About
BBB Blue Star
Crossroads
BBQ
Anglestar
Vollis Simpson
Vollis Simpson
This website is an evolving project in collaboration with students at North Carolina State University. Students have created a sensor system to collect data from the Whirligigs and display it to this website. Below you can read about each group's contributions to the project!
This website displays metrics collected on the Whirligig attractions
at Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park. These metrics include wind speed,
rotation speed, vibration, and overall tilt. For this particular project,
we plan to integrate these sensors with BBB Blue Star!
The rotation speed is calculated by using hall effect sensors to "count"
how many segments of the whirligig has passed the sensor. This count is
multiplied by the segment length in order to get the total degrees and
divided by the time elapsed to get the rotation speed in degrees/period.
The vibration is measured with gyroscope attached to the base of the Whirligig.
The vibration sensor is on at all times and reports the peak Hertz after a
period of time.
The overall tilt is measured with another gyroscope, but measures the wheel
rotation in terms of tilt instead of at the base.
Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park is an attraction park in Wilson, NC.
The attractions are kinetic sculptures made of recycled materials,
all of which were made by Vollis Simpson.
This year, our team was tasked with expanding the system. We added sensors to 3 additional Whirligigs, two at the Wilson park and one at the Gregg Museum in Raleigh. In addition to the sensors we integrated a weather station into the Wilson park to give real time weather data.
Date: 1979 | Artist: Vollis Simpson
BBB Blue Star got its name from the 700 triangular reflectors mounted across the sculpture’s fan and tail.
It was once installed near the Simpson family home until Mrs. Simpson asked for it to be moved - fearing
it might fall on the house during a storm. Now safely spinning in the park, it’s one of the best-performing
whirligigs thanks to its balanced design and powerful fan.
Materials: This piece features a repurposed Cities Service sign, truck hub caps, and a strong aluminum frame.
It includes ice cream scoops, road sign blades, galvanized sheeting, and brass bells. Reflectors and vibrant
vinyl finishes help it shimmer as it turns.
Date: 2010 | Artist: Vollis Simpson
Red, white, blue, green, and yellow whirligig by Vollis Simpson mounted on tall pole.
Large metal wheel with six spokes radiating from center, one rotating spinner made of
two crossed pieces of green road sign on either side (front and back) of the intersection
of each spoke and the outer rim (for a total of 12 spinners). The larger wheel is mounted
to a horizontal axle which connects to the vertical pole on which the whirligig is mounted
just behind the large wheel. A series of 6 fan blades and bike wheel rim are mounted to a
small vertical axle behind the large wheel and held in place by a metal bracket which connects
below the bike wheel rim and above the highest fan blade. A piece of perforated metal is mounted
vertically on top of the horizontal axle at the back end.
Materials: steel, automobile parts, bicycle parts, road signs, reflector tape, paint
Date: 1980 | Artist: Vollis Simpson
Barbecue gets its name from the grill-like centerpiece, which is actually made from an old cooling tower fan.
More than 500 small, painted aluminum pieces are bent and crimped around the circular form, giving it a dense,
textured look - like flames or dancing smoke rising from a cookout. It’s a compact but richly detailed sculpture
that draws you in the closer you look.
Materials: The sculpture includes stamped aluminum, steel rods, a repurposed metal pan, and bicycle wheels.
Vollis incorporated license plates, cooling fan parts, and reflective materials to give the piece its shape and sparkle.
Painted in a mix of reds, blues, greens, and yellows, Barbecue feels both celebratory and grounded - like a backyard
gathering in sculptural form.
Date: 1990 | Artist: Vollis Simpson
Angle Star is named for the way its central star shape was constructed - each section is angled to
maximize movement in the wind. A 10-foot fan and a stamped metal arrow add to its dynamic design.
While simpler than some of the larger pieces, its clean lines and geometric precision make it a
standout on the skyline.
Materials: The star’s body and fan are made from aluminum and stamped metal sheeting, with a sturdy
steel and cast iron frame. Reflective vinyl and paint in red, white, and blue keep the piece visible
as it spins. Steel rivets and hardware hold everything together, allowing the sculpture to spin smoothly
while maintaining its shape.
