Iron Hodag Sculpture Unveiling

ArtStart will unveil the Iron Hodag, a new public art sculpture honoring Rhinelander's legendary symbol, at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 10, in the pocket park on Brown Street, across from Mel's. The community is invited to attend this special unveiling celebrating public art in the heart of downtown Rhinelander. 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 often commenting "Once a Hodag, always a Hodag." 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.