One Dusty Track

In Gillette, Wyoming, in front of the Gillette News-Record newspaper offices at 1201 W. 2nd Street, there is a bronze statue of the decision-making game Rock, Paper, Scissors. The sculpture is by Warren Cullar and Kevin Box. While it certainly is not worth a long trip to see, if you happen to be in the area for some other reason then you should check it out because, well, just because it's kind of cool.

After getting your picture taken next to the Rock, Paper, Scissor statue for posterity, less than a mile away at 902 W. 2nd Street is a pretty cool county museum named the Rockpile Museum. It is not a museum of rocks; it got its name because it is located next to a big pile of rocks. Evidently, during those long, cold, winter days in Gillette, the residents do not spend their time coming up with exquisitely intellectual names for their city features.

Many folks know about Elmer Long's Bottle Tree Ranch on Route 66 in California, but there's an artist in Llano, Texas that makes unique bottle trees and other art which certainly rivals and perhaps surpasses Mr. Long's place.

On a recent road trip through central Texas, I was cruising through Llano when I passed by a most interesting and colorful yard - one of those totally unexpected serendipitous road trip happenings. You have to take advantage of these; be open to seeing something cool, meeting someone new, doing something exciting. I made a quick u-turn.

After pulling into the little drive-way, Kathleen, one of the friendliest, most interesting people I've had the pleasure to encounter strolled over to meet me and we began to talk. I felt comfortable right away. She told me the story of how she came to own the nice, well maintained little house in the middle of all the art. Walkways of crushed glass meandered around and through the art pieces. She showed me the lizards at the front of the yard and how she made them using colored glass from the plates her children had broken when they were little. There were numerous bottle trees, each with a story to tell and every one of them an interesting piece in and of itself. Some of the art, like the life-size warrior princess (that's my interpretation anyway) made of tin foil, can be taken as not quite in the mainstream of art, but it is definitely art and definitely interesting.

Lizard animal things Kathleen made with pieces of glass
her children broke when they were little.

If you've ever wanted to build a bottle tree of your own, she'll be happy to sell you the metal tree, which she will make with her own hands. Or for a right fair price, you can take home a unique piece of art sure to be a conversation piece. Call 325.248.1704 before dropping by her place at 401 E. Young in Llano and I'm sure she'll be happy to visit with you, show you her art pieces, and answer any questions you might have. You can also check out her web site http://texastinlizard.com/.

I had a great time looking at all the really interesting art work and talking with Kathleen. I'm sure you would too. I give this place 2 thumbs up!