Dannebrog artist draws in Junk Jaunt traffic with scenic paintings
DANNEBROG, Neb. (KOLN) - During Junk Jaunt, a fence with an American flag mural points the way toward Dawn and Terry Webb’s garage. Dawn is the self-taught artist who painted the flag, with 40 years of experience under her belt.
“For me, it started out with, if I sell a couple things, I can buy some more paint,” Dawn said.
She paints landscapes, farm animals and signs on cream cans, windows, milk bottles, old saws, screen doors and other rustic materials.
“And started painting on those, and low and behold, people actually kind of liked them,” Dawn said.
At first, Dawn used wood from old buildings on her family’s farm. She’s a member of the fifth-generation descended from German-Danish settlers in Dannebrog.
“When some of the (farm) buildings had to come down, I was able to get my dad to save some of that barn wood for me, and I started out painting on barn wood signs,” Dawn said.
Now the artist preserves other family farms within her landscape paintings.
“People will say, ‘Oh, this was my grandpa’s saw or my dad’s saw,’ or whatever,” Dawn said. “And then they’ll have a picture of like the old farm place.”
Every year, Dawn and her husband Terry clean out their garage to sell items from family and community members. But Dawn’s art is the main attraction. Terry says his wife spends “hours” painting.
“We have repeat customers, every year for her paintings,” Terry said. “We’ve only taken one year off. The following year, we got several complaints form a number of different people, wanting to know why we weren’t open.”
Dawn’s work can be seen around Dannebrog on signs and murals. A couple notable ones are by the post office and in the Archer Credit Union building, where she works full time.
“Everybody looks out for each other, and we’re very, very involved in our communities all the time,” Dawn said. “And if it’s things that bring other people joy, that’s what it’s all about.”
Once Junk Jaunt ends, the Webbs close up shop. But people can still buy Dawn Webb Designs at The Treasure Trove at 106 Mill St. S in Dannebrog. For custom pieces, they can reach Dawn by calling or texting (308)750-2068.
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