Makin’ Hay is a striking set of three larger-than-life sculptures crafted from Core-Ten steel and hay. This whimsical installation was generously gifted to the Conservancy by Candace and Michael Humphreys, bringing a unique blend of art and agriculture to the park’s Open Fields area.

Created in 2002 by renowned sculptor Tom Otterness, Makin’ Hay first debuted in a hay bale sculpture contest in Utica, Montana. Otterness, an American sculptor of Norwegian descent, is celebrated for his playful and accessible public sculptures installed in major cities worldwide, including New York, Toronto, Seoul, the Netherlands, and Germany. While most of his works are cast in bronze—including the famed Life Underground installation in the New York City subway—Makin’ Hay stands out for its innovative use of natural materials.

Meet the Characters

While these three figures have no official names, they are commonly referred to as:

  • The Hay Roller – Located at the front of the open field, nearest the parking lot.

  • Scythe Lady – Standing on the north side of the open field, she carries a scythe, an ancient tool used for harvesting grain.

  • Woman Carrying Hay – Positioned on the east edge of the open field, symbolizing traditional agricultural labor.

Exhibition History

Makin’ Hay has traveled far and wide before returning to its home at Phil Hardberger Park:

  • Utica, Montana

  • Sun Valley Center for the Arts, Idaho

  • Stanford University

  • Washington State University

  • Wichita State University

  • Crystal Bridges Museum of Art, Arkansas

  • San Antonio – Initially installed at Mission San Juan, where the hay was set on fire, leading to their relocation to Hardberger Park (2012-2015).

Fun Fact: 2024 Rediscovery

The original installation spots were identified using Pokémon Go, which had recorded their 2012 locations as PokéStops!

Reinstallation in 2025

Before their return to Phil Hardberger Park, the sculptures underwent a meticulous restoration process, reinforcing the steel framework and replacing worn areas. Installing the hay is a labor-intensive annual process:

  • Hay Preparation: Coastal Bermuda hay is packed into plastic sleeves, sealed, and then attached with zip ties.

  • Installation Process: The tallest figure requires a man-lift, while others are assembled using ladders.

  • Size & Weight: The figures range from 11 to 18 feet tall, with a Hay Roller weighing 2,375 lbs., a Scythe Lady at 2,335 lbs., and a Woman Carrying Hay at 3,461 lbs.

Conservation & Environmental Impact

During reinstallation, excavation uncovered a small cave opening beneath Hay Roller. Work paused until environmental consultants confirmed it was not a habitat for endangered karst invertebrates. The park’s three distinct ecoregions were evident during excavation, with limestone soil under Hay Roller and black gumbo soil beneath Woman Carrying Hay.

Wildlife interactions with the sculptures remain a topic of study:

  • Will deer graze on the hay?

  • Will birds use it for nesting material?

  • Yellow jacket wasps have nested in the hay in the past, but the park’s abundant predators—Northern Cardinals, Titmice, skunks, and raccoons—help control their population.

  • The Conservancy is exploring options for native hay to further enhance ecological sustainability.

Fun Fact: The Sculptures Have Twins!

A similar installation, The Shockers, can be found at Wichita State University.

As these beloved figures return to Phil Hardberger Park, they serve as a reminder of the park’s dedication to art, conservation, and history—inviting visitors to engage with both the past and the present in a truly unique way.