Carl Peterson (American, 1869 to 1969)
From St. James, Minnesota, Carl Peterson was an expert blacksmith, cabinetmaker and accomplished mason who lived to be 100 years old. Sometime during the 20th century, he set out to create an “Environmental Sculpture Garden of Nature,” whimsical and powerful depictions of concrete and steel showing animals and primitive people. It is thought that his work is the most significant folk art ever created in concrete.
Information courtesy of James D. Julia Auctions, August 2001.