The horse is out of the box!
It sounds like a cute but cryptic metaphor. It’s literal after the unveiling of Humboldt’s latest public arts project just off Highway 5 in front of the Prairie Agricultural Machinery site. As part of the PAMI’s 50th anniversary celebration, community members and guests gathered outside on Thursday afternoon, June 26 for the reveal of the Iron Horse, a tribute to the vaunted Iron Triangle of regional manufacturers that has underpinned much of the region’s economy for decades.
The incredible larger than life metal installation defies description in its intricate, meticulous and visionary design. Tons of metal, procured from products used in the manufacturing industry and from salvaged bits of abandoned farm machinery have been welded with painstaking precision by Humboldt based metal artist Tyler Dies.
Dies recalled his days working at PAMI as a metal fabricator, but he mused about his myriad duties with the organization - from hacking down cornstalks with a machete to the less than enviable task of cleaning out the remnants of a biodigester. Dies made the decision a few years ago to give his full time to his artistry, and the incredible draught horse replica, a symbol of the agricultural and “westering” spirit that’s part of our heritage, is a testament to his skills and his choice of vocation.
Jennifer Fitzpatrick from the City’s Cultural Services Department spoke at the unveiling.
“We are here to celebrate the power of public art and its ability to elevate the region's history and share stories. All cities have many things in common - parks, streets, sidewalks. But it is their culture, their history, and their art that make them special.
It is the way we share our community stories with the world that differentiates us and brings tourists to our communities. The Humboldt region is unique, and we are excited to share that heritage today.”
Fitzpatrick thanked Bourgault Industries, Bourgault Tillage Tools, Doepker Industries, Michels Industries, Schulte Industries, and PAMI for their contributions. She thanked PAMI for the agreement to use their space for the permanent display.
Dies thanked the many manufacturers in the area who came on board to support the project, and who were so generous with their time, and with their parts bins, in leaning into the project. After the speeches, Dies spent time with admirers of the piece, talking about his process and showing them the intricacies – from springs to hydraulic pistons, from the mane of chain to the details of the horse’s hooves feathering clever fashioned from metal clips.
Mayor Rob Muench, on behalf of the City of Humboldt, commented on PAMI’s lasting impact on Humboldt and the region in its 50 years. He thanked the Public Art Committee and the Museum for fostering the drive for unique public art displays before turning his attention to the artist.
“A special thank you to Tyler, the artist behind this incredible piece,” Muench shared. “You have once again gifted Humboldt with something exceptional. The Iron Triangle sculpture is more than just a piece of art – it's a conversation between our past, present and future. You continue to find powerful ways to bring history to life and beautify our community.”
If you weren’t able to attend the unveiling, the good news is that the Iron Triangle sculpture will remain on display at its current PAMI sight. Take some time to marvel and the beauty and ingenuity of this one-of-a-kind artwork.