Our mural! We are excited to partner with Dos Sparrows Tattoo and Art, Mike Dvo, to create a beautiful mural on the side of Webb Plaza. This project is more than just a piece of artwork. This is symbolic of so many things that have happened over the years to the family and people who live, work and grew up in Nebraska. Sometimes when it’s too hard to say with words, it’s easier done in a painting.

The Story Behind Our Mural

At first glance, your eye is drawn to the bold, beautiful Holstein cow, Bessie, the centerpiece of the mural and a tribute to my mother’s side of the family, whose maiden name was Holsten. This isn’t just any cow—it’s a symbol of family roots and the legacy that grounds this space. My mother grew up in Axtell, Nebraska. On a farm with her parents and three sisters. Her father’s family was from Sweeden and the surname is sometimes spelled Holstein. The name is most commonly associated with the Holstein region in northern Germany, which borders Denmark. In medieval times, the area was part of the Duchy of Holstein, which had historical ties to both the Danish and German crowns.

Around the cow’s neck hangs a large cowbell, but look closer: on the bell is a leukemia awareness ribbon. This detail is deeply personal. Leukemia has left an unforgettable mark on our family. We lost my father to it, he was 77 years old. My brother was diagnosed at just one year old, leaving him with permanent brain damage and epilepsy. My cousin Scott also had neuroblastoma, a cancer that affects children. Unfortunately we lost him at a young age. That ribbon honors them and the strength we’ve carried through it all.

Scattered throughout the mural are vibrant, towering sunflowers, symbols of resilience, strength, and prosperity—qualities I had to lean into during the painful years after my father’s passing. Many things tested me, but like a sunflower, I turned toward the light and preserved.

Among those sunflowers, keep an eye out for a jackrabbit racing through—a nod to my father’s beloved college mascot in South Dakota. He was so proud to be a Jackrabbit. He was born in Iowa but grew up in South Dakota. In the distance, a sailboat sails quietly across the horizon, representing both his service in the Navy and love of sailing. As well as the fascinating local history of Grand Island. In 1848, the Platte River carved a real island—a landmark for the Pawnee people and the town’s namesake. Even though the water isn’t present today, this boat is our creative way of telling that story.

All of it is painted beneath a brilliant Nebraska sunset, tying the past, present, and future together.

This isn’t just a mural. It’s a mission. My father, Harold Richter, purchased this plaza in 1988 with a few fellow small business owners. For 37 years, it’s supported local dreams. I’m proud to carry that torch forward. I am a small business owner, he was a small business owner and for all these years the tenants in the plaza have been filled with local people who all had aspiration. When you shop small, more of your money stays in our community—supporting local jobs, services, and reinvestment in the area. Small business owners bring creativity, unique products, and personal stories to the marketplace. When you buy from a small business, you’re helping someone pursue a dream, support a family, and make a difference.