April 22, 2016 (Four Oaks, NC) ─ What do you get when you mix salvaged metal, artistic ingenuity and a little wind? Why you get the late-Vollis Simpson’s famous Whirligigs! Residents from Oakview Commons, a DePaul Senior Living Community, recently got a sneak-peek at the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park being erected in downtown Wilson.

Pictured here at the Whirligig Restoration Project warehouse is Oakview resident Gail Rains, and in the group photo to the right are residents Maxon Dowdy, Frankie Marshall, Joan Radford, Gail Rains, Linda Blevins, Myrtle Holmes.

Originally created and displayed on Simpson’s own property, the wind-powered structures are being restored and moved to the new park through a partnership with the City of Wilson, Wilson Downtown Properties, Wilson County Tourism and Development Authority and others.

Oakview Commons decided to stop into the Whirligig Restoration Warehouse where they learned more about the project and Vollis’ legacy. Vollis’ welded and painted works are on display at the Wilson Rose Garden, the Hickory Grove Park, throughout downtown Wilson street corners, at several area museums and as far away as Russia, London and Canada. Upon completion, the Vollis Simpson Whirligig park will feature a total of 31 sculptures measuring anywhere from 11- to 40-feet tall.

For more information about Oakview Commons, please contact Administrator Susan Dancy at (919) 963-2011 or visit us on Facebook.