Art That Brings Us Together

Last Updated 11/3/2026

ANAC Traveling Exhibit Welcomes Visitors from Near and Far

From neighboring Nebraska counties to visitors from across the country, the Columbus Art Gallery continues to connect people through creativity.

Two Weeks of Art, Inspiration, and Connection

Art has a wonderful way of bringing people together, and the recent Association of Nebraska Art Clubs (ANAC) Traveling Exhibit at the Columbus Art Gallery was a perfect example.

Although the exhibit was on display for just two weeks, it welcomed visitors from across Nebraska and beyond. Each person who walked through the gallery doors had an opportunity to experience the creativity and talent of the artists represented in this traveling collection.

And while the artwork may have been the reason for the visit, the connections made along the way are just as meaningful.

A Visitor Map That Tells a Bigger Story

One of the most interesting things about this exhibit was seeing just how far some of our visitors traveled.

According to the Columbus Art Gallery's visitor map, guests came from five Nebraska counties:

  • Platte County

  • Merrick County

  • Custer County

  • Thayer County

  • Washington County

But the gallery's reach didn't stop at the Nebraska border!

Visitors also made their way to Columbus from Davis City, Iowa; Joplin, Missouri; and even Las Vegas, Nevada.

It's exciting to think that people from different communities and states were able to share in the same artistic experience right here in downtown Columbus.

Whether someone traveled across town or across the country, each visit was a reminder that art has the power to connect people regardless of where they call home.

Supporting Artists, One Visit at a Time

Every visitor who steps inside an art gallery does more than simply look at artwork.

They help support the artists who dedicate their time, talent, and creativity to producing it. They encourage organizations to continue bringing exhibits to their communities. And they demonstrate that the arts are an important part of what makes a community vibrant.

Traveling exhibits like the ANAC show also provide opportunities for residents to experience artwork from artists they might not otherwise encounter.

For a community like Columbus, these opportunities help make art more accessible while introducing new perspectives, ideas, and creative expression.

The Arts Are Part of the Columbus Experience

As part of the certified Trax Creative District, the Columbus Art Gallery plays an important role in making downtown Columbus a destination for arts and culture.

Exhibits, workshops, public art, and other creative experiences give residents and visitors additional reasons to explore our community.

While we may not know what originally brought each out-of-town visitor to Columbus, we do know that the gallery became part of their experience here.

And that's worth celebrating.

Every gallery visit, every conversation about artwork, and every opportunity to experience something creative helps strengthen the cultural identity of our community.

Thank You for Being Part of the Story

To everyone who visited the ANAC Traveling Exhibit, thank you!

Whether you live just a few blocks away or traveled from another state, your interest and support help make experiences like this possible.

A special thank-you also goes to the artists, volunteers, and everyone involved in bringing this exhibit to the Columbus Art Gallery.

The ANAC exhibit may have moved on to its next destination, but the gallery continues to offer opportunities to discover, appreciate, and celebrate the arts.

We hope you'll make the Columbus Art Gallery part of your next downtown adventure.

Because great art doesn't just fill gallery walls. It brings people together.

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