Sterling's carved 'living trees' are a free, walkable bit of local art

Sterling has a nickname that fits the place: the City of Living Trees. It comes from a set of sculptures that artist Bradford Rhea carved out of cottonwood trees around town, turning trunks into shapes like leaping giraffes and other figures.

The story behind them is local and practical. Hard weather and age had killed or damaged a number of the town’s large cottonwoods. Instead of simply cutting them down, the community let an artist give some of them a second life as carvings. Over the years several were created, and a few of the originals have since been cast in bronze so they last.

For a visitor or a new resident, this is an easy, no-cost way to get a feel for the town. Several of the sculptures sit within walking distance of one another in and near downtown, and you can do a self-guided tour on foot. A map or pamphlet for the walk is available from the local tourist information center, and the sculptures are out in public spaces, so you can see them on your own schedule.

It is a small thing, but it is the kind of local character that makes a place feel like itself.

For the sculpture list, the walking-tour map, and current details, check the City of Sterling’s site and the Logan County tourist information center.