Recycled Letters Art Contest Brings Public Art to Ralston

A new public art piece will welcome the Metro to Ralston at the corner of 72nd and Main by the 2023 Independence Day celebration.

The Recycled Letters art contest invited artists from across the Midwest to submit designs for a new public art piece using the letters “Ralston” taken down from the Arena marquee.

23 designs were submitted to the Ralston Creative District Board. The board chose two designs as winners.

Local Ralston artist Illamen Pelshaw’s work was chosen as the contest’s main winner!

Pelshaw has created public art across the Metro including a mural about South Omaha’s Mayan community, a banner in the Benson Improvement District and a mural and honoring mentorship with Cammy Watkins Art project. Illamen was selected as an artist for the U.S. Department of State Art in Embassies program.

Pelshaw's work will replace the current Ralston sign at the corner of 72nd and Main. A contract has been put in place with funding from the Ralston Community Foundation and the work is starting. Pelshaw hopes to have the piece completed by July 1st.

The Recycled Letters art contest was the first art project from Ralston’s Arts and Creative District. The District was established the City Council in 2022 to use art to attract visitors to Ralston and appeal to potential new residents.