For 50 years, a sculpture has called the Blue River Rest Area on Interstate 80 home. One of seven sculptures located across the state, “Arrival” was part of Nebraska’s Bicentennial Interstate 80 Sculpture Project.
The 35-foot tall sculpture, made of light-weight aluminum, was created by Paul Von Ringelheim in 1976. At the time, he said the rough satin finish “will reflect the brilliance of the summer and winter suns.”
The sculpture was rededicated July 4 with a ceremony at the rest area. Because of rain overnight, the program was done by the Big Blue River plaque instead of by the sculpture.
“Today there is a reflecting pool underneath the sculpture which most people don’t get to see,” Mike Markey, executive director of the Nebraska State Arts Council, joked.
U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer’s father, Jerry Strobel, was one of the interstate engineers, and she remembered walking the undeveloped land with him. She brought his invitation to the original dedication in 1976.
After the interstate was completed in 1974, the state looked for a new project to celebrate the bicentennial. The federal government provided $100,000 to each state for the bicentennial. Nebraska came up with a bold plan, Fischer said.
“They recognized that, in addition to helping people get where they need to go, our interstate system could be a gateway to culture,” she said.
Public funds and private support worked together to develop the I-80 sculpture project.
“This project meant a lot to my dad,” she said. “These sculptures stand as a reminder that art can enrich our public spaces. It can strengthen tourism, and it can leave a lasting mark on the communities that we call home.”
While most states used the federal dollars for projects like community celebrations and fireworks, Nebraska chose to build something more permanent, Markey said.
State poet Jewel Rodgers presented two of her poems, one written specifically for the sculptures and one written for America’s 250th anniversary. Megan Dion, director of public art and artists at the Nebraska Arts Council, also spoke.
“We did something with that celebratory money that stands the test of today,” State Sen. Jana Hughes, representing District 24, said. “For five decades, this sculpture has stood as a lasting symbol for new beginnings and, honestly, the pioneering spirit of everybody that has arrived here.”
