In a significant restoration effort, the Wisconsin Concrete Park in northern Wisconsin has reintroduced a unique piece of Americana. For the first time since the 1970s, an American flag now flies over the park’s diverse collection of statues, just in time for America’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
The park, located in Price County, is home to hundreds of artworks created by Fred Smith, a self-taught artist and retired lumberjack. Smith transformed his property into an art park, filling it with sculptures made from concrete, glass bottles, rebar, and wood. Smith, who passed away at 89 in 1976, was known for his vernacular art style, and the park is maintained by the Friends of Fred Smith.
Among Smith’s numerous creations is a flag sculpture painted on an old Hamm’s beer sign, which he mounted on a 20-foot pole. Although the exact date of its creation is unknown, the flag was lost in a storm during the 1970s and was not preserved. Ann Grzywnowicz, the park’s operations manager, explained that the flag had been stored in a workshop for decades.
Restoration of the Historic Flag
Wisconsin’s harsh winters often take a toll on the park’s outdoor sculptures, with damage frequently occurring to the concrete and glass elements. Last year, the park’s board decided to restore the flag in anticipation of the Fourth of July celebrations. Grzywnowicz’s husband worked on removing rust, adding a new frame, and welding the metal pieces. The flag was then repainted, maintaining the original Hamm’s label visible under certain lighting.
The restored flag, now coated in polyurethane for protection, was reinstalled on a 12-foot pole to ensure its safety and that of the park’s visitors. “It looks great back in its original location, and flying high,” Grzywnowicz remarked.
Fred Smith’s Artistic Legacy
Fred Smith’s artistic journey was unconventional, marked by his decision to pursue sculpture in his later years. “I would say the majority of the community locally thought that Fred was kind of nuts,” Grzywnowicz said, reflecting on the local perception of Smith’s work.
Smith’s creations often drew inspiration from American culture and history, including tributes to events and figures such as Sacagawea, the famed Shoshone guide. His works also celebrated folk tales and historical events, with one notable piece commemorating the U.S. Marines at the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II.
As a first-generation American of German descent, Smith never had formal schooling but believed his lack of traditional education did not hinder his creativity. The park’s website quotes Smith saying, “Hell no, I can do things other people can’t do!”
The Friends of Fred Smith and Price County work together to preserve this cultural site, now open for public exploration. Marjory Brzeskiewicz, president of the Friends group, emphasized the importance of experiencing folk art up close. “This isn’t standing back and looking at the Mona Lisa,” she said.
Pam Kling, a visitor from Madison, shared her appreciation for the park, noting its “independent spirit” and the worthiness of the journey to see Smith’s creations. “I think it’s worth the time invested to kind of go a little out of the way and get here,” Kling said.
