Your Support Keeps the Whirligigs Turning

At the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, every year brings new opportunities to celebrate creativity, community, and the remarkable legacy of Vollis Simpson. As we reflect on 2024, we’re filled with gratitude for all we’ve accomplished together, and we look forward to sharing our vision for the future. This Giving Tuesday on December 3, we hope you’ll join us in keeping the whirligigs spinning for years to come.

Conservation in Action

Conservation has taken center stage in 2024 with two intensive cycles that kept our iconic whirligigs in top form. In the spring, emergency repairs were completed on beloved pieces like Guitar Player, Saw Dog, and Carousel Bomber. For the first time since the park’s opening, we brought select whirligigs back to our conservation headquarters for full touch-ups and extensive repairs.

Our efforts also included restoring the massive 25-foot Milkshake America fan, using modern materials and methods while reconnecting with legacy local vendors for parts. The intricate Geometry fans and others have been reinstalled, ensuring all the whirligigs function as beautifully as they did in 2017.

Innovative Partnerships

We’re thrilled to collaborate with NC State’s College of Computer and Electrical Engineering on a groundbreaking system to monitor the whirligigs and predict future maintenance needs. This innovative project promises to preserve Vollis’ legacy for generations, and we can’t wait to share updates in the coming year.

Educational Growth

Field trips and educational programming have surged this year, returning to pre-pandemic levels. Students and visitors of all ages are inspired by Vollis’ art and story, especially with the recent release of Whirligigs: The Wondrous Windmills of Vollis Simpson’s Imagination by Carole Boston Weatherford. This enchanting children’s book helps spread Vollis’ vision to an even wider audience.

Legacy Events and Community Memories

From Gig in the Park to Feast of the East and Whirligig Shuffle, we’ve continued to host events that bring people together in this one-of-a-kind space. Whether you’ve joined us for a holiday market, night tour, or the Whirligig Festival, we hope the park has been a source of joy and connection in your life.