
Vollis Simpson never called himself an artist. But the New York Times did. This farm machinery repairman had a way of turning metal scraps into magnificent things. Road signs were welded to plows and fastened to bicycles and washing machine parts. He created sculptures that, with the slightest breeze, would come alive –spinning, dancing, jangling. Vollis found a harmony in marrying the unexpected to form the fantastic. He called these works of folk art Whirligigs. Today, his work can be found in museums around the world. But the largest collection of his Whirligigs are right here in his home town of Wilson. inside the park that bears his name you’ll find 31 kinetic sculptures. Some are over 50 feet in height. Stop by and look at the sky on a windy day. You’ll be amazed. You’ll be inspired. You’ll never think of junk the same way again.
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