Community Unity Obelisk Tile Project

The dictionary definition of an Obelisk is: an upright 4-sided usually monolithic pillar that gradually tapers as it rises and terminates in a pyramid.

North Platte's definition of an Obelisk is a community art project that will draw the entire community together and create a series of art objects that will beautify our community. While not technically obelisks because they won't taper as they rise to their nine-foot height, these beautiful tile-covered sculptures will be a sight to see. The Creativity Unlimited Arts Council has named this project Community Unity, and it has lived up to it's name.

Each Obelisk will be covered by nearly 400 hand-painted 6-inch square tiles. Tile painting events are being held throughout the community, at schools, in the mall, at local events, and by appointment. It doesn't take a professional artist to paint a tile (I should know, I have actually painted a tile myself!). Designs can be drawn on paper and then traced on to the tile and then painted. Designs painted so far have depicted local school mascots, family milestones, local attractions and historical landmarks.

Five Obelisks will be produced, one in Iron Horse Park near Interstate 80, in Centennial Park, on the Courthouse Lawn, on the Lutheran Family Services park at the junction of Highway 30 and Highway 83, and in Cody Park. Making an effort to see all five Obelisks will draw visitors into the heart of our community. Other Obelisks will follow through the years.

Each tile will be numbered, and the location recorded, so that in years to come, your decendents can come to North Platte and see the tile you painted. The Obelisks will not only be beautiful sculptures, but also treasured family heirlooms.

You can find more information about the Obelisk project and tile painting opportunities by visiting the website of Creativity Unlimited Arts Council at www.artsinnorthplatte.com, or by calling the North Platte/Lincoln County Convention and Visitors Bureau at (308) 532-4729.

Happy painting!