This Tractor Is A Work Of Art

This Tractor Is A Work Of Art TRACTORS Modifications 34-1-44 South Carolina artist Barbara Yon worked with local school children to glue thousands of pieces of stained glass to a 1943 Deere tractor that's now a tourist attraction in Ridge Spring, S.C. "I had done a life size horse for another town," says Yon. "Ridge Spring wanted one too, but couldn't afford it, so I decided to work with a tractor instead." The project was started in early 2005, and the tractor was finished by August. A concrete pad was laid, and the tractor was installed in time for the fall harvest festival. "The hardest part was to get the curved parts covered," says Yon. "It took smaller pieces and more cutting and gluing." To help with the job, Yon enlisted the aid of the local school. Kids were taught to pick and match pieces of colored glass and glue them into place. The glass was then grouted, coated and water proofed. "The only regular maintenance is a fresh coat of waterproofing every five years," says Yon. "The only problem has been the wooden seat. The grouting there has come loose after absorbing moisture from the wood." Yon encourages others to try their hand at the unusual art form. "It's very simple to do, and you can get directions from books or off the internet," she says. "Metal, plexiglas or glass bases are easiest to work with, especially for beginners. Once coated and dry, you're done." Yon says the newness of the mosaic tractor has long worn off for locals. However, visitors still stop and take pictures. "They want to know more about it, she adds. "It is so unique." Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Barbara Yon, P.O. Box 411, Ridge Spring, S.C. 29129 (ph 803 685-5386; byonart@yahoo.com).

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