A Tall Tale
Built in the 1920s, the Nebraska state Capitol in Lincoln is both an anomaly and an architectural jewel. Referred to as a “skyscraper capitol,” the building towers 400 feet above the city and is one of only three capitols in the nation that eschew the traditional dome-and-rotunda design in favor of a more vertical approach.
Inside, the Capitol is an artistic masterpiece. Arched stone ceilings at the entryways create the feeling of a Gothic cathedral. In the main hall, incredibly intricate floor, wall and ceiling murals and mosaics illustrate the development of Nebraska society. A single floor mosaic, of which there are several, contains 25,000 hand-cut pieces of tile.
During tours, visitors will also see marble columns and the ornamented chambers of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of state government. Original woodcarvings and chandeliers in these spaces are evidence of the remarkable design and creativity that make this capitol both a working building and a state artistic treasure.
An Unlikely Attraction
Groups that make the drive out to Lewellen, a tiny village in rural western Nebraska near the Colorado border, will find inspiration in an unlikely place. Make that The Most Unlikely Place.
Created in 2009 by a husband-and-wife team of art lovers, The Most Unlikely Place is an art gallery, a cafe and a live performance space set inside one of the town’s historic buildings. The galleries showcase the works of three resident artists, as well as guest artists. Visitors will find pastel, oil and watercolor paintings, as well as glass etchings, woodcarvings and other works, all created by local artists, many of whom returned to their love of art after successful careers in other fields.
The cafe at The Most Unlikely Place features espresso and gourmet lunches. On special occasions, it also hosts Sunday brunches and evening dinners with live musical performances.
Wood and Stone
Petrification is a natural process by which wood is fossilized and turned to stone over the course of many years. This petrified wood has long fascinated artists and sculptors, as well as twin brothers Harvey and Howard Kenfield, who amassed a collection of petrified wood art over 50 years.
Today, the Petrified Wood Gallery in Ogallala showcases the Kenfield brothers’ collection, which they have donated to the Western Nebraska Community Foundation. Visitors see hundreds of pieces of petrified wood, many found within 25 miles of Ogallala, as well as an array of artwork created from the material. Highlights include pictures, music boxes, polished rocks, spheres and other carvings.
Volunteer guides at the gallery teach groups about petrification and the art created from petrified wood. They also point out the various Native American arrowheads and artifacts that are on display. Souvenirs and other gift items are available for purchase.
