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Small Museum of Folk Art

Siler City, NC

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550, Vollis Simpson, Whirligig Dog

Whirligig Dog

By Vollis Simpson

Artist Info

Born: 1919 (North Carolina)
Died: 2013 (North Carolina)

About Vollis Simpson

Vollis, who lived outside of Wilson, North Carolina, never called himself an artist, but, after days working at moving houses and repairing machinery, he would spend his extra time constructing fantastical whirligigs from spare parts and erecting them in his yard. Referencing weather vanes but also popular culture and local signage, his enormous windmills became a popular attraction, drawing many visitors to the crossroads outside his workshop, and eventually the attention of international art collections. Many of his creations can now be seen at the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park in downtown Wilson, which is dedicated to the work of restoring and preserving these vibrant, colorful and dynamic pieces for the community and future generations of visitors.

Learn More and See Additional Works by This Artist

Art Description

This tabletop whirligig incorporates one of Simpson’s typical brightly colored propellers atop a sculpted figure, in this case of a big-eared, pig-snouted dog. It is made from assorted bits of hardware.

Art Details

Collection: Dave Clark & Lisa Piper
Accession Number: 550

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Supported by a Grassroots Arts Grant from

The Small Museum of Folk Art
219 East Street
Pittsboro, NC 27312
919-642-3866
smallmuseumfolkart@gmail.com

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