Iron Hodag sculpture to be unveiled Friday

Friday, July 10 promises to be a red-letter day in Rhinelander history as ArtStart will unveil the new Iron Hodag new public art sculpture at 11 a.m. The event will be held in the pocket park on Brown Street across from Mel’s Trading Post.
The Iron Hodag was commissioned by former Rhinelander residents Ron and Elise Gaber, who have lived in Kirksville, Missouri, for 50 years but have stayed deeply connected to their hometown roots. The sculpture was created by Wisconsin artist Don Gaber, known for his large-scale works built from reclaimed metal. Gaber’s pieces incorporate discarded, donated, scavenged and vintage materials, transforming them into artworks that reflect the history and character of the communities where they’re made.
“So much of the metal in this sculpture has a Rhinelander story behind it. That’s what makes public art like this so powerful - it’s made of us.” said Traci Stinebrink, ArtStart’s Communication Director.
Families are encouraged to bring their kids to the unveiling as there will be a special handout available for children to search for all of the incredible individual pieces that come together to form the Hodag.