If you drive 10 minutes west from Greensburg, Kansas, you'll come to the small, quiet town of Mullinville. Mullinville looks much like any other small Kansas town, until you arrive at Mr. Liggett's property on the western edge of town. Situated right on highway 400, at the last intersection in town before the highway continues on into uninterrupted farmland, is this stretch of fence which is covered in hundreds of pieces of metal art.
RoadsideAmerica has a great article with an interview of Liggett himself, which is a great read if you want to learn more about him. Basically, whenever an idea for a new piece comes to him, he makes it, and he doesn't care whether anybody likes it or not. As any good artist shouldn't.
the metal Liggett uses comes from various sources, including farm machinery, railroad equipment, and road signs, so you may see some familiar shapes here and there.
Many of his pieces contain moving parts that spin like windmills in the strong Kansas winds.
the metal Liggett uses comes from various sources, including farm machinery, railroad equipment, and road signs, so you may see some familiar shapes here and there.
Many of his pieces contain moving parts that spin like windmills in the strong Kansas winds.
His subject matter varies. Some of his pieces are abstract designs. Others take the shape of lighthearted animals or faces. Like this cute chicken!
Many other pieces are much more... provocative.
In my opinion, art should speak for itself, so I'll leave interpretation up to you.
Politics is a common theme in many pieces, with many national and local political figures appearing.
Politics is a common theme in many pieces, with many national and local political figures appearing.
And others are just kinda weird.
If you're in Greensburg (and it's a great destination!), it is definitely worth the 10-minute drive to get here. There is a PROLIFIC amount of art here - many hundreds of pieces - so just spend a little time walking along the fence and take it all in!