Art pieces a lasting tribute to Mt. Horeb artist

Wally Keller was an artist but his favorite artist tool was not a paint brush but instead it was a welder.

This talented artist made numerous yard decorations over the years using rivets, bolts, wrenches and recycled parts from an array of farm equipment.

Some of his unique pieces are on display for the public to enjoy in the city of Mt. Horeb. Other pieces adorn his yard where his family can enjoy them and remember the days when he busily created the pieces in his workshop.

Among the iron characters is a four-legged flying dragon, a 10-eyed bug, a kangaroo, giant turtle, roadrunners, dinosaurs and more.

The flower bed behind the Keller home is scattered with iron butterflies, turtles, exotic birds and even a Venus flytrap.

Even the patio has a rail that is made from recycled antique sewing machine legs.

His first major creation, his wife Shirley says, was a huge peg-legged pirate who stands guard at the driveway’s entrance.

Keller worked on a variety of jobs over the years but heart problems beginning in 1992 led to his retirement. That sparked his interest in combining his creative talents with his welding abilities to occupy his time.

He passed away in 2009 as a result of a tractor accident on their farm. His family left his creative yard pieces in place for the community to enjoy.