Roundabout Sculpture Design to be Kept a Secret

A model of Milton artist/blacksmith Michael Dillon’s sculpture for the Duluth Roundabout was unveiled at a reception Tuesday (April 30) for citizens who attended to meet the artist and view the design. They’ll likely be the last to see it until the full-scale sculpture is installed and officially unveiled in a ceremony at the end of the year.

The city is keeping the sculpture design a secret. But it plans to release images of its parts periodically to generate excitement. Citizens are invited to name the sculpture by emailing suggestions to Name.it@duluthga.net.

Duluth Patch wasn’t allowed to take photos of the model, but can describe it for readers. It's uplifting and grounded at the same time.

The sculpture has an agricultural theme that reflects the city’s farming history as it grew and prospered alongside the railroad. An iron plow serves as the base for a fanciful stainless steel bird. The bird’s extended wings represent plow handles.

The public art project has been funded with a $100,000 donation from AGCO Corp., a global manufacturer of agricultural equipment headquartered in Duluth.

Dillon is the owner of Dillon Forge in Milton.

He has more than 20 years experience creating both functional and sculptural works of art. He builds hand forged stair railings, gates, sculpture, and furniture for distinguished homes in Atlanta and abroad.

During the past five years, Dillonhas expanded his career into the public art arena, creating several large­‐scale sculptures. His public work is described as modern and narrative. He researches each community, and his sculptures incorporate their past, present and hopes for the future as does the Duluth sculpture.

He received the acclaimed Phillip Trammel Shutze award in 2012 for craftsmanship in classical architecture.

Dillon was selected to design the sculpture by the Gateway Art Project Committee from more than 85 entries from artists throughout the United States and other countries, Mayor Nancy Harris said. “He was our No. 1 choice, and he lives 13 miles from Duluth.”

“But that’s not why we chose him,” she continued.” We chose him for his art and his passion for connecting the sculpture to the community.”

The sculpture reflects the city’s history and spirit, Dillon said in remarks at the reception. “But you don’t really need to know about the history of Duluth [to enjoy it]. It’s a beautiful sculpture that can be enjoyed into the future,” he said.

The sculpture will be 12 feet tall, 27 feet long from tip to tip, and 13 feet wide, Dillon said. The bird will point toward downtown Duluth. The landscaping will feature furrows in rocky soil coming off the front and sides of the plow and more lush plantings at the rear, he said.

Signage erected across from the Roundabout will explain the sculpture’s significance.

Mayor Harris recognized AGCO, the Gateway Art Project Committee, the Duluth Fine Arts League, which hosted the reception in the Community Room at City Hall, and the Duluth City Council for its support of the public art project. Harris formed the 20-member GAP Committee a year ago.

The Roundabout is located at the confluence of West Lawrenceville Street, McClure Bridge Road and Irvindale Road. A future Hospital Connector is plannd to link to the Roundabout. This location is considered a gateway to downtown Duluth.

Dillon will be demonstrating his art at the Barefoot Fine Arts Festival on the Duluth Town Green May 11 and 12.