(Photo Courtesy Prairie Arts Center Staff)
Prairie Arts Center Board Members and NebraskaLand Bank Staff pose for a picture with Artist Vic Rouleau in front of his award winning sculpture in the Canteen District.
NORTH PLATTE, NEB. – The Prairie Arts Center, supported by NebraskaLand Bank, has proudly presented sculptor Vic Rouleau with the People’s Choice Award and a $500 prize for his breathtaking sculpture, “Learning to Fly,” during the annual Sculpture Walk Around Nebraska (SWAN) on April 30, 2025. The piece, which portrays three Sandhill Cranes taking flight from cattails, was a clear favorite among the North Platte community, earning a landslide victory in the online voting process.
Created entirely from recycled materials, Rouleau’s work is rooted in a rustic aesthetic and inspired by his surroundings. “I live out in the country, and the cranes are out in the field all the time,” Rouleau explained. “Watching the mother and little ones grow up is pretty cool, and that’s what inspired me to create the cranes.”
This marks the second year the Prairie Arts Center has facilitated the placement of sculptures in North Platte’s Canteen District as part of the SWAN exhibition, turning the area into a dynamic outdoor art gallery. The initiative, featuring sculptures from artists across the United States, also extends to Norfolk, Valentine, Columbus, Grand Island, and, new this next year, Ogallala.
“We were very fortunate to have NebraskaLand Bank sponsor the award this year,” said Holly Carlini, Director of the Prairie Arts Center. “Vic was very touched, and you can see the heart and the emotion and how much time [artists] spend on these pieces. It’s just really special for them.”
Chantel Burch, Marketing Coordinator at NebraskaLand Bank, highlighted the importance of celebrating art and community. “We are beyond excited to be able to recognize the artist that resonated with so many people in our community,” Burch said.
Rouleau’s winning sculpture will remain on display at the Prairie Arts Center for the coming year, giving the community and visitors ample opportunity to experience its beauty and craftsmanship. Looking ahead, the Prairie Arts Center plans to expand next year’s SWAN exhibition by featuring seven sculptures, further enriching the local arts scene.
For more information on the Sculpture Walk Around Nebraska and its impact across the region, visit the Prairie Arts Center’s website or social media platforms.
