Strange, Uncommon Art In The Panhandle Outside Of Amarillo

Now that I've got your attention, this is not the strangest statue in the panhandle. It barely scratches the surface of "odd" when you consider the "art installations" we have around Amarillo. Still, it's an interesting choice and in an interesting location.

So I've got to ask, what is the story on the strangest statue in the panhandle?

Welcome To Shamrock, Texas

I love Shamrock. They have a lot going for them; Route 66 landmarks, a piece of the Blarney Stone, St. Patrick's Day, and this statue in a gas station parking lot.

I've had photos of this statue for a while, and recently started wondering what the story is behind it.

Off I-40, In The Parking Lot Of A Gas Station/Taco Bell Combo

It's not the place you'd usually expect to find a work of art. In the parking of a gas station/ Taco Bell combo you'll come across this statute named "The Dancer."

It sits right next to the air pump you use to fill your tires. There's even a little plaque with the name of the piece and the artist responsible on display.

D. Vineyard, 2020

Come to find out, D. Vineyard is an artist whose Instagram account says he's based out of Shamrock. Now, we have a local tie.

The Instagram account has several photos of works done by Vineyard, including more statues.

My favorite part of these works, is that they all seem to be made out of "recycled" materials. Get to inspecting "The Dancer" and you'll see fingernail clippers, scissors, nuts, bolts, you name it.

What is not immediately made clear is why. Why install a statue made out of metal bits and pieces in the shape of a dancer in the parking lot of a Taco Bell/gas station combo?

If anyone in Shamrock has the answer, let me know. In the meantime, check out D. Vineyard on Instagram here.