‘Take Your Time’ An Exhibition Encouraging Us to Slow Down

September 20th, 2024

Trains have played a defining role in U.S. history; nowhere is this more evident than in Omaha. Once a vital junction for the expanding rail network, the city became a central distribution hub for Nebraska and the western states, its fortunes intertwined with the iron rails crisscrossing the plains.

For many, trains are more than just transportation—they’re a passion. These enthusiasts, known as “railfans,” spend hours tracking, spotting, and photographing locomotives, sharing tips and sightings in dedicated communities.

One such enthusiast is Terry Ratzlaff, a Lincoln-based artist and educator who has found endless inspiration in Nebraska’s vast rural landscape. For over twenty years, Ratzlaff has used his camera to capture the essence of the state’s railway scenes, transforming what might seem like ordinary moments into something extraordinary.

Unlike most photographers who snap pictures to preserve memories, Ratzlaff’s work is driven by a deeper purpose: reimagining the images he captures, giving them new meaning and context. His unique vision culminated in the exhibition “Take Your Time,” now on display at the Osborne Family Gallery in the Chriss Library at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO).

“Take Your Time” invites viewers to slow down and reflect on the complexities of modern life through the lens of trains and the landscapes they traverse. The exhibition is a visual meditation on time, space, and railroads’ enduring presence in the American psyche.

The exhibition runs until November 8, offering visitors a chance to experience Ratzlaff’s evocative work firsthand. More information can be found on the Chriss Library website.

For those who, like Ratzlaff, find beauty and meaning in the rhythmic clatter of trains and the sprawling Nebraska plains, “Take Your Time” is not to be missed.