CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Artists have celebrated Caitlin Clark’s stardom with murals, graffiti and even a butter sculpture. There’s a new depiction of the basketball superstar on a lawn in Cedar Rapids.
King Drive Southwest in Cedar Rapids has been busier than usual.
“The traffic here has been crazy these last couple of days,” Gary Miller explained.
The cars have slowed down. That’s because a former Iowa superstar has moved into the neighborhood.
“I’m just a big fan. A friend of mine took me to games for several years. Then, I got season tickets the last few years. She’s just one of kind,” Miller added.
Miller has lived in his home since 2006, but his new tree carving of Caitlin Clark is just a few days old. He had a tree damaged by the 2020 derecho and emerald ash borer. He finally came up with an idea of what to do with the tree.
“I cut it down myself and left a stump, not knowing what i was going to do with it at the time,” he explained. “Over the winter, I had this idea of the shot of Caitlin making the record-breaker against Michigan.”
Miller said he was at the game when Clark hit back-to-back free throws to become the all-time NCAA Division I scoring leader.
Clint Henick of Mount Vernon is the chainsaw artist that helped bring the Clark replica of that moment to Miller’s front yard. It took him three days to complete the statue which includes her 22 jersey, signature ponytail, Nike logos and even a basketball that weighs nearly 25 pounds.
“There’s nobody else like her and probably never ever will be somebody else like her,” Miller said.
Miller hopes others enjoy and take photos with his addition, but asks one thing from those who visit.
“Be respectful if you come and look at it,” he said. “Who knows, maybe she will stop by one day.”
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