By Robert Williams

Editor

Julie Bruhn, of Vergas, recently commissioned artists Pat Shannon and Luke Fugere to make a piece of art that could be passed down generations to preserve family history and share the stories and memories of those who came before.  

Shannon, a metal artist, potter and co-owner of Forest Edge Gallery in Vergas, along with fellow artist Fugere, took a family heirloom from the farm and turned it into an incredible piece of art. 

The piece is comprised of 17 old horse collar bells that are made of brass and have beautiful etching, according to Bruhn.

The bells were from a horse collar the family brought from Sweden when immigrating to America more than a century ago in 1888.  

“The horse collar had been in my mom’s family (Marion Dahlgren) and was her grandpa’s (my great grandpa),” said Bruhn. “He farmed with his father in the town of Vaxjo, Konoberg county, in southeast Sweden. He came to America in 1888 at the age of 22 and brought the horse collar with him.”

In the late 19th century, horses were essential to farming and Bruhn’s great-grandfather broke in and trained horses amidst having an overall love for the animals, according to Bruhn.

“The horse collar with the bells was used for special occasions and made the most beautiful sound as the horses trotted,” she said. “I thought I would share what Pat and Luke can do and what it means to a family in preserving the past.”

Forest Edge Gallery (www.forestedgeartgallery.com) is located five miles west of Vergas with web presences on Facebook and Instagram.