With its sweeping grassland vistas, vernal pools, wildlife-rich wetlands, and happily grazing cattle, Swainson’s Preserve is a unique and special place. And now, a scenic corner of it has inspired a piece of public art!
Local artist Jean Cross recently installed a new mural depicting the iconic Swainson’s barn, just down the road from the preserve itself in downtown Lincoln. The three-dimensional mural is made from reclaimed lumber from barns in the area, including salvaged scrap wood from the Swainson’s barn. The mural also depicts a Swainson’s hawk and a burrowing owl, two protected bird species for which the preserve serves as a refuge.
“I’ve been making art since I could put my hands together,” says Jean. “In 2000, we moved to Lincoln, where my husband was sales manager at Gladding, McBean. I wanted to create something for our house that reflected our life here. I got permission to sculpt 2 pieces of unfired sewer pipe for bases for our dining room table. When management saw my work, they offered me a job as the first woman sculptor at Gladding, McBean.”
Jean helped found the Art League of Lincoln, and now chairs the League’s Public Art Committee. We’re inspired by her resourceful and creative approach to making art from recycled materials that would otherwise be overlooked or discarded — and we’re thrilled that this beautiful preserve is being celebrated in a new way as a piece of art for all to enjoy!
