Creative District contracts Ogallala artist to brighten downtown Sidney

SIDNEY -- Sidney received Creative District recognition in April of this year, and has made its first move to put art into downtown.

The first stage in Creative District recognition is a $10,000 grant. The Sidney Creative District organization contracted with Ogallala artist Breeanna Benton to add some artistic character to downtown Sidney. She is painting a mural on the wall of the west side of the west parking lot at 10th Avenue and Hickory Street.

Benton promotes herself as a professional artist, crafter and muralist. She said she was contacted by the Sidney Creative District after she promoted some of her artwork.

In 2020, the Nebraska State legislature passed a bill to create the Creative Districts program. The program works to promote and support economic development and placemaking opportunities in communities dedicated to growing their arts-related economic sectors.

Benton said she plans to have the mural completed by Sunday afternoon. Her theme is a Sidney sunset, with parts of Sidney's history included.