AUBURN – Leslie Clark of the Auburn Creative District says a series of sidewalk murals is a small piece of art with a big purpose – to spread positivity, brighten the downtown and bring a smile to people’s faces.

The 49 mini murals are designed by local artist Reagan Jordan  with eight-theme affirmations encouraging pedestrians to bee kind, bee honest, bee respectful and bee happy.

 

Clark: “This isn’t just about beautification. It’s about pride and it’s putting Auburn on the map as a place filled with creativity and opportunity. We’ve got dreamers here. We have great artists, amazing entrepreneurs and the creative district is giving them a place to shine, which is why we’re saying ‘hey, Auburn is the place to bee.”

The creative district was certified last October, but the city’s link to the honeybee dates back 50 years when teacher Louise Howe and 49 third graders traveled to the state Capitol to ask lawmakers to make the honeybee Nebraska’s state insect.

Clark: “But we’re not just wanting to lean into that identity. We’re wanting to live it.”

Auburn organized a public sculpture project called Honeybees in the Heartland and the creative district is planning its first Honeybee Festival this September.