VALENTINE, Neb. - Downtown Valentine will soon be home to a new art gallery. Artist Craig Beman and his wife Peggy have purchased the building at 411 North Main Street. They previously owned a gallery in Stephenville, Texas for 12 years.

“Valentine is my hometown,” said Craig. “We’re looking forward to coming back home. It’s kind of surreal. I haven’t been here for 50 years, but we love Valentine.”

Craig Beman art

The gallery will take up the first floor, while the couple plans to live upstairs—a setup that’s fairly common in larger cities, where galleries often sit below second-story residences.

“We’re used to that. That’s what we did in Stephenville,” said Craig.

Craig Beman art

Craig’s journey into art didn’t begin until age 46, after years in ministry. What started as an unexpected turn has since become a deep calling.

“My art is a ministry. The Lord gave me the gift,” said Craig. “It’s a testimony of God’s grace.”

The Bemans hope to open the gallery in around a month after finishing renovations.