If you haven’t heard the name Glen Tutterrow, just stick around Cuba for a bit and his name will come up numerous times.
Tutterrow and his son Curtis, are responsible for some large-scale projects in Cuba. Hard to miss, these impressive hand-crafted metal art installations include an 1873 Salem Train Replica at Viva Cuba Garden; the train theme at Frisco’s Grill and Pub; and the Osage Trail Legacy at the Visitor Center, which can be seen from Interstate 44.
“Viva Cuba is so fortunate to have Glen as a resource for our organization. His creativity inspires the community as well as travelers through the area.” – Jill Barnett, Chairperson
More recently, in the spirit of the holiday, Tutterrow brings together the “Wood Family” once again. Cut from local timber, this seasonal display is fun for anyone who drives by Viva Cuba Garden. If you are lucky enough to stop for a red light at the Route 66 and Highway 19 intersection, look for the wooden additions and the other festive displays in the garden.
A Missouri native, Tutterrow grew up near the Bourbeuse River north of Sullivan. There, Tutterrow was first inspired by the natural world as a young man working on the family farm and hunting with his father.
As for Tutterrow’s love of art, it started when he was a kid. Over the years he has embraced his talent with multiple mediums to provide a wide range of works that include painting, wood carving, clay, metal sculptures, welding, and photography.
After high school, Tutterrow moved to Cuba and worked for the Missouri Department of Conservation as a forester. In addition, he ran a local family business, Wilderness Unlimited, as a taxidermist for 40 years. Through his work as a taxidermist, he became an accomplished sculptor.
His completed projects range from a large mastodon for the Detroit Children’s Museum to a giant donkey’s rear-end for Toby Keith’s film, Beer For My Horses. With over 368 different species, his taxidermy work is award-winning. His latest project included a statue of Wyatt and Urilla Earp in LaMar, MO.
Tutterrow lives in Cuba with his wife Debbie. To learn more about the artist, visit https://www.wildlifeunlimited.net
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