The American Bicentennial was a time for pondering the past and speculating about the future. Nebraskans commissioned a series of modernistic sculptures for Interstate highway rest areas that would dramatize this meeting of past and future.

More than a hundred artists entered the competition, out of which eight were selected. Each artist was provided a place to work in a community near the rest area where the work was to be exhibited.

The project was, and still is, controversial. No one agrees on what each sculpture means. So much the better. In the spirit of American liberty, people are free to think, feel and talk about them as they like. Take time to see the unique sculptures as you drive through Nebraska.

1. "Arrival"
by Paul Von Ringelheim
(Blue River eastbound rest area)

2. "Crossing the Plains"
by Bradford Graves
(York westbound rest area)

3. "Memorial to the American Bandshell"
by Richard Field
(Platte River eastbound rest area)

4. "Nebraska Wind Sculpture"
by George Baker
(Kearny westbound rest area)

5. "Roadway Confluence"
by Hans Van de Bovenkanp
(Sidney westbound rest area)

6. "Up/Over"
by Linda Howard
(Ogallala westbound rest area)

7. "Nebraskan Gateway"
by Anthony Padovano
(Brady westbound rest area)

8. "Erma's Desire"
by John Raimondi
(Grand Island eastbound rest area)

Photos courtesy
Nebraska Department of Economic Development

• GPX
• KML
• LOC

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