SPECIAL PROJECTS

Artist’s Commentary
 

In late 2003, the Ixonia PTO contacted me and explained that a permanent replacement was wanted for the existing “Rise to the Sky installation. They asked that I create a work of art. My immediate thoughts went to concrete and steel because of their permanence. The design that I submitted reflected that the falcon is the school and community mascot. The silhouette of a vigilant falcon positioned on a rock was enthusiastically accepted.  K&S Tool of Ixonia has cut it out of a one-quarter inch sheet of steel (10 feet high and 6 feet wide).  After the reinforcing has been completed and the receiver system I designed is finished, the base will be poured by my son’s company, Complete Concrete Construction and the sculpture installed.  My son, Josh and I are donating our time to this project as our way of giving back to the community.

Town of Ixonia - John Rawlins smiles as he watches over the students of Ixonia Elementary School.  Rawlins, a town resident and internationally respected artist and sculptor, created a prairie falcon, which now stands atop the hill near the school (inset).  The falcon is the mascot for the school and will offer a new and modern landmark for the community.  The Ixonia PTO held fund-raisers to help pay for materials, and several local groups donated the project.  The sculpture was dedicated Friday, June 4, 2004.