"If they throw them away, that's all right. If they keep them, maybe people get to look at them. That's all I care about."

Joseph Bogdanich 1890–1973
​Eveleth Folk Artist

Joe Bogdanich surrounded by his artwork at the downtown museum where he was curator. Photo courtesy of Jon Marcaccini.

Joseph (Joe) Bogdanich was a Croatian immigrant known as an eccentric yet dedicated folk artist. He first lived in Ely but left because he hated working in the "stinking holes" of the underground mines. When he moved to Eveleth, he took up house painting but soon discovered a love for art and nature. From the 1930s until shortly before his death, he created hundreds of paintings, wood carvings, and rock sculptures, nearly all of which he donated to schools, libraries, historical societies, and even U. S. presidents. He was also the curator of a museum sponsored by the Eveleth Civic Association. Although he and his amateur art were often ridiculed, he remained proud of his unique creations. Joe never sold any of his artwork. The City of Eveleth owns the largest collection of Joe's artwork, but it is currently in the basement of City Hall. We hope the items will someday have a proper home where they can be enjoyed by the public.

Photos courtesy of Archives and Special Collections, Kathryn A. Martin Library, University of Minnesota Duluth.

This Bogdanich sculpture is located inside the Eveleth Public Library.