A farm machinery repairman, Vollis Simpson, created the magical, mechanical creations that became North Carolina’s official folk art. Known as “whirligigs,” the huge kinetic sculptures have been installed around the United States, but the largest collection is near the family farm in Wilson, North Carolina. Other installations include the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore and the American Folk Art Museum in Manhattan. The whirligigs are primarily made of repurposed farm equipment and other metal parts (which includes traffic signs). With my background in traffic engineering, they peaked my interest and prompted a visit and video. – Daniel Findley, DTC Engineering Economics instructor
