KEARNEY, Neb. — An ode to the pioneers who settled in Nebraska is now complete in Kearney.

“Molly and Jack”, a bronze sculpture of two horses, was installed a couple of weeks ago outside of The Archway. It completes the “We Stayed” story, which was created to recognize the courageous and tenacious settlers who stayed in Nebraska.

Archway Executive Director JoAnne Hoatson says it’s already popular.

“We have a lot of people walking through the display taking photos, reading," Hoatson said. "It is such a piece of history from around here.”

The series of sculptures were commissioned by philanthropist Rhonda Seacrest through the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation. They show a family performing 19th century farm tasks like plowing, sowing seeds and carrying water. The installation’s plaque says it was inspired by the several monuments to pioneers who took trails to the west and the lack of monuments to those who decided to stay and make homes in Nebraska.

Hoatson says The Archway is a natural spot for “We Stayed.”

“The wind is depicted, the hard labor, the hard work, the children, plowing your fields by hand, all of that is depicted in here," Hoatson said. "It just fits the Archway because we are a piece of that history.”

Lexington native David Biehl is the artist for for all seven pieces. They were dedicated during a ceremony on Friday.

“It’s beautiful," Hoatson said. "The intricate designs, the realness of it all. I’m just amazed at the work that the artist David Biehl has done…. He does a fabulous job.”