A photographic stroll through my Recycled Iron Sculpture Park.
75Welcome to our Sculpture Park..
Hello one and all, you are more than welcome to bring the family, stop by and visit us. My name is Larry and my best friend and wife of 34 years who's name is Rita, have a small farm here in Mid-Missouri, about 40 miles north of Columbia, MO. (Home of the University of Missouri Tigers) I have been a construction gypsy, following my work, job to job, state to state, for better than 25 years. Rita and I have had the fortune of seeing and living in every state in the U.S. except for seven in our travels. My career ended in a car wreck that broke my back and after several surgeries I was told that I would not be able to work anymore. Of course, I thought and knew different than the Dr.. Rita, I and our two kids, Brent and Katie, bought our farm in Mid-Missouri in the spring of 1990. It was a fixer-upper deluxe. It has a two acre front lawn that I have found makes a perfect place to display my Sculptures. We are right off of a black top Highway called, Highway T. Hence the naming of the locally famous landmark, 'The Original Highway 'T' Rex'. Well, the idea of building Sculptures happened one day when I was looking at a substantial scrap iron pile. All of a sudden that scrap iron pile turned into a pile of bones and dinosaur parts, just like turning on a light switch. Ever since I have had a greater respect for that higher power that enlightened me that day and I have always asked for help and guidance before and definitely ever since!
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My Outsider Art Sculpture Park..
We have a Iron Sculpture Park in our front yard. Folks that drive by always remember us. I would venture to guess that over 50% of them eventually make it back out of just plain curiosity. I just love to see the smiles and bewilderment in their faces when they ask,"Did you build these? The kids can usually ID every larger than life welded imaginary recycled iron prehistoric sculpture. With amazement and awe, the parents learn through the eyes of their children how the sculptured iron art moulds and captures their children's imagination. Family's return time and time again to lift there spirits and brighten their day. It seems like they become some how attached to the sculptures and return each time, asking what's new, and just waiting for the next creation to join the herd. My visitor's smile's just gleam, while letting their imaginations soar as they enjoy their time wandering around, I suspect probably daydreaming of long, long ago when Dinosaurs roamed the earth.
Thanks, Larry Vennard
Please Don't Feed the Critter's..
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Hey Colin, I will try and give directions to my very rural Sculpture Park, starting from a most visible landmark, which would be Interstate 70. Almost exactly half the distance between St Louis, MO and Kansas City, MO is a nice large city named Columbia, MO. I-70 runs East-West across the whole state of Missouri. At Columbia you would exit I-70 at the Hwy. 63N exit and continue on for about 20 - 22 miles where you would exit onto Hwy. 22E following the signs to a small town named Centralia. As you head through Centralia you will see a large Cemetary on the right (south) and a smaller version on the left (north). The street that borders the Cemetary you just drove by on the left, north is called North Jefferson. Take this turn left heading north into the country. You will come to a stop sign where a highway comes sweeping around a long curve, you just continue on straight ahead. You will then go through two 'S' turns still continuing forward until you see the Highway marker sign for Hwy.T. You can only go right on Hwy.T. Continue on Hwy. T for approx. 3 1/2 miles and you will be there. 1/4 of a mile before you get to the Sculptures on the left (north) side of the Hwy. there is the 'Bethleham Baptist Church'. We are the next home down the road on the other side. We are rather hard to miss, there is a 20' tall 'T' Rex standing 10' from the roads edge, and many other assorted creatures and critters scattered about. I hope these directions help those interested in visiting to find us. Drive Safely! Your friend on the farm in RURAL Mid-Missouri, Larry
Pictures just dont do it justice! It takes a truly imaginative individual to bring life to what once was just a scrap steel pile. Keep up the good work! The whole world deserves to see these amazing creations!
Thank you very much for the kind and motivating praise.
Hi, great job once again and hope to see you soon!
Thanks Mike & Diana, I hold your opinion in high esteem!
I just love the things you made. I remember when I was young in NC, I used to ride to Kinston and on the way there was a dinosaur and a big bird of some kind in someone's yard created from old tractor and cultivator parts. I was amazed each time I saw them. He just created them for fun but yours are just great and I wish we had a park here in VA that had all your creations. Kids and adults alike would just love them.
Thank you, MyKapers, I am glad that my art was able to bring back some good times from your past. I am really happy that you liked it! Kindly, your friend in Mid-MO, Larry Vennard, ~God Bless!~
You are truly gifted and I truly think that some of the greatest talent is being able to create. I especially liked the jumping tree spider and the gator sculptures. The most important thing in life, to me, is to have a creative outlet and enjoy what you do. I wish I lived closer so I could see them in person! You have a great talent and wish you well. I have a lot of creative people in my family and though it's hard to make a living on being creative and artistic it is vital not to waste and just think - you can do something noone else can do!
Hi Larry,
Very nice work. I've been to Centralia many times as I have a friend who lives there. His name is Steve Albert and own's the shoe store there in Centralia. You may have heard of him.
I need to come and visit your place to see such talent in person.
Take care and good luck with your new-found business.
Mike (madrian52)
Thank you for the kind words. I find that I am able to stash all the kindness away and can pull out a little bit now and then whenever I need a bit of motivation.. It really helps. Thanks again, your friend, Larry
Hey Dad,
Awesome as always!!!
hi
your work is so attrective. i like dis. it shows u r very hardworking.
bye
It is so good hearng from you!
I finally have a face to go with those wonderful jokes you send me.
You REALLY are some artist!!!!! I just love your sculptures!!
What a surprise!!!
Maybe someone will pass your lawn an offer you lots and lots of moolah for one or more. I would if I could!!
Lots of luck.
Cordially,
Marci
I like the art of recyclable materials-metal, this consists of himself, only here in Slovakia entries so popular and I do not know where and how to present them. Sincerely, Ivan
colin mcdermott says:
2 years ago
Inspiring story, and great art sir! Love the Sow bug!You should tell people how to find your park!best of luck, Colin