Topics: Depression-Era Rural Life; Material Culture Studies; Artistic Expression
Suggested Grade Level: 2 – 5
Required Time: 45-60 minutes

Description:

The Wegner Grotto is a unique concrete and glass sculpture art environment located north of Sparta. The Grotto features the Glass Church building and several sculptures created by Paul and Matilda Wegner in the late 1920s and 1930s. Since 1987, the Wegner Grotto has been a county park managed by the Monroe County Local History Room and Museum.

Students visiting the Grotto will learn the history of this unique artistic landscape created by two people who were not professional artists but had a yearning to create something beautiful with their hands using familiar materials. Activities include an on-site scavenger hunt and a hands-on opportunity to create a piece of art constructed using materials similar to those used by the Wegners.

Notes:

Programming at the Wegner Grotto is limited to warm months (May-October) and is weather-permitting as there is no covered shelter in case of rain. The Wegner Grotto was created using broken glass. It should be stressed to students that touching the sculptures or running in the park could lead to injury to themselves or to the fragile sculptures. There is an on-site portable toilet.

Goals:

Students will learn about this unique grassroots art site in Monroe County.
Students will understand how the Wegners, who were not professional artists, created the many sculptures out of concrete, glass, shells, rocks, and other found objects.
Students will experience the process of creating a sculpture similar to those found at the Grotto.

Wisconsin Standards for Social Studies related to the program:

SS.Geog4: Wisconsin students will evaluate the relationship between identity and place.
SS.Geog5: Wisconsin students will evaluate the relationship between humans and the environment.

Wisconsin Standards for Art & Design Education related to the program:

AA 3: Students will critically interpret intent and meaning in order to evaluate artistic work.
AA 4: Students will relate their artistic work with prior experience and external context.