Faulkner restores landmark plow blade artwork

For more than two decades, the painted plow blade outside the Town of Washington garage has served as a recognizable roadside landmark.

Originally painted by art students from Northland Pines High School, the blade’s bright colors and youthful design offered a creative touch to an otherwise ordinary piece of equipment. But exposure to years of Northwoods weather gradually faded the artwork. Sun, snow, rain, and wind wore down the paint until the blade’s once vibrant appearance became muted and easy to overlook.

This summer, local artist and town resident Mike Faulkner stepped forward with an offer to restore the blade and bring it back to life.

Faulkner volunteered his time and skills to repaint the blade, creating a new design that reflects familiar elements of the Northwoods — tall pines, a quiet lake, a cabin at sunset, and themes connected to the town’s identity.

The updated artwork acknowledges the original student project while presenting a refreshed image that highlights both the area’s natural landscape and the town’s ongoing pride in its history.

Residents and visitors are invited to view the restored plow blade at the town shop, located at 4078 Deerskin Road in Eagle River. The project represents a blend of local history, public art, and community involvement and serves as a reminder that ordinary objects can become extraordinary when a community chooses to care for them.