NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — Sculptor Vic Rouleau has been awarded the People’s Choice Award and a $500 prize for his piece “Learning to Fly” during this year’s Sculpture Walk Around Nebraska (SWAN), hosted by the Prairie Arts Center and sponsored by NebraskaLand Bank.
The sculpture, which depicts three Sandhill Cranes taking flight from cattails, won by a landslide in online voting. Created entirely from recycled materials, the piece reflects Rouleau’s rural surroundings and love of nature.
“I live out in the country, and the cranes are out in the field all the time,” Rouleau said. “Watching the mother and little ones grow up is pretty cool, and that’s what inspired me.”
This is the second year that the Prairie Arts Center has participated in SWAN, placing sculptures in North Platte’s Canteen District to create an open-air gallery. The initiative also features works in Norfolk, Valentine, Columbus, Grand Island, and — beginning this year — Ogallala.
Ogallala’s Western Trails Sculpture District will hold its grand opening on Monday, May 5, at 5 p.m. at Eccentric Lamb Fiber Arts, 111 N. Spruce St. The event will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a chance to meet several featured artists.
“We were very fortunate to have NebraskaLand Bank sponsor the award this year,” said Prairie Arts Center Director Holly Carlini. “Vic was very touched. You can see the emotion and effort that goes into these pieces — it’s really special.”
Chantel Burch, marketing coordinator for NebraskaLand Bank, said supporting the arts strengthens community ties. “We are beyond excited to recognize an artist whose work resonated with so many people.”
Rouleau’s sculpture will remain on display at the Prairie Arts Center for the next year. The center plans to grow next year’s SWAN exhibition by featuring seven sculptures throughout North Platte.