It was a sight to behold, watching a colorful 17-foot tall abstract locomotive fly through the air and land at its appointed spot in the alley. This exciting installation was accomplished in just a few minutes, but represents many months of planning, design work and fabrication. On hand to assist Dan Perry was his colleague from the University of Northern Iowa and fellow public artist, Tom Stancliffe.

Confluence is defined as assemblage, which refers to disparate components coming together to create a whole. Elements of this abstract sculpture reference mechanical components of steam engines such as gears and wheels, offering a nod to Marion’s past as a classic railroad town. The interlocking forms also suggest the similarities between a machine and a thriving community – each has several moving parts that need to work together to achieve a goal. This colorful sculpture is meant to honor the past, energize the present, and hint at the future.

Over the past 10 years, Dan Perry has exhibited his artwork across the United States in over 25 juried and group shows, 7 solo exhibitions, and he has now completed 8 public art commissions. He is currently the Art Studio Technician and an instructor at the University of Northern Iowa and serves on several civic organizations, including the Cedar Falls Public Art Committee.

Website:  www.danperrysculpture.com