Vollis Simpson has become famous for his amazing whirligigs – whimsical constructions with myriad figures, shapes, and colors, all mechanically wind-powered. Now in his 90s, Mr. Simpson still actively builds and maintains his creations. But even for a man of his considerable capability, keeping up with 30+ large and aging clockwork machines/artworks is a bigger task. So the city of Wilson, NC has set out to create a whirligig park, to preserve and display these terrific creations, and celebrate in an enduring way Mr. Simpson’s accomplishments. Work has already begun, and I was privileged to see it in process.
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