Fifty years after Nebraska commissioned public art along Interstate 80 for the nation’s Bicentennial, a new Nebraska Public Media digital series revisits the sculptures’ history, meaning and lasting cultural impact.
Fifty years ago, Nebraska celebrated the nation’s Bicentennial in an unusual way. To bring nationally renowned art to people across the state, it commissioned large-scale outdoor sculptures at interstate rest areas.
In a new seven-part digital series, Nebraska Public Media producer Amanda Christi, along with videographer Sam Brodersen and audio engineer Jerrad Stutzman hit the road, reflecting on the meaning and significance of the remaining sculptures, designed to celebrate Nebraska’s strength and imagination.
“Most people that I’ve talked to have never heard of this,” said Christi. “At the time, it was unusual to see public art on this scale outside of a museum or civic space.”
The unique project stretched across Nebraska’s span of Interstate 80, but it was bold and hotly debated.
“Everyone had an opinion,” said Karen O. Janovy, retired curator of education, Sheldon Museum of Art, quoting an article related to the project. “‘Recent history records no bigger controversy than the ‘Great Debate in 1975’ on the I-80 Sculpture Project,’” she said.
As pieces of abstract 20th century art were installed, discussion ensued about the cost, what was aesthetically beautiful and why the work of Nebraska or Midwest artists was not represented. The legislature even entered the skirmish.