Art in Motion

 Drawing inspiration from her travels, Cree Hyde Short, owner of Cree Windmills of Arizona, is continuing her father’s passion of manufacturing custom-made wooden windmills with a range of decorative motifs.  

“After serving in the military, my father worked for a sign company that built and designed metal electric signs. When he retired, he built wooden clocks and then windmills.”

She says her windmills conjure up memories of the Midwest. “Some say it reminds them of their grandparents’ place on a farm or ranch that they miss. A lot of people say it is relaxing just to watch the blades turn,” said Short, who lives in Camp Verde.

Trained as a graphic artist, Short’s eight-foot windmills are painted with flower petals, featherheads, animals, flags and Native American designs. Each piece is screwed in, nothing is glued. Short also manufactures what she calls a WallMill, a downsized version of a windmill made for hanging on a wall, along with birdfeeders and birdhouses.

“Cree’s windmills are so fun and eye-catching,” said Salt Mine Wine co-owner Leann Norton. “I was anxious to have the sunflower windmill for our vineyard because it is lively and positive. Her windmills are beautifully constructed with fabulous paint and details. We are so happy to own one.”

Manufactured from recycled, distressed and new wood, Cree Windmills are made to order. “I use six coats of waterproof paint for each front and back petal or blade and a coat of Flex-Seal,” said Short.

 “Cree does amazing work,” said Pam Moran of Rim Rock. “I’ve had the pleasure of visiting her studio, so I’ve seen her whole setup, and it is impressive. I purchased a windmill with a Native American motif. It has feathers with pastel, turquoise, white and orange colors; it matched our home perfectly.”

Short officially began making windmills in 2006 but started in Camp Verde in 2016. She now works on making all the parts needed, making a total of five or six at the same time. “My husband helps cut the wood out on a lathe. Now I use a bandsaw, which I feel safer and more comfortable with,” she said. Last year, she made 87 windmills.

“I was in Idaho visiting my sister and found a magazine with pictures of mountain lions, different kinds of flowers and other animals. It gave me so many ideas for my windmills and drawings. I just seem to brainstorm and always look for new ideas. Making them brings me so much joy.”

At 77 years old, Short says she has a good 15 years left to make her windmills. “Both my parents lived to their mid-90s, so I hope to as well.”

Along with selling her products online, Short also sells at festivals around the Verde Valley. VVBN

By V. Ronnie Tierney, VVBN

For more information about Cree Windmills of Arizona, visit www.creewindmills.com or call 602-810-0344.  

Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photograph: Cree Short stands next to one of her popular windmill designs, “Rooster Chasin’ Hen.” The blue windmill in the background is her “Black Feather Windmill.”