MCHS Outdoor Art

By RUTH GILL

Enquirer~Democrat Reporter

The Macoupin County Historical Society (MCHS) recently acquired two new pieces of handmade outdoor art that is located in the native flower garden. Susy Loveless Sanders created two dragon flies especially for the MCHS. Mary Tinder wanted her to create something special and Susy did a fantastic job.

The dragon flies, which weigh over 20 pounds, are made from recycled parts that are welded together. The wings are made from re-bar, expanded metal and combine sieve. The head region is made from random gears. Two little caps that were tops of poles make up the eyes. A cam shaft makes up the main body with a drill bit for the “tail.” The body is attached to a sulky rake tine (from a hay rake) that is welded to either a large gear or a pulley. The tine is somewhat flexible which helps to give the structure some movement to help it seem lifelike. The structures will move in the wind, or when they are touched. Susy wanted to use pieces of metal that was from farm equipment. She thought it would be fitting for the Historical Society grounds and the old farmers. The base pieces were from a John Deere tractor.

Read the full story in the March 5, 2026 issue of the Macoupin County Enquirer~Democrat.