Life-size Herd, Created from Fallen Hedge Branches,
Corralled for Premier Exhibit at Titanic Museum Attraction
– Art is where you find it, and Rachel Wilson discovered hers on the crop-and-cattle farm she and husband Kyle own and operate in Avilla, Missouri. Shaped from hedge-wood sticks found on their property, Wilson’s extraordinary horse sculptures have caught the attention of Missouri gallery owners and collectors. And starting July 1, Wilson’s work will be on public display at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, announces museum attraction owner John Joslyn.
“I think our July visitors, especially the kids, will be surprised, and startled, by the realism and motion that Rachel has captured in her
imaginative, hedge-horse sculptures. Each ‘horse’ has a name and story to tell, from the large plow horse to the smallest of colts,” says
Joslyn. “Six sculptures will be herded together outdoors on Titanic’s grassy knoll, where they’ll appear to be grazing. They are so life-like
they’re bound to slow traffic,” he adds.
“Hedges — or Osage orange trees — were planted in rows and used for fences by early-day farmers,” explains Wilson. “We make gathering
the fallen hedge branches a family affair — my husband drives the truck, and our four kids and I ‘pick up sticks.’ Back in my studio, I wait for the pieces to ‘speak’ to me before I begin to give them the form and personality they dictate.”
Wilson grew up and attended school in Webb City, Missouri, where she learned the basics of drawing and painting. While in high school, she
entered a painting in and attended Arts Encounter 96, an art competition and exhibit sponsored by William Woods University. Her “Tomato Still Life” took first place. In her senior year, she was awarded the Thomas Hart Benton Art Scholarship by Missouri Southern State University, where she majored in studio arts. After a couple of years, she took time off to start a family. Wilson is currently enrolled at MSSU as a non-traditional student, in full pursuit of her artistic dreams. To view Wilson’s deer and bear sculptures and examples of her abstract, still-life and realism-style paintings, visit the artist’s website: rachelwilsonart.com.
Titanic Historical Fact: Two famous artists sailed aboard Titanic’s maiden voyage: Paul Romaine Chevre and Francis Millet. Chevre, a French sculptor, was on his way to Ottawa, Canada, for the unveiling of one of his statues. Millet, an American painter, sculptor, poet and
journalist, was returning home from vacationing in Europe. Both men were celebrated artists who enjoyed broad respect and admiration. Their paths took a sudden turn the night of the collision: One stayed the course, but the other lost his way.
The World’s Largest TITANIC Museum Attraction is the #1 permanent year-round family destination in Branson, Missouri. In operation for 4 years, it has welcomed aboard more than 2,200,000 million guests. The 17,000 square-foot ship-shaped structure is built half-scale to the
original Titanic and towers more than 100 feet above its anchored position on Highway 76. A 90-minute self-guided or optional audio tour covers 20 galleries on two decks displaying more than 400 priceless artifacts that once belonged to Titanic passengers or crew.
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Titanic-World’s Largest Museum Attraction
Ticket Information: 417/334-9500 • Toll Free: 800/381-7670
Located in the heart of Branson, 3235 76 Country Blvd & Hwy 165
