by Larry D. Peterson
sponsored by Nebraska National Bank, Auto Hospital & Dawn Rotary
photography courtesy of Diana Dake

A native of Axtell, Ne., I am an emeritus of the University of Nebraska at Kearney. I was on the faculty in the Art/ Art
History Department for 32 years. My Art Degrees are from Kearney State College. B.A.; Northern Colorado University, M.A.; my terminal degree is from the University of Kansas, Ed.D. in Visual Arts Education.

I have been an active member of the Kearney Artists Guild for 40 years.

Memberships in and offices I have held: The Association of Nebraska Art Clubs; University of Nebraska-Kearney Education Association; Kearney Area Arts Council; Director of Nebraska Arts Council; member of the Kearney Area Community Foundation; member of the National Art Education Association; National Education Association; Advisory Council Sheldon Art Gallery, Lincoln, NE; current membership in Kearney Chamber of Commerce.

In 1971 I initiated Kearney’s Art In The Park and was the Director for 35 years.

In 1985 I received the Governor’s Art Award.

I am one of the Founders of the Museum of Nebraska Art in Kearney, NE. and currently serving on the Board of Directors.

In 2003 I designed the crane “Old Glory” which is visible at Sorensen City Glass in Kearney.

To honor our country and to those who have and are presently serving our country in the Military I chose my theme as a tribute.  After 9/11 it became even more important that we in the United States should be proud of our country and express our feelings not only verbally but visually.

“Crane Express” my 2010 Crane was named to honor our country and also to promote the 150th Anniversary Year of the Pony Express Riders. In my design on the back of the crane one can see the outline of a mail bag saddle adorned with a star.

“Crane Express” the medium I chose was acrylic paint. The linear design of the crane led to the flow of the stripes of ou flag with the stars augmenting the total design.

LARRY D. PETERSON