Making Cambridge, Neb. more colorful, one step at a time
“Good things take time.”
It’s a pearl of wisdom that goes to the heart of what Ashley Gerlach and Jessica Alexander have set out to accomplish in downtown Cambridge.
Three years ago, the two Cambridge natives hatched an idea to restore some of the long-ago luster of their hometown. Step by step, the pair’s vision is taking shape.
Gerlach and Alexander have formed a nonprofit called Main Street Revival, which is the driving force behind a series of beautification and preservation projects in Cambridge. The first effort was restoring three faded building signs, completed over the summer and fall of 2023.
Since then, with the help of $30,000 in funding from local individuals, organizations, and businesses, Main Street Revival has set about to create 12 mural pieces around town. The most recent milestone was the completion in early October of a community history mural covering the north wall of Mark’s Pharmacy/Shirley K’s Coffee Shop on Patterson Street.
The public artwork is drawing praise from across the community. “It adds character and beauty to the downtown space,” said Derek Downer, branch president of Waypoint Bank – Cambridge, which donated $1,000 toward the project.
A slice of Cambridge history
Using a folk-art style, the community mural captures historic buildings and landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty replica that once stood in a downtown intersection. The aerial view also offers glimpses of the nearby Republican River.
The work features a historical reference to Cambridge’s original name of “Pickleville,” before it was renamed in 1880. The artists worked in 15 hidden pickles – one for each decade of Cambridge’s history (Cambridge celebrates its 150th anniversary this year). The pickles provide an interactive experience for anyone up for a puzzle. Another subtle touch is the placement of a “woman in black,” which refers to a mysterious person who was reportedly seen roaming the town’s cemetery grounds in the 1920s.
Waypoint Bank – Cambridge praises team effort that turned into a community asset
As a founding premise, Ashley and Jessica said they started Main Street Revival to “breathe new life into downtown Cambridge through art.” However, the two local business owners needed some professional art experience to make the vision come true.
Cambridge artist and museum curator Ryan Cramer, along with local art teacher Janice Howell, provided some in-town creative muscle for the early sign restoration project and a four-sided mural at the town park. For the mural, Kearney-based artist Derek Rusher joined with Cramer to meet the challenge of applying paint – and history – to a brick surface.
Cramer designed the 50’ x 18’ mural and Rusher, who owns Impact Art, used his know-how with spray paint to complete the work. “He used spray paint to do murals which was an important part of the large mural piece,” Ashley explained. “The brick surface was incredibly rough, and painting the entire project with paint brushes would have been incredibly difficult.”
“We’re so proud to be a part of Cambridge, especially when we see people like Ashley and Jessica who show such a passion for this community,” shared Waypoint Bank’s Downer.
An example of how persistence pays off
Ashley sees the Main Street Revival effort in Cambridge as an example of how patience and fortitude can overcome seemingly unattainable goals.
“You will find us referencing the phrase, ‘How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time,’” she said.
“Maybe it sounds a bit weird to most, but it helps us not sink into overwhelm. It helps us stay focused and stay the course. One bite at a time. We can do that.”
