This piece is pure rural Americana—a barn garage so perfectly frozen in time, you can almost hear the creak of the ladder and smell the motor oil. Inside, a rusty old VW Bug hides beneath weathered beams, surrounded by vintage oil cans, hay bales, and old clay pots falling over. A ladder leans into the loft above, where who knows what treasures live in the dust.
Classic signage—Ford, Gulf, 7-Up, and Wayne Feeds—add authentic grit and charm to this handcrafted world. Everything is handmade by the late David “Dick” Dahlstrom, who captured the quiet poetry of everyday places in astonishing detail. Whether you grew up on a farm or just dream of slower days, this shadow box is a portal. A glimpse into a garage that’s seen stories, spills, and a whole lot of life.
19.5" long x 14.5" high x 7.5" deep
Chicago-born artist David “Dick” Dahlstrom (1934–2025) channeled his deep-rooted love of drawing and design into handcrafted shadow boxes that double as miniature memories of his hometown. After training at the Art Institute of Chicago and a career in graphic arts, he returned with renewed passion post-retirement to sculpt these nostalgic creations—tiny house-like scenes capturing the soul of Chicago. Each piece carries the charm, whimsy, and attention to detail that made Dick’s work a familiar treasure at Midwest art fairs, galleries, and homes.
