Chamber welcome's ArtBank 'destination space' to community

A McCook chamber ribbon-cutting ceremony took place Tuesday at ArtBank McCook, 108 West D Street. Several McCook artisans, including Ron Nelson, center holding scissors, and Roxanne Owens, second from right, have been involved in the building’s transformation. It was purchased by Chad Graff, far right, and Joann Falkenburg in Nov. 2021, and has since been donated to the ArtBank McCook non-profit organization. Missy Nelson, left holding ribbon, is one member of ArtBank McCook’s board of directors.

Shary Skiles/McCook Gazette

McCOOK, Neb. – Predicting that ArtBank McCook would become a “destination space”, Chad Graff welcomed members of McCook Chamber of Commerce for a ribbon cutting Tuesday morning. Graff is expecting artists and leaders in the art world to arrive this weekend from Chicago, New York, Omaha, and other places to help celebrate the opening of the non-profit art gallery in McCook.

The space, which has been in the process of being remodeled over the past year, is located at 108 West D Street. Graff told attendees that the building was constructed in the 1970’s in the brutalist architectural style. The transformation of the building has been a “McCook story”, led by contractor and visionary Ron Nelson; painting contractor Roxanne Owens; and artist Lucas Kotschwar, who has led the art installations. All three are local artisans.

Graff told chamber members that the art exhibited focuses on exploring “what art can do” – for the creator as well as the observer. He continued by sharing some of the stories behind the artists that are exhibiting in the space.

ArtBank McCook will host the Norris Breakfast Friday at 7 a.m.