Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park & Museum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the life and work of artist Vollis Simpson and operating a vibrant public art park in downtown Wilson, North Carolina. Opened in 2017 through public-private partnership, the park features 30 restored large-scale kinetic sculptures and serves as a cultural economic catalyst for the region.
The Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park Press Kit provides media professionals with background information, high-resolution images, logos, and story resources. For additional materials or interview requests, please contact our team.
Nonprofit Marketing Chair, skeen@wilsonnc.org
Nonprofit Director, roypalmer@wilsonwhirligigpark.org
After a four-week public voting period that featured 10 sculpture parks from across the United State, Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park has officially been named Best Sculpture Park in the USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
Location: Downtown Wilson, North Carolina
Opened: November 2017
Size: Approximately 2 acres
Sculptures Installed: 30 restored large-scale kinetic sculptures
Annual Visitors (2024): ~ 194,300
Out-of-region Visitors: ~92,550
Annual Economic Impact: $5.3 million total regional sales impact
Annual Income Impact: $1.9 million
Jobs Supported: 42
Annual Community Direct-Use Value: $2.1 million
The Whirligigs that you now see in the park were once 11 miles outside the City of Wilson. They already attracted the attention of many people, near and far. After the rise of the Internet, visitors from out-of-state made their way to Vollis’ farm too.
Vollis’ work began to be discovered by art collectors.
We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of folk artist Vollis Simpson and enriching the community through art, culture, and education.
Your support helps keep this unique treasure spinning for generations to come.
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization responsible for:
The nonprofit operates through a public-private partnership with the City of Wilson.
Vollis Simpson (1919 – 2013) was a self-taught folk artist and retired farm machinery repairman who began building monumental kinetic sculptures in his 60s on his farm in Lucama, Wilson County.
Using salvaged road signs, bicycle parts, and scrap metal, Simpson created towering wind-powered sculptures that became internationally recognized examples of American Folk Art.
His work has been featured in major exhibitions and commissioned installations across the United States.
The Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park Project is a partnership of Wilson Downtown Properties, Inc.,
The City of Wilson, Wilson Downtown Development, and the North Carolina Arts Council.
Copyright © 2025. All rights reserved. Homepage designed by Next Level Creative
The Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park Project is a partnership of Wilson Downtown Properties, Inc.,
The City of Wilson, Wilson Downtown Development, and the North Carolina Arts Council.
Copyright © 2025. All rights reserved. Homepage designed by Next Level Creative
