Sculpture

In 1980 Ivan “John” Bambic of Milwaukee began constructing whirligigs based on memories of his childhood in Slovenia. This mechanical animated sculpture features carved dancing bears and their keeper. Bambic's other whirligigs depict blacksmiths, butchers, and other laborers.

John Henkelman of Merrill, Wisconsin spent his life as a logger, farmer, and mason. He took up woodcarving in his retirement and depicted scenes inspired by his logging experiences. This sculpture is titled Load of Logs.

Assembler Eugene Milosch made this workplace model as a gift to commemorate the retirement of his co-worker Raymond Lopez. Both men worked at Louis Allis Company in Milwaukee and were members of IUE Local 1131. The union had a longstanding tradition in which members created plaques and models for retiring fellow members. Milosch mimicked each retiree's workstation, attempting to capture his career in a single material expression.

Joe Hrovat of West Allis, Wisconsin carved, painted, and assembled this scene, which depicts Robin Yount of the Milwaukee Brewers being tagged out at home plate by Chicago Cubs catcher Damon Berryhill. This actual event did not happen; the Brewers and the Cubs played in different leagues in 1988. Hrovat, a part-time usher at Milwaukee County Stadium, witnessed countless sporting events and used those experiences as inspiration for his extensive collection of carvings featuring Wisconsin and national figures.

Matt Gavric likely carved this group of bears in Serbia before his family immigrated to America and settled in Milwaukee. Gavric stayed behind but his family brought over several of his animal carvings. A third piece of the original set, depicting a Roma (Gypsy) man, was retained by the Gavric family and is the key to understanding the carvings.