When does a sign become public art? Obviously, that’s a judgment call, but by any yardstick the Ironworkers Local 492 sign has to count. I have often wondered just how many ironworkers there were around here. Turns out around 450 union members in middle Tennessee and south-central Kentucky, according to the 492’s website.

This statue is of course well known to anyone who drives down Dickerson Pike on a regular basis, signifying that you’ve almost made it downtown and Trinity Lane is right around the curve. He’s a little rusty after years in the weather and rain, but if anyone knows how to care for a metal statue, I’d guess the ironworkers would know how!

UPDATE: The statue has since gotten a fresh coat of paint. See A refurbished stalwart citizen.

At 2424 Dickerson Pike.