated the space to the district, along with office space in the former investment center. 

“The collaboration with First State Bank and Iron Horse has been amazing,” Iron Horse board president Rebecca Anderson said. “It is accessible for more people to enjoy and view art, and it is helping us create a more vibrant downtown.”

The Iron Horse Arts District became a certified district with the Nebraska Arts Council in 2024 and since then has hosted monthly pop-up art galleries at various downtown locations, commissioned a mural, spearheaded efforts to hang festoon lighting in downtown Holdrege, organized community crosswalk mural painting projects, and hosted many events, such as the Artisan Expo and Flyover Country Stage concert, Haunted Holdrege, Art After Dark, and photography and mini mural contests.

One goal of the arts district is to make downtown grow and thrive through the arts, and that is already happening as many creative businesses are opening in downtown Holdrege.

Serenity Studios

Ashley Brock, HHS choir and band teacher, has reopened Serenity Studios in a new downtown Holdrege location at 713 4th Avenue in May. Her studio is located across the street from the Midtown Sculpture Garden.

“Serenity Studios provides an opportunity for me to connect with more people in our community, create additional support for the Iron Horse Arts District, and most importantly, share my love of music with more students,” she said.

Holdrege has a vibrant musical history, and she wants to contribute to that legacy.

“By reopening my studio, I hope many will be able to learn about how special music is and how it truly makes a difference,” she said.

This summer, she is offering individual piano, instrumental and vocal coaching lessons. Fall registrations will begin soon and will include individual piano lessons and instrumental lessons, individual and group vocal coaching, intro to guitar class, adult piano lessons and community choir (open to all who love to sing).

Looking ahead to 2027, Brock will offer audition and musical theater workshops, show choir summer camps, vocal development workshops, and care home outreach programs.

Currently, Brock is teaching all lessons and classes at the studio. However, in the future, she hopes to bring in guest artists and teachers for workshops and learning opportunities.

Brock is also planning to remodel her leased space and has some exciting plans for the lower level. 

“Right now, I am starting small but dreaming big,” she said. “I hope that this new studio will become a wonderful addition to downtown Holdrege and a place that will be able to create meaningful musical experiences for our community.  I hope that lots of families will encourage their children to experience the joy of taking music lessons and that together we can create something amazing.”

Brock said the community support she has received so far has been encouraging. 

“All the uplifting emails, messages and comments have been so special,” she said. “It has been a true blessing to have everyone's support.”

For more information, follow Serenity Studios on Facebook and Instagram or email Ashley at serenitystudiomusicians@gmail.com.

Creative Wellness Room

Candi Nichols, owner of CK Counseling (609 4th Avenue), opened the Creative Wellness Room in December as an extension to her counseling services to provide a space for hobbies, self-care, family time, and friend time. 

“Studies have proven that art is a powerful tool to lowering stress, providing an outlet for complex emotions, and building emotional resilience,” Nichols said. “In addition to being good for mental health, it also helps build connections for people. Our classes help you meet new people and build stronger relationships.”

Classes are open to anyone in the community, not just those seeking counseling. She hosts one free kids’ activity each month and offers several classes each week, such as pottery or painting wooden flags, door mats or door hangers. The crushed resin projects have been the most popular so far.  Reservations are needed for classes, which are typically $40. 

She also has walk-in times available where people can create any project they choose, including acrylic canvas painting, watercolor or soft pastel painting, garden flags, door mats, door hangers, pottery, stepping stones, and clay. She also can host birthday parties and Girls Night Out events. 

Nichols has worked as a counselor for 18 years and opened CK Counseling 16 years ago. She specializes in trauma and addictions and works with people experiencing depression, anxiety, abuse, and life stress.

For more information, visit Creative Wellness Room on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok or call Nichols at (308) 991-3123.

Kimberly Powers Photography

Kimberly Powers Photography recently moved from her previous location on west Fourth Avenue to 716 4th Avenue in downtown Holdrege.

“The location and space are ideal,” Powers said as she is more visible in a downtown location.

Her new space is also larger and provides more room to offer family sessions indoors. For senior photos, it also offers more space for sports-themed shots and space for a style closet for her senior girl customers.

“I basically outgrew my old space,” Powers said.

Powers started her photography business in February 2022. She specializes in senior and family portraits and sports photography. 

A new service she recently started offering is branding sessions for businesses. Her new studio offers a variety of settings for studio headshots. Watch for her “Headshot Happy Hour” a few times a year for business professionals who want an updated look.

For more information, visit kimberlypowersphotography.com or call (308) 991-8707.