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June 8, 2026
Press Release
Date: June 8, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Rebecca Anderson, President of Board of Directors
Iron Horse Arts District
(308) 995-4050 | randerson@ymcaoftheprairie.org
Adam Hernandez, Communications & Events Coordinator
Holdrege Area Chamber of Commerce
(308) 995-4444 | adam@holdregechamber.com
Iron Horse Arts District Opens New Art Gallery with Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting and Artist Reception
Inaugural show features work by longtime Holdrege High School art educator Christy Kosmicki
HOLDREGE, Neb. — The Iron Horse Arts District is proud to announce the grand opening of the Iron Horse Art Gallery, located in the basement of the First State Bank of Holdrege at 401 East Avenue. The celebration, which runs from 5:00–7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026, kicks off with a ribbon cutting in partnership with the Holdrege Area Chamber of Commerce, followed by an artist reception. Both events are free and open to the public — all are welcome to join the fun.
"The Chamber is thrilled to be part of this celebration,” said Adam Hernandez, Communications & Events Coordinator for the Holdrege Area Chamber of Commerce. “The Iron Horse Art Gallery is exactly the kind of investment in downtown Holdrege that gets people excited — it brings foot traffic, it brings vibrancy, and it gives our community something to be proud of. We're glad to welcome the Iron Horse Arts District to this next chapter."
The new gallery marks an exciting milestone for the District and downtown Holdrege, bringing a dedicated space for rotating fine art exhibits to the heart of the community. The Iron Horse Art Gallery will feature shows highlighting local and regional artists throughout the year.
Opening night doubles as an artist reception for the gallery's inaugural show featuring Christy Kosmicki, a beloved former Holdrege High School art educator known for her wide-ranging and acclaimed body of work. Guests are invited to meet Kosmicki, explore her artwork, learn about the Iron Horse Arts District, and connect with fellow art enthusiasts. Light refreshments will be served.
“The Iron Horse Art Gallery is something we've been working toward for a long time, and we couldn't be more excited to finally open these doors,” said Mona Peterson, member of the Building committee and President-Elect of the Iron Horse Arts District Board of Directors. “Having a dedicated space to showcase local and regional artists right in the heart of downtown Holdrege is a huge step forward for our community — and kicking things off with Christy's work makes it extra special. None of this would have been possible without the generous support of our donors and the Holdrege community."
The Iron Horse Arts District gratefully acknowledges the donors who made the Iron Horse Art Gallery possible: First State Bank of Holdrege, Phelps County Community Foundation, Holdrege High School Class of '66, Phelps County Development Corporation, Glenwood Telecommunications Inc., and 2025 give2GROW supporters.
The Kosmicki exhibit will remain on display at the Art Gallery throughout June, so those who can't make it to the reception are encouraged to stop in during regular gallery hours.
Event Details:
Iron Horse Art Gallery Ribbon Cutting & Artist Reception
Thursday, June 11, 2026 | 5:00–7:00 p.m.
Iron Horse Art Gallery (inside First State Bank of Holdrege)
401 East Avenue, Holdrege, NE 68949
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.
About the Holdrege Area Chamber of Commerce
The Holdrege Area Chamber of Commerce has a mission to foster collaborative partnerships to build a thriving community through ongoing visibility, involvement, and support for Chamber members. For more information on the Chamber’s events and programs, visit www.holdregechamber.com or follow @holdregechamber on Facebook.