University of Nebraska Displays Larry Small Collection

The Eisentrager-Howard Gallery features a unique exhibit of 184 decorative string holders from a local collector.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Collecting

Bold vector editorial illustration of a small, decorative bird-shaped string holder on a gallery pedestal, evoking a curated art exhibit. — The Eisentrager-Howard Gallery at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is currently hosting 'Lincoln Collects,' an exhibit showcasing 184 unique decorative string holders. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is hosting a public exhibit titled Lincoln Collects, featuring 184 decorative string holders owned by 81-year-old resident Larry Small. The display, which debuted in October 2026, aims to introduce students to diverse art forms.

Why it matters

The exhibit series was established to expose students to various art forms and creative objects. By moving the items from a private residence to a professional gallery, the university provides a new setting for studying and appreciating unique collections.

The Lincoln Collects exhibit features 184 decorative string holders and assorted Art Deco porcelain sculptures. The display also includes Ron Lee clown figurines measuring six inches in height.

The players

Larry Small

The 81-year-old Lincoln resident and former owner of the Haymarket District store Flatwater Toys is the subject of the exhibit.

Julia Leggent

She serves as the gallery director at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and oversaw the sourcing and curation of the collection.

The details

Gallery director Julia Leggent collaborated with students from her gallery management class to curate the items, which were sourced from the apartment of Larry Small. It took six months to convince Small to share his collection, which he built following his time operating the former Haymarket District store Flatwater Toys.

Larry Small previewed the gallery exhibit on October 2, 2026.
The public viewing period for the exhibit is scheduled to end on November 6, 2026.

Culture Shift

This exhibit aligns with the Association of Academic Museums and Galleries educational outreach initiatives by integrating private, niche collections into student curriculum. It reflects a broader movement to democratize art history by validating unconventional objects as significant cultural artifacts.

Residents and students can visit the Eisentrager-Howard Gallery to view the items in a professional setting rather than a home environment. The exhibit remains open to the public until its scheduled closing date in early November.

The takeaway

Engaging with personal collections allows for a unique look at how niche objects can hold artistic and historical significance. Interested viewers should plan to visit the gallery before the November 6 deadline to see the items firsthand.