We Nebraskans are always up for an adventure, and if we can find one at a bargain price, even better. This place may not sound like an adventure at first, but that’s the beauty of the unusual attraction.
The Petrified Wood & Art Gallery in Ogallala is deceptively plain from the outside. It looks a bit like an office building.
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But once you step inside you’ll be greeted by a building full of unusual art, unique artifacts, and more than half a century of dedication.
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The gallery was founded by twin brothers Harvey & Howard Kenfield. They began collecting stones and petrified wood in the 1950s, polishing and turning them into beautiful little works of natural art.
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Harvey and Howard also create their own unique art pieces from bits of petrified wood. These three-dimensional pictures are just one example of the type of lovely folk art they have on display in the gallery.
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Pete Peters has also contributed a huge collection of Native American artifacts to the gallery. This assortment of arrowheads is seriously impressive.
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These bullet slugs collected from the Ogallala area - also part of Peters’ collection - are reminders of western Nebraska’s Wild West history.
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Displays fill cases and line the walls throughout the gallery. You’ll see smooth polished slices of petrified wood…
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…of many types and from all over the world.
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There are also geodes, fossils, gemstones, and other examples of natural wonders.
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And then there’s the art. Massive sculptures like this one carved from wood…
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…and this bronze masterpiece are focal points for visitors. It’s easy to get lost in all of the tiny details.
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Other Kenfield art pieces include this fascinating cliff dwelling…
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…these petrified wood music boxes…
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…and these delicate sculptures that are so sweetly detailed they almost look like you could walk right into the scene.
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Intricate scenes painted on slabs of stone are interesting additions to the collection. Guest artists display their work alongside the Kenfield originals.
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The Kenfields’ collection was donated to the people of Ogallala in 2000, and in 2007 Friends of the Kenfield Gallery became a designated nonprofit organization. The gallery is funded and manned entirely by generous volunteers.
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Admission to the gallery is free, but donations are accepted. There are also lots of wonderful items for sale in the gift shop, so if you have a bit of a budget to work with you can help support this truly amazing project and go home with a souvenir of your visit.
Visit the Petrified Wood & Art Gallery at 418 E 1st St, Ogallala, NE 69153. It is open (Memorial Day through Labor Day) Monday through Saturday 9am – 5pm and Sunday noon-4pm. Visit the gallery’s website or Facebook page for more information, pictures, and news.
For more terrific reasons to visit Ogallala, read this article that’s all about the town.
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