Categories: About Scott, Art Displayed, Public Art, Travel
Nebraska’s Museums, Sculpture Gardens, and Art
Recently, Scott traveled to Nebraska with a longtime friend, Asa Laws. Along the way they spent time exploring museums, sculpture gardens, historic landmarks, and other places that sparked their curiosity and imagination. Rather than having someone else tell the story, we thought it would be fitting to let Scott share the experience in his own words. What follows is a personal look at the art, history, and people that inspired him during the trip, accompanied by photographs from each stop along the way.
Joslyn Museum of Fine Art
No your eyes aren’t seeing fuzzy…this is how it was woven. WOW!
Marie Antoinette headed to her execution.
My first time to see a painting by Bouguereau, in person.
This painting screams “60’s”….love it. I suppose I would, having been born in 1961.
Rodin’s “Eve.”
Perhaps my favorite painting in the Joslyn Museum, “The Gleaners.”
Couse
Charles M. Russell
This piece was fascinating for me to be in the presence of. It was a small watercolor (original) painted in 1833 by Karl Bodmer, when he visited the Mandan on the Missouri River in North Dakota, with German Prince Maximilian. It was a bitter winter!
Mormon Trail Center at Winter Quarters/Mormon Pioneer Cemetery
I’ve wanted to see this monument in person ever since I saw it in photos as a small child. It is Avard Fairbanks and entitled “Winter Quarters”. A mother and father standing over an open grave of their child.
Hold me back! This cast iron kettle was used on the trail in 1847 by Erastus Snow.
Look at the mended lid! Good gosh-a-mighty!
This is the only original grave marker from Winter Quarters. Amy Sumner Porter and her two children, (J) Joseph & (B) Benjamin.
Stuhr Museum
TRUE STORY…please read the plaque. The story is depicted in bronze below.
The bottom arrow is the one that pinned both boys together.
Mignery Sculpture Garden
I have been blessed to have several mentors whose words changed, and continue to alter, my sculptures.
Often, I repeat the words of Herb Mignery to myself while working, “Where does the piece need more mass?”. When I was invited to take part in the trip to Nebraska, a lifelong dream came to fruition, that of visiting Bartlett, Nebraska (a bustling metropolis of 107 people) to visit the sculpture garden of Herb Mignery. Below are a few of my favorites.
The Potato Lady
The Mayor of 2nd Street
Green Apple
The Letter
Dowser and the Skeptics
The Archway
Ever heard of the Lincoln Highway? Would you believe that along the way, concrete markers showed the way with bronze medallions of Lincoln embedded in each post?
Hastings Museum
In Hastings, Nebraska, the man who invented Kool-Aid created a museum. It is called The Hastings Museum.
I learned that oxen (with cloven hooves) were sometimes shod with iron shoes, like horses are.
I learned where Daffy Duck & Sylvester the Cat got their famous saying, “Suffering Succotash.”
Durham Museum
An architectural marvel, the historic Union Station in Omaha. Gorgeous art deco! A must if you’re ever in the area.
It is referred to as the Durham Museum.
Historic General Dodge House
Have you ever seen the photo of the meeting of the Transcontinental Railroad at Promontory Summit, Utah?
The man on the right is General Grenville M. Dodge. I was able to visit his home in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
Dining room of General Grenville M. Dodge
This is worth seeing in person…it is a fountain.
Shortly before her death in 1916, Ruth Anne Dodge (wife of Union Army General and railroad magnate Grenville M. Dodge) experienced a recurring dream. In it, an angel standing at the prow of a boat beckoned her to drink from a basin, promising an end to her earthly suffering. After refusing twice, Ruth Anne accepted the drink on the third night. She told her daughters that the water gave her immortality and transformed her into a glorious spiritual being. She passed away shortly after.
In her honor the great American sculptor, Daniel Chester French was commissioned (by the Dodge family) to create this piece. It is located next to the cemetery.
More Posts
A Special Preview of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art
On September 3, Scott and Janette had the opportunity to experience something years in the making: a special preview of the new Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles. The evening brought together artists whose work is part of ...
Quest for the West Through the Years
Each September, Scott returns to Indianapolis for one of his favorite Western art traditions: Quest for the West® at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. Scott has participated in the show for more than 15 years, making ...
Why Wildlife Sculptures Make Memorable Public Art
Some works of public art are admired for a moment and then forgotten. Others quietly become part of a place's identity, creating landmarks that people return to, photograph, and remember. Wildlife sculptures have a remarkable ability to do just that. ...
Get In Touch
Phone: 1.435.469.1646
Email: hello@scottrogerssculpture.com
After you reach out, your inquiry is reviewed personally. For the quickest reply, please include your best phone number Scott prefers to connect by phone whenever possible. We’re happy to provide information on available works, commissions, provenance, or questions related to existing pieces.
You may also choose to receive occasional updates about new sculptures, exhibitions, news and projects, shared thoughtfully and infrequently by subscribing here.