Arnie Lillos Creation is a metal art exhibit that was created by Arnie who loved his work. This is a great space to showcase the beauty of metal art and the passion behind each creation. Arnie Lillo's Creations is a testament to the dedication and artistry of a talented individual. Come and experience the intricate designs and the stories behind each piece. We are passionate about sharing our love for metal art with the world and invite you to join this unique journey.

          There are the un-retirees, who think retirement isn’t for them. Arnie is a metals fabricator who started Timeless Images in Metal. He has a niche market in making antique tractor parts and ships them around the U.S.  His son has joined him in his business and within five years his grandson will too. Three generations will be working together.

        In 1984, he became MSU’s only air-conditioning and refrigeration repairman, servicing everything from drinking fountains to 600-ton steam absorbers. “I enjoyed the work,” Lillo said, but as the years passed he longed for the freedom of his metal shop on the 13-acre hobby farm he and Janice bought in 1969. It’s a place that satisfies his dual loves, tilling the soil and shaping metal.

        Lillo’s acreage is in the hill country between Good Thunder and Mankato, an area carved into ravines, timbered hillsides, and valleys by three rivers, the Maple, Cobb, and LeSueur. It’s an out-of-the-way farmstead distinguished by a sprawling collection of yard art. “It’s probably the only yard around that’s got this much iron in it.” Lillo agrees that if the display fronted on busy Hwy. 169 or 14, it might attract more buyers. “I’ve taken pieces to Pioneer Power (an annual antique farm machinery show at LeSueur) and it sells good, but I don’t like to do it,” he said. (The art may get more exposure soon because a retail chain has expressed interest in selling it at their new outlet in New Ulm.)

        Arnie put his life into every piece of art that he made. He did what he loved every day and has a whole yard to show for it. He was the kindest and caring man on this planet. All he wanted was for people to come and enjoy the art he had made free of charge. From the big pieces to the small, they all show what an amazing person Arnie was.