May 13, 2026
Press Release
Date: May 13, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Cassie Ehrenberg, Executive Director
Iron Horse Arts District
(308) 248-0001 | director@ironhorsedistrict.org
Iron Horse Arts District Announces New Gallery, Summer Events, and Executive Director Search
HOLDREGE, Neb. — The Iron Horse Arts District is entering an exciting new chapter this summer, with the opening of a new gallery space, a packed events calendar, and a search underway for its next Executive Director.
Iron Horse Art Gallery Opens at First State Bank
The Iron Horse Arts District is proud to announce the opening of the Iron Horse Art Gallery, a brand new exhibition space located within the First State Bank of Holdrege. The gallery is housed in the lower level of the building, with the Iron Horse Arts District office on the main floor.
The gallery will be inaugurated with a ribbon cutting and artist reception on Thursday, June 11 from 5–7 p.m., featuring the work of Christy Kosmicki. Kosmicki, who spent many years as the art teacher at Holdrege High School, is a multidisciplinary artist working in acrylics, mixed media, and sculpture. Her exhibit, Past and Present, traces the evolution of her creative practice — from early works to her current series, which explores the female figure, nature, music, and spirituality through paintings, relief sculptures, and freestanding pieces. Her most recent series, Genesis the 5th Day, presents a visual narrative of creation rendered in Golden Acrylics on wood panels and rice paper.
The ribbon cutting, co-hosted by the Holdrege Area Chamber of Commerce, and reception are free and open to the public. All are welcome to celebrate the opening of this new community arts space.
Artisan Expo Returns May 30
Before the summer fully hits its stride, the Iron Horse Arts District invites the community to the 2026 Artisan Expo on Saturday, May 30 from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. in downtown Holdrege. Free to attend, the event will feature more than 30 artisan vendors and demonstrators, live music, poetry readings, kids' activities, food trucks, and a film screening by Holdrege High School alumnus Elijah Watson. The Artisan Expo is one of the district's signature community celebrations and a showcase of the creative talent rooted right here in central Nebraska.
Community Invited to Help Paint Downtown Crosswalk Murals
This June, the Iron Horse Arts District will install new crosswalk murals in downtown Holdrege at 5th and West Avenues and refresh the existing murals at 5th and East Avenues bringing fresh color and energy to our downtown core!
The mural design, originally created by Holdrege artist Hal Snyder in 2025, will return with a possible updated color scheme. Installation is scheduled for June 6 and June 13 (weather permitting).
What makes this project special is who picks up the paintbrush: the community. Holdrege residents are invited to sign up to help paint the murals at ironhorsedistrict.org/events/2026-crosswalk-murals-week-one. No artistic experience is necessary — just a willingness to get your hands a little colorful. The project will be led by Nancy Wiese and individuals can paint as much or as little as they want.
The crosswalk murals are part of the Iron Horse Arts District's Summer in the District campaign, made possible through the generous support of community donors and sponsors.
New Pop-Up Concert Series Launches August 29
This summer, the Iron Horse Arts District is transitioning from its annual Flyover Country Stage concert to a new Iron Horse Pop-Up Concert Series. The new series brings live music to venues throughout Holdrege in a more intimate, accessible — and financially sustainable — format.
The series kicks off on Saturday, August 29 at JB's Sports Bar and Grill (outdoor beer garden) with a pop and country-themed evening featuring performers Jaden Schumacher and Tanner Sovereign. Admission is $10 at the door (cash). Future concerts will be held at various locations around Holdrege and will feature a range of musical styles. This new pop-up series will help Iron Horse determine what style of music most resonates with area residents.
Search Underway for Next Executive Director
The Iron Horse Arts District is also conducting a search for its next Executive Director, following the upcoming relocation of founding Executive Director Cassie Ehrenberg. Ehrenberg, who has led the organization since April 2024, will depart in mid-June.
"It has been an honor to help build this district from the ground up alongside such a passionate community," said Ehrenberg. "I'm confident that the Iron Horse Arts District's best days are still ahead."
The Executive Director position is responsible for leading the organization's programs, partnerships, fundraising, and day-to-day operations. Candidates with a passion for arts, community development, and the Holdrege area are encouraged to apply. The position is posted at ironhorsedistrict.org/about-us#opportunities and applications will be accepted through May 26 or until the position is filled. Questions may be directed to Board President Rebecca Anderson at randerson@ymcaoftheprairie.org.
About the Iron Horse Arts District
The Iron Horse Arts District is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Holdrege, Nebraska, dedicated to strengthening the community through the arts. For more information on this and other Iron Horse Arts District programming, visit www.ironhorsedistrict.org or follow @ironhorsedistrict37 on Facebook and Instagram.
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