ruminant - the grand masticator

Who needs to go see a giant ball of twine when you can get up close to stain-glass windowed combine in sleepy little Reedsburg? Yep, 39 colorful panes of glass light up the machine as it sits in the middle of a vacant lot adjacent to the local police station. Quirky and definitely a conversation-starter.

This is a unique piece of art that has something for everyone. From it being a piece of retired farm equipment to its incredible stained glass panels. The panels go from far scenes to Batman and Robin. Like I said it has something for everyone. This is an ongoing park project that will continue to grown around the art work.

We’ve got both artists and farmers in our family, so this one really hit home for us. “Ruminant” is a piece of harvesting equipment covered in agriculturally-themed stained glass panels that are lit up from behind at night. It's a tribute to farmers – and it’s amazing! Not surprising that it has been listed among the nation’s most compelling works of public art. Its web page tells the (really cool) backstory and explains all the imagery in the panels. It’s right downtown, just 2-1/2 blocks south of Hwy. 33 (follow S. Park St. to Railroad St. and look for it in Harvest Park, across from the historic railroad depot that is now the Chamber of Commerce). Definitely worth a stop!