A unique piece of public art, the "Tornado Town" sculpture, has been temporarily installed at Ozark Beer Company, 109 N. Arkansas Ave, Rogers. The work honors the resilience and humor of the Rogers community following the devastating Memorial Day tornado.

This extraordinary 9-foot-high, 500-pound sculpture was constructed using debris salvaged from the storm, including 475 trampoline springs contributed by community members. The springs, a poignant symbol of recovery, have been meticulously transformed to represent a swirling tornado, which looms over a small, detailed town built from storm debris. The installation includes a replica of Rogers' water tower, a church, and houses, all symbolizing the spirit of those affected by the tornado.

The Tornado Town sculpture serves as a community memorial, combining artistry with resilience. Visitors are invited to step under the canopy of the tornado to experience the looming sense of impending destruction, balanced by the humor and camaraderie that shaped its creation.

A Sculpture Born of Community Spirit and Ingenuity

Tom Flynn, a renowned found-object metal sculptor, conceptualized the piece after enduring days without power and witnessing a trampoline tangled around a power pole. The idea sparked a Facebook post requesting trampoline springs, which galvanized the community into action.

Soon after, Flynn teamed up with Michael W. Pantzer, a local artist specializing in found-object sculptures, and their collaboration took flight. Together, they spent over 500 hours forging, bending, and welding the materials into the final masterpiece.

Each spring underwent a labor-intensive process—soaked in vinegar to remove galvanic coating, heated to 2,000 degrees in a forge, and carefully shaped. The meticulous welding required over 15 small bursts per weld to preserve the integrity of the springs, resulting in thousands of precise connections that brought the tornado to life.

Tree Seedling Giveaway and Canopy Recovery

The installation of the Tornado Town sculpture was thoughtfully timed to coincide with Ozark Beer Company's Tree Seedling Giveaway on Saturday, February 8. This event highlights Ozark Beer Co.'s dedication to "canopy recovery," a reforestation initiative sparked by the limited release of their "Limb by Limb" American IPA. Brewed in the aftermath of the tornado, this special beer raised $2 per pint sold to fund tree replanting efforts in the region.

As part of this initiative, Ozark Beer Co. partnered with the Arkansas Agriculture Department to secure 5,000 tree seedlings. The selection includes a diverse mix of native species, such as Post Oak, Cherry Bark Oak, Persimmon, Shumard Oak, and Southern Red Oak, all chosen for their ability to thrive in the local environment. These seedlings will play a crucial role in restoring the area’s tree canopy and enhancing its natural beauty.

“Limb by Limb” was more than a beer—it became a symbol of resilience and recovery. By dedicating proceeds from every pint sold, Ozark Beer Co. transformed a community favorite into a powerful tool for environmental restoration. Their ongoing efforts, supported by partnerships and the generosity of the community, aim to ensure that the region’s forests can recover and flourish for generations to come.

Artists’ Perspectives:

Tom Flynn:
“After the storm, my power was out for five days, and trees were blocking the driveway. Every morning, I’d drive around looking for coffee and pass a trampoline wrapped around a power pole. That trampoline inspired this project. The community's generosity and collaboration were overwhelming, and working with Michael turned out to be an incredible partnership.”

Michael W. Pantzer:
“Seeing the destruction from the tornado, I knew we needed a memorial sculpture. What happened to our community should not be forgotten. From the first meeting with Tom, we knew we could create something meaningful together. This sculpture has become more than art—it’s a symbol of resilience, teamwork, and hope.”

The Art of Healing

The Tornado Town sculpture celebrates Arkansians' unique ability to laugh in the face of adversity. As Flynn noted, “We don’t need another sculpture of a torso with a hole in it to grieve; we chuckle at our problems and face them head-on.”

The sculpture also features 12 tiny trampolines being swept into the tornado—an artistic nod to the trampoline springs generously donated by the community.

This installation is not only a tribute to those affected by the storm but also a testament to the strength and creativity of the Rogers community. The artists hope it will find a permanent home where it will be embraced by the community it was created to honor.

For additional information or inquiries about purchasing the sculpture, contact Tom Flynn directly at 479-644-9829.