Spring 2011
Newsletter For the
Friends of Fred Smith, Inc
February Crochet Exhibit at Studio
Inside This
Issue:
Tribute to Polly
Anderson
2
Alta Smith
Feature
3
2011 Celebration
4
2011 Summer
Art Series
5
Winter Studio
Activities
6
Lifetime
Achievement
Award
7
Pottery
Donation
Donations
Appreciation
8
FoFS
Membership
9
Invasive Species
10
at the Park
The day before Valentine’s Day
last February, the Studio was
filled with a beautiful and quite
extensive exhibit of crocheted
items, from afghans and doilies,
to doll clothes and tablecloths.
Jeanne Kirchmeyer has spent all
of her adult life mastering the
craft and her passion is still going
strong. Not only does she continue to crochet, but has an extensive collection of handmade
treasures made by family and
friends, all of which were on display at the Studio. When asked how she got started, Jeanne
shared this story.
“When I was twelve, my Grandma Frisk taught me to chain. My mom got tired of my
chaining so I started copying Grandma’s doilies. When Russ and I got married, we left
for Albuquerque, New Mexico. Now I had no doilies to copy. Mom had given me some
of her work baskets and that is where I learned to use directions.
“I had rugs, doilies, dolls, sweaters, pillows, bedspreads, doll bed, Santas, and Mrs. Santa. We had Mrs. Dick Glissendorf’s hand crocheted table cloth, my grandmother’s, my
mother’s, also Russ’ mother’s crocheted things. Therese Trojak had her aunt’s sweaters and vests there, too. We had 10 tables set up and two with lunch on. I still crochet
for daughter, daughters-in-law and grandchildren.”
Thank you, Russ and Jeanne, for sharing your art collection!
Wisconsin Trails Outsider Art Feature
The Wisconsin Concrete Park was featured in the March/April 2011 issue of Wisconsin Trails magazine in an article titled Art Alfresco. Writer Mary Bergin penned the
article that states “Not all great art can be found in museums and galleries, and not
all works are created by artists with formal training. In fact, some of Wisconsin’s most
visited collections of outdoor art are the works of rural people who never took an art
class”.
Also featured in the article are our partners in the Wandering Wisconsin promotional
map; Dickeyville Grotto and Shrines (Grant County), Rudolph Grotto and Wonder
Caves (Wood County), Grandview (Iowa County), Prairie Moon and Sculpture Garden
and Museum (Buffalo County) and the Paul and Matilda Wegner Grotto (Monroe
County). View the article and photos online at http://www.wisconsintrails.com/
content/238.php .
Page 2
Polly Anderson
After a lifetime of creating art and inspiring others
to do the same, Polly Anderson is stepping aside
from her leadership roles in the art community
she largely shaped in Price County. Here are
some Friends’ recollections.
Polly Anderson was one of the founding members of Friends of Fred Smith in
1995, and since that time she’s been a large measure of the heart and soul of the
Friends’ activities at the Wisconsin Concrete Park. Polly has been a driving force in
making the Park a place for creative activity. She’s conducted and assisted with
many art-making workshops, parades, and celebrations, keeping the place alive,
always reflecting the spirit of Fred Smith. Polly has been dedicated to interpreting
Fred Smith’s work for countless visitors, and has conducted lively and inspired
tours of the Park for decades. Polly has also been key in the alliance between the
Countryside Artists and FoFS, and the CA’s use of the historic Smith house as a
showcase for area arts and crafts.
On the occasion of Polly’s retirement (with full honors!) from the FoFS board, on
which she has served tirelessly and enthusiastically, I scheduled a time to talk with
Polly about her memories of Fred Smith and the Park. When I called her at the
scheduled time, she told me that in preparation for our interview she began writing
her memories, from the day she first encountered Smith and the Park, through 15 years of Friends of Fred Smith history. A simple
interview turned into a larger project, and we decided that FoFS would help her by typing out her longhand draft, when she’s ready,
and compiling an illustrated booklet.
As one of the few founders who actually knew Fred Smith, and as a lifelong artist, Polly has a deep appreciation for Smith’s grand
project and she has wonderful insights into his work. I invited Polly to share her thoughts on her immediate impressions of Fred
Smith and his work, first asking what sculptures come to mind when she thinks of the Wisconsin Concrete Park. She replied immediately:
I see the park as a whole. I just love every piece for what it’s worth and it’s worth so much–– its history, its artistic legacy–
–it’s so many things. I don’t see any one sculpture as being outstanding, except that, since you’re asking my impressions,
after Fred Smith did the Budweiser wagon right aside the road, when I came into town and drove up that north bound
lane, to see that wagon and horses when you come over the rise, it was just so exciting, so breathtaking, it had a really
great impact! Having to move it to the back pasture––I can understand it had to be moved–– but putting it back there on
that rise gives the same kind of impact; when you come around the trees and see it, it has a good impact to the eye of the
viewers now, the way they hustle up that hill to see it!
When talking to kids or art groups I talk about the balance and the creative designs he came up with––his use of the tesserae (found objects) in the mosaics is just fabulous––how he found things to use, then repeated them in patterns that
brought it true to life, but made it so imaginary, that’s what impressed me so much.
When I asked about her impressions of Fred Smith, Polly didn’t hesitate.
Oh, I think that his character, of being such a strong person, comes out all the time, you could feel his aura when you
were near him, you could feel the presence of a person who was special, not just because of what he did, what he
said, how he talked…He had this presence, of his having done so much, he had so much to talk about, you just felt
you wanted to drain him every time you came, you just wanted to drain him…It just absolutely stuns me to think that
this person could do such huge, enormous things when he had so much arthritis…he amazed me how he kept his
muscles strong, how he could do what he did with the materials he had to use, it was more than a mind could handle,
he was simply amazing.
We thank Polly for her ever-cheerful and enthusiastic involvement with Friends of Fred Smith, and for her love and dedication to Fred
Smith’s legacy. We’ll miss her regular participation and we hope she’ll continue to guide us. We look forward to working with her on
her memoirs of Smith and the Park, and we’ll announce progress on the project in future newsletters.
~Lisa Stone Curator at School of the Art Institute of Chicago & Preservationist at WCP
In Italy
Page 3
“Polly and I and my sister shared rooms throughout our trip to Italy. Polly’s most interesting adventure while in Italy was her walk
from the Sistine Chapel to St. Peter’s Basilica. Instead of walking
around the building outside like the rest of us did, without realizing it she walked through the
restricted area inside the building! We were surprised that she didn’t run into the Pope or anyone else! We had many laughs about that.”
~Jean Klimowski Longtime friend & FoFS
Board of Directors member
“I have known Mrs. Anderson since the late 1960s. I was a high school student and she was a very young art teacher.
I never had her as an art instructor but got to know her as an active supporter of the art of Fred Smith and the Wisconsin
Concrete Park. I now can comfortably call her Polly. Polly is the perfect supporter of the Wisconsin Concrete Park:
one educated and committed to promoting art and creativity, dedicated to the preservation and development of the Park,
a tireless promoter as witnessed by the many hours of volunteering to give tours, conduct workshops, organize and participate in the annual celebrations, a member of the Countryside Artists, and a founding member of the Friends of Fred
Smith. Her passion and commitment to the park are significant reasons for the progress made and will insure its long
term stability.
~Pete Bartelt Administrator for Price County Forestry
and longtime Board of Directors member
"Over the years Polly Anderson has been a valuable volunteer for the Friends of Fred Smith (FoFS) organization and the
park. She was a strong voice for the art community in developing the Smith house, advancing educational programming
and preserving the integrity of the park. Polly's dedication to and knowledge of all aspects of FoFS made her an excellent ambassador and guide for the park."
~Doug Moquin Former Board of Directors member
& current member of the Advisory Committee
“For the last 30+ years, Polly has touched my life within the Phillips community. She inspired my daughters to be creative and confident throughout their years in school. When I worked as a floral artist and vendor at Art and More on the Lakeshore, she was always gracious and giving to me as an artist, putting my concerns before her own. I regret her departure from Friends of Fred Smith
just as I begin my tenure!” ~ Sharyn Friedell Administrator, Friends of Fred Smith
THANKS SO MUCH, POLLY!
Who Was Alta Belle (May) Smith?
By Granddaughter
Joan Wimme
Fred Smith’s life has been fairly well documented throughout the years. Although Fred and Alta
Smith were married for 57 years, little has been documented about Alta Smith. Alta Belle May was
born on September 7, 1891 in Marysville, Ohio and was one of eight children. She resided there
until she married Fred in 1913 and then moved back to Wisconsin with Fred. Alta resided in Phillips
until her death in 1970 at the age of 79.
Alta and Fred had six children during their marriage; Ralph, Evelyn, Ilene, Leona, Cleo and Reed.
Alta proved to be a strong and resourceful woman during her lifetime. With Fred being gone, working in the logging camps and in the woods, for long stretches of time; she raised the children and
maintained the home and property. Alta, and the children, raised much of their food in the family
garden and kept a cow or two for milking. She and the kids spent many hours on the front porch of
the home prepping vegetables, berries and other foods for canning. She was an excellent cook and
her apple pies were legendary.
Alta was described as a good and caring person with a sense of humor. She was adored by her
children and they found many ways to have family fun and enjoyment. She would take the children
downtown (with spoons), buy a carton of ice cream (one of Alta’s favorites) and eat it on the spot. At
some point, the family did have cars but Alta never had a driver’s license. She enjoyed reading romance magazines of
the time and loved spending time with her grandchildren. You could always count on her for a cup of hot chocolate on a
cold morning.
As with many people, Alta and Fred made the best of it during those early times and the difficult years of the Depression.
They enjoyed the simple things in life and she lived her life with grace, kindness, and many smiles.
Page 4
Saturday, August 13, 2011
12:00-4:00 pm
The Wisconsin Concrete Park Celebration will be held Saturday, August
13th from noon to 4 PM. This celebration of the arts will include fun for the
whole family including live music with local favorite the Elk River String
Band, kids’ activities, park tours, silent auction and concessions. Contact
715-339-4505 or 800-269-4505 for more information.
All Day
QUILTS AMONG THE PINES The pines
in the Park will come alive with vibrant
color in this outdoor quilt display (weather
permitting).
ELK RIVER STRING BAND
EXHIBIT of student art projects
CONCESSIONS by Price County Royal
Moose Lodge
COUNTRYSIDE ARTISTS STUDIO Arts
and crafts by local artist will be available
inside the historic Smith Family House,
along with demonstrations.
12- 3:30 pm
SILENT AUCTION Bidding ends at 3:30
pm. Remember to stop by and see what
you won!
12:30 -3 pm
HANDS ON “MAKE & TAKE” ART
CREATIONS Children can join the fun.
Learn new skills and grow as artists.
Friends of Fred Smith Wish List
Friends of Fred Smith is continually looking to improve our provided services, including art workshops and site conservation. Below is a list of items that have made our “wish list.” If you are able to donate or have information regarding any of these items, please contact Pete Bartelt at 715.339.6371 or email him at [email protected] .
Art Supplies:
Other Supplies:
Pottery Supplies
White Board
Portable Microphone
Power Screen
Easel
Display Board
Light Table for Slides
Deer Antlers (8-10 points)
Digital Projector
Canopy Tent (10’ x 10’ and up)
Storage Bins (all sizes)
New Floor in the Studio
Page 5
Last fall, the Studio floor was coated with an epoxy surface which is
much more durable than the previous painted surface. Greg Kleinhans
was contracted to do the job and it looks really great! Many thanks go
to the Marschke Foundation for their generous support of the
project.
2011 Summer Art Series
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY FRIENDS OF FRED SMITH, INC
Bring along kids of all ages and join us at the
Studio again this year for a variety of fun activities. For more information or to register, call:
715-339-4505 or e-mail
[email protected]
Workshops are FREE and will be
held in the Friends of Fred Smith
Studio at WI Concrete Park.
Space is limited and registration is
required.
DAZZELING TOTE BAGS Decorate denim tote bags with Sheila
Miske. Great bags for groceries, lunch & more. Register by June 7th at 715339-4505.
June 9
1-4 pm
GARDEN STEPPING STONES Create mosaic stepping stones with Naomi Lukes. Register by July 5th at 715-339-4505.
July 7
1-4 pm
BEADS, BEADS, BEADS! Basic wire work beading with Trudy Schragel.
Register by August 9th at 715-339-4505.
August 11
1-4 pm
WISCONSIN CONCRETE PARK CELEBRATION A celebration of the
arts in a park setting; kid’s activities, park tours, live music with the
ELK RIVER STRING BAND, silent auction & concessions. 800-269-4505/
715-339-4505
August 13
Noon-4 pm
THEATER FUN & GAMES Learn about the stage, acting, performing and
August 15-19
putting on a show with some of the Northwoods Players! Special joint proAge 6-11: 10-11am
gram on Friday at 11 am. Register before July 25th by calling 715-339-3908.
Age 12+: 11am-noon
FORCING BULBS & BULB SALE Enjoy blooming bulbs in your house in
the winter. A variety of bulbs will be available for purchase at the class and in
downtown Phillips at the Harvest Festival on September 24th. Register for
the class by September 24th at 715-339-7282.
October 1
Noon- 3 pm
October 22
7-8:30 pm
GHOST STORIES IN THE PARK AFTER DARK Bring all the courage
you can muster for an evening of spooky, but not too scary, ghost stories and
refreshments. 715-339-7282
Children under age 10 must be accompanied by an adult for all workshops.
Winter Studio Activities
Page 6
Snowshoe Clinic
The clinic consisted of stretching exercises presented by Dr. Mel Eggebrecht of sPorT plus physical
therapy, dressing for active winter outdoor activities
presented by Nancy Anderson, Phillips H.S. teacher
and active outdoor enthusiast, and a snowshoeing
overview and demo by Ron & Chris Kendziera of
The Crazy Loon. Snowshoes were provided by The
Crazy Loon. About 30 people attended.
Price County Struttin’ Toms
On Thursday, April 1st and 9th, Blake Edwards,
Coordinator of the Learn to Hunt Program, and the
Price County Struttin’ Toms hosted a Learn to Turkey Hunt class. The class is required for hunters
who want to participate in an upcoming hunt. The
building was filled with future hunters between the
ages of 10 and 12 and also the mentors who will
be taking them hunting. The hunters were taught
about turkey biology, turkey habitat, hunter safety
and calling turkeys.
Tour Guides & Volunteers Needed
Scuplture Care
Garden Care
This summer, as in every summer,
Fred's scupltures need some rustproofing, glass collection and general TLC from a caring hand. Care
can be given to the sculptures
whenever you have time, here and
there, depending on your schedule.
Some caregivers have even heard
the statues sigh in relief. We aren't
releasing any names, however.
Years ago, Russ and Jeanne Kirchmeyer created and planted a beautiful rock garden at the Park for all
our benefit. We now need some
help occassionally feeding and watering the garden to maintain its
beauty and bounty "....for all the
American people everywhere." Fred
Smith Green thumbs are not necessarily required.
Anyone interested in volunteering for any of these jobs, or ones we haven't
thought about yet, can call Sharyn at the Park, 715-339-7282 In August,
all volunteers are invited to a catered dinner here at the Park, compliments
of Friends of Fred Smith and all the stiffs in the yard.
Tour Guides
Occasionally during the year, especially
during the summer, bus tours or student
groups come to the park and ask for a
guided tour. Many of our guides have recently retired from the job so we are in
need of people interested in sharing the
story of Fred's passion. It takes about an
hour for a tour, and guides are under no
obligation to lead a tour when they are
busy with their own lives. When a request
comes in, typically with a lot of advance
notice, the guides are asked if they are
available. It's that simple. Sometime at
the end of June, there will be a meeting of
interested persons and a training session.
Come and find out more about it.
Fred Smith Receives Lifetime Achievement
Page 7
The Museum of Wisconsin Art was proud to host the 8th annual Wisconsin Visual Art Lifetime Achievement Awards ceremony on Sunday, May 22nd at 1:30 p.m. The goal of the
Wisconsin Visual Art Lifetime Achievement Awards is to elevate the status of Wisconsin’s
visual art by honoring those whose contributions are substantial and in many cases often
overlooked by people outside of our region.
Founded in 2004 as a collaboration between the Museum of Wisconsin Art (MWA), Wisconsin Visual Artists (formerly Wisconsin Painters and Sculptors/Artists in All Media) and the
Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters, the WVALAA is essentially the in-state
“Hall of Fame” for individuals, groups and organizations who have supported the visual
arts with distinction. This prestigious award is bestowed upon individuals and organizations
that have made extraordinary contributions to the creation, support, and growth of visual
arts in and of Wisconsin. This includes artists, organizations, teachers, patrons, art historians and authors.
This year’s recipients of a WVALAA are: Jane Brite, Tom Every (Dr. Evermor), the Milwaukee Institute Of Art & Design, Bruce W. Pepich, Fred Smith, Arthur Thrall, Eugene Von
Bruenchenhein, and Lee Weiss.
Donation Molds FoFS Future
THANKS TO THE PHILLIPS HIGH
SCHOOL STUDENTS WHO HELPED TO
CLEAN UP THE PARK GROUNDS THIS
SPRING! THAT WAS A GREAT HELP
Recently, a woman who
turned to art as a healing
pathway donated a pottery
wheel and kiln to the
Friends of Fred Smith Studio. Many thanks to Ruth
Schumann for her generosity. Hopefully, we can continue to build on these beginnings and create a pottery minicourse in the coming years!
New Administrator at FoFS
Sharyn Friedell was hired in February, 2011, as Administrator for the
Friends of Fred Smith, Inc. Her background is a mixture of science and art,
having graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison with a BS
degree in Zoology. Later, and for 20+ years, she made her living as an
artist, craftsperson and farmer in Price County. With an acre+ of flowers
and a large barn in which to dry them, she created dried floral pieces and
sold them in galleries and art fairs throughout the Midwestern states. In
2003, she returned to school and received an Associates Degree in Architectural Design as well as certifications in Renewable Energy Systems Design. Mother Nature is her continual source of artistic inspiration and design innovation.
As Administrator, she now has the opportunity to promote the arts, culture, science and sustainability as interactive and
interdependent components of a whole system. Sharyn and her family moved to Harmony Township in 1977 where
she continues to live and work.
Who are Friends of Fred Smith?
Page 8
Business Sponsors
Boyd’s Mason Lake Resort
Schilling Electric
Phillips Lumber & Hardware
MarquipWard United
Phillips Area Chamber of Commerce Price Electric Cooperative
Nan Hall Lombardi Fund
WFLA Lodge #236
Countryside Artists
Kohler Foundation
RDK Foundation
The Kohler Foundation has given generously to support the
In 2011, the RDK Foundation donated money to the
endowment fund. Other funds were used to preserve
the works of art and for operation and promoting the
site.
Summer Conservation Program and general maintenance of
the sculptures.
THANK
YOU !
2011 Members
Arlyn & Grace Kielsmeier
Arnold Alanen
Ashley Bartelt
Bernice Shafarik
Bev Brayton
Bob & Linda Kopisch
Bob Roth
Carl & Gay Marschke
Cleo Wimme
Dan & Nora Doyle
David Howe
Denise Smith
Don Preisler
Dori Johnson
Dorothy S. Cordy-Pritzl
Evonna Hedbany Baehner &
Frederick Baehner
Fred Scruton
G. Lane & Linda Ware
Gilbert & Charlene Dering
Glen & Linda Schilling
Holly Metz
Jacquelyn Ward
Jim & Joy Stauber
Joan Wimme
Johan A Mathison
Judy & Tony Canales
Justin & Bobbi Race
Justin Blomberg
Karen Girardeau
Kay Schrauth & Craig Sines
Lee Foster
Lisa Stone & Don Howlett
Liza Berdnik
Louis & Pamela Ahlen
Louise Bingham
Marilyn Stone
Meg Werren
Molly Ross Family
Pete & Connie Bartelt
Plein Family
Robert Thieme
Robert Tripp
Ruth Schumann
S & J Hernandez
Scott & Kathy Reinhard
Sharyn Friedell
Terri & Bill Yoho
Therese, Ed & Maureen Trojak
Tom & Linnea Olson
Tom & Sheila Miske
Vic Ferrall & Linda Smith
DONATIONS APPRECIATED
Friends of Fred Smith Endowment Fund
Please consider making a contribution to the Friends of Fred Smith Endowment Fund.
Your gift will keep on giving over time...And, as the saying goes, “You can’t take it with
you,” but you can leave a lasting legacy by remembering Friends of Fred Smith in your
Will. We will be happy to provide details about both options.
Friends of Fred Smith Membership Form
“It’s gotta be in ya to do it . . .” – Fred Smith
We invite you to become a member of
Friends of Fred Smith or to renew your existing membership.
Your tax deductible donation will help support the not-for-profit organization
established to preserve Fred Smith’s Wisconsin Concrete Park.
To become a member please indicate the desired category and complete the name and
address section below. If your employer will match tax deductible donations, please
forward us a copy of their corporate match form, and we will do the rest!
$ 15, Student/Senior
$ 20, Individual
$ 30, Family
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$ 50 - $ 99, Donor
$ 100 - $ 249, “DEER”
$ 250 - $ 499, “MUSKY”

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$ 500 + “PAUL BUNYAN”
$2,500
Lifetime Member
 My place of employment has a matching gift program and will match my donation.
 I would like to make a contribution to the Friends of Fred Smith Endowment Fund, for the
long-term preservation of the Wisconsin Concrete Park, in the amount of $____________
 Please send me information regarding planned giving. I would like to consider including Friends
of Fred Smith in my will.
Name
Address
City/State/Zip
Phone Day __________________ Phone Evening
E-mail:

I do not want my name to appear in Friends of Fred Smith donor recognition .
If, in addition, you want to become an active volunteer, please indicate items of interest.

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Mailings/Newsletter
Membership
Fundraising
Wisconsin Concrete Park Landscape

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Events
Docent/Tour Guide
Sculpture Maintenance
Historic Smith Family House
Please send this application and your check to:
FRIENDS OF FRED SMITH
Normal Building, Room 217
104 South Eyder Avenue
Phillips, Wisconsin 54555
For additional information please call:
(715) 339-6371 or (800) 269-4505
Email: [email protected]
Please remember to pay your annual membership fee at the
beginning of each year, thereby designating your commitment for the following 12 months. As membership climbs,
such practices will greatly aid our staff and also serve to
reduce confusion as to how long memberships are valid and
when one needs to recommit oneself to the Wisconsin Concrete Park. Of course, as we like to say, donations are always welcome!
Newsletter From
Friends of Fred Smith, Inc.
Normal Building, Room 217
104 S. Eyder Ave.
Phillips, WI 54555
“It’s
gotta be in ya
to do it.”
For more information, visit our website:
www.friendsoffredsmith.org
Invasive Plants at Concrete Park
The Upper Chippewa Invasive Species Cooperative of Price, Taylor, Sawyer, and Rusk Counties is continuing their on-going effort to control buckthorn and Asiatic honeysuckle in the park. This group recieved a federal
grant from the Secure Rural Schools Act, Title II funds when they submitted
a proposal to the Resource Advisory Committee in 2010. The grants are
given for projects that will ultimately benefit the National Forests in Wisconsin.
With the grant money the cooperative was able to hire two part-time coordinators and schedule over fifteen projects, the Concrete Park being one of
them. The coordinators will work with volunteers on specific invasive plant infestations around the Counties for the next two years. This and other projects will control invasive plants near the National Forest and prevent them
from spreading. They will also be able to educate the public on preventing the
accidental introduction of weeds along with the best methods to control them.
Work bees will be scheduled this fall as that is the optimum time to tackle these
shrubs. The Cooperative is made up of individuals from various state, federal,
and county agencies plus groups and individuals concerned about non-native
invasive species. Anyone is encouraged to join the group for this or any other
project. To get your name on the contact list call or email: Marjory Brzeskiewicz (715)762-5199 or [email protected]