Distinctly Different
From disaster to destination: Damaged tree from tornado gets new life as a gnome
There is a brand-new tourist destination in Marshalltown and a dead tree had something to do with it.
A pin oak damaged from the 2018 tornado was transformed into a six-foot Hawkeye gnome by the amazing chainsaw artist Gary Keenan.
It is located at the home of Lonnie and Beth Barnes at 509 N. 1st. Street. The couple loves to cheer on the Iowa Hawkeyes, so they wanted to show their allegiance in their front yard.
Beth Barnes said the response has been very positive to the gnome, which was created over a few days in October.
“People have stopped and have taken pictures,” she said. “We see lots of smiles and people are kind of amazed at how big he is.”
Keenan often can be spotted at the Iowa State Fair making wood sculptures and amazing visitors.
See a video on this story on the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce YouTube channel.
