VALENTINE, Neb. - Cities big and small are using art to draw more people to their downtown areas.

Research shows that public art can not only provide economic benefits, such as new jobs and increased tourism, but also foster a sense of community.

Valentine is gearing up to host an Art Walk and unveil new public art, including a sculpture titled "Golden Hour" by Jim and Ryan Pedersen. Jim lives in north-central Minnesota, but took a trip to Valentine to drop off his sculpture. Valentine is one of a handful of towns that participates in Sculpture Walk Across Nebraska.

“These pieces are leased for one year,” Pedersen said. "The artist receives a stipend. Then usually they come by and pick that piece up, and hopefully drop off a new piece."

“That’s all part of using the arts to be an economic driver for our community,” Valentine Economic Development Director Mark Hagge said.

Valentine has four new pieces of art that are part of Sculpture Walk Across Nebraska.

“It’s enjoyable-number one,” Hagge said. "It’s a way to give back to our community and the people who visit Valentine, but number two, it gets them out of their car, walking up and down Main Street, and hopefully entering our businesses."

To showcase the new art and encourage people to shop at downtown businesses, Valentine is hosting a Main Street Art Walk on Friday, May 24. Of course it’s also an opportunity for free marketing as people snap selfies with the sculptures.

“People enjoy taking pictures and selfies and showing people where they’re at and what they’re doing,” Hagge said.

As far as Pedersen, he’s busy driving across the region, dropping off more than two dozen different sculptures in five different states.

“More and more cities are getting involved in it,” Pedersen said. “People can kind of relate to what we have. Even though they might be more abstract, you can put together what we’re trying to accomplish.”

Other towns that participate in Sculpture Walk Across Nebraska include Norfolk, North Platte, Columbus and Grand Island. You can find more details about the program here.