Recycled Spirits of Iron metal sculpture park

Recycled Spirits of Iron, aka Ex Nihilo, is a wonderful experiment in both free expression and free public access to private art space. For many years, metal sculptor Dan Klennert has been creating works of rusting art that spring from junkyards, farm piles, and donations. He assembles overall sculptures from what he has on hand and how they come together in his mind, unlike looking for pieces to fit into a preconceived sculpture.

His 4 acre sculpture park is visible along highway 706 between the tiny towns of Elbe and Ashford, just west of the southwest entrance to Mt Rainier National Park. You are welcome to enter and wander throughout, and is open a wide range of times. There is also a gift shop with hours that are more dependent upon the schedule of Dan, his wife, or their cat.

Definitely worth a visit when on the way to Mt Rainier. And be sure to wander to the less visible areas that can be found behind the home and shop. Back there is a herd of driftwood horses, more whimsical sculptures, some that incorporate political messages, and even an R-rated diorama. Plenty to attract someone to this roadside attraction.