Making Waves in Western Nebraska: PBS Special Highlights Local Murals

Western Nebraska is home to a variety of beauty, from the splendor of waving fields of gold, to the stretching of magenta sunrises and sunsets on the wide open plains, there is a special brilliance to the painted treasures scattered throughout our quiet countryside and towns. Working as the brainchild behind many of these silent splendors is Nebraska native and Garden County art teacher, Lauren Olson. Originally inspired by the idea to make the town she was living in more colorful, Olson began to paint the Panhandle. Now captured through the Nebraska Public Media documentary, "Magic of Murals," Olson has a PBS special under her belt as well.

One of several different artists featured, the special highlights Olson's work throughout Western Nebraska; with 1 mural in Big Springs, 2 in Bridgeport, 1 in Lisco, 1 in Lewellen, 2 in Chappell, and 1 in Lodgepole, she's made quite the impact on the Panhandle. Olson's art is not only aesthetically pleasing, it's also historical. "It's a lot of research, going to museums or talking to local people in town," Olson explains, often painting is the very last step in the process.

Murals are easily accessible artwork that is free for all to enjoy, "the reason why public art is so important is because it really helps you have a sense of identity; where you are, and a visual reminder of how you're connected to that space," an NPM interviewee says. Looking to create more murals in Western Nebraska, Olson is always on the hunt for a new canvas, "I tell people that paint is the cheapest way to improve a building," Olson says.

Olson does take commissions and has a Facebook page dedicated to her artwork, Lauren Olson Art. If interested in viewing the PBS Nebraska Public Media special, "Magic of Murals," visit NebraskaPublicMedia.org or Youtube.com/nebraskapublicmedia/live

Author Bio

Kelsey Arrington, Staff Reporter

Cheyenne County native, local business owner.