Celebrate Creativity and Culture with the Dala Horse Painting Contest

Date: June 3, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Cassie Ehrenberg, Executive Director at Iron Horse Arts District, at (949) 295-7018, or director@ironhorsedistrict.org

Celebrate Creativity and Culture with the Dala Horse Painting Contest

HOLDREGE, Neb – The Iron Horse Arts District invites community members of all ages to take part in a fun and colorful celebration of Scandinavian folk art with our Dala Horse Painting Contest!

Dala horses—traditional Swedish carved and painted horses—have long been symbols of craftsmanship and charm. Now, Holdrege residents and friends of the arts are invited to bring their own flair to these iconic figures.

We encourage groups, businesses or organizations to also order the Iron Horse Arts District Dala horse painting kits for a fun group project or event.

How to Participate:

• Purchase your $10 Dala Horse painting kit, available at:
  • My Fair Lady’s Fashion & Frills
  • Iron Horse Arts District’s online store (pick-up at Holdrege Area Chamber of Commerce during their regular business hours)
  • From the Iron Horse Arts District booth at Lost Way Brewery Makers Market (June 7 in Holdrege) 
  • At the Drafts & Dalas event on on June 12 at Lost Way Brewery (during our June Pop-Up Art Gallery Opening Reception for Hallie Snyder)
• Paint and decorate your horse in any style you choose—classic, whimsical, modern, or something uniquely yours. We have ideas and an example in the kit!
• Submit your completed horse by June 20 to the Phelps County Senior Center.

Everyone who purchases a kit and brings back a finished Dala will be entered into a random drawing to win prizes, including:

• A 4-pack of tickets to see recent The Voice contestant (and 2nd place finisher) Jaelen Johnston headline the Iron Horse Arts Festival concert on Saturday, August 23 in Holdrege!
• A $50 Spark Gift Card, good at many Phelps County area businesses
• An Iron Horse Arts District logo t-shirt + sticker pack

All entries will be displayed at the Phelps County Senior Center during the Midsummer Festival on Saturday, June 21, 2025, where attendees can admire local creativity.

“While there are traditional designs for Dala horses, there’s no right or wrong way to paint your horse for our contest—it’s about celebrating culture, imagination, and community spirit,” said Cassie Ehrenberg, Executive Director of the Iron Horse Arts District.

Kits are limited, so don’t wait! Whether you're a budding artist or just looking for a fun summer project, this is a great opportunity to be part of Holdrege’s vibrant arts scene.

For more information or to get your kit, visit ironhorsedistrict.org or email info@ironhorsedistrict.org.