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continued from page 1A concentrated collection of Wallis’ works anywhere in the world.” Walston said the public park will honor the legacy of Simp son’s work by conserving his whirligigs in a permanent loca tion and creating a more public presence for future generations of residents and visitors. The tar get date for completion is the No vember 2012 Whirligig Festival. The park is expected to draw visitors from around the country as well as points beyond. “We are confident that the park will transform Wilson’s downtown and become an anchor and cata lyst in our economic redevelop ment efforts while recognizing the importance of creative arts,” Walston said. The project is in the planning phase now. A folklorist is talking with Simpson to document infor mation on each whirligig, and a documentary film crew is work ing on a short film about Simp son and his creations. A $10,000 grant from the North Carolina Arts Council is helping to finance this initial phase. Janet Kagan, public art consul tant, has been hired as project manager. Fundraising has also begun for the project. No estimates of the cost for the project have been an nounced. U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield said he was glad to be in Wilson to hear all about the park, which he said would be important for Wil son and Wilson County. “Let's make this park a reality,” he said. “Let's bring people from all over the world to see what Wil son has to offer.” Linda Carlisle, secretary of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources, told the crowd Friday that Wilson understands cultural economic development can lead to a reinvigorated downtown. She said she was glad to learn there were new restaurants in down town, but that won't be enough. “When this park is complete, you will need more restaurants,” she said. The project will inspire devel opment and historic preservation and stimulate local productivity and economic development, Car lisle said. “Creativity means business in North Carolina. It means busi ness ... and it means jobs.” Mary Regan, executive director of the North Carolina Arts Coun cil, said her organization had been wishing for this day for as long as the organizers in Wilson. “His colorful, wind-powered sculptures are magical,” she said. The partnership of Wilson and state organizations exemplifies the great responsibility they all feel to preserve the art for future generations to enjoy, she added. Barney Simpson spoke on behalf of his father, saying how proud the family was to be at the ceremony. He said when his father first started making the whirligigs some 25 years ago, it was to en tertain himself. He said his father was always enthusiastic about working with metal. “Daddy worked hard but enjoyed it,” he said. The Wallis Simpson Whirligig Park is a project of Wilson Down town Properties, Wilson Down town Development Corporation, city of Wilson, Wilson Tourism Bu reau and the N.C. Arts Council. lisa@wilsontimes.com | 265-7810 Vollis Simpson stands amid dozens of his whirligigs at his home. Keith Barnes | Times VOLLIS SIMPSON WHIRLIGIG PARK ALGE Wallis gets a con gratula tory kiss from his wife, Jean. Keith Barnes | Times
Newspaper Details
Wilson Times
Wilson, North Carolina, US
Sat, May 22, 2010
Page 7
Full Page
Clipped by
Tracey B.
NC, USA 21 Jun 2026
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