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During the depression, Colnik suffered financially as did the rest of the country. One client, Wisconsin Memorial Park, paid for his work not with money but in cemetery plots. Colnik decided to dip into his own savings to pay his employees.
Today, much of Colnik's ironwork has deteriorated and disappeared. However, much of Colnik's work remains intact throughout the Milwaukee area, and especially in a permanent exhibit at Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum. Here, one can view many of Colnik's finest works, including his famous Masterpiece.
A video production of Colnik's life and works can be purchased through Bandana Productions (262-964-3742). This production was written, produced and directed by Dan Banda, and Dan Nauman was the Project Manager. The production originally aired on Milwaukee and Wisconsin Public Television through grants from the Wisconsin Humanities Council, Miller Brewing, The Kailas and Becky Rao Foundation, The Francis Whitaker Blacksmith Educational Foundation, as well as donations from several ABANA Chapters and individual ABANA members.
It is with sincere thanks that I was allowed to study Colnik's works through these grants from such generous people. I am pleased to bring these photographs to you for your study and enjoyment
Story By:Dan Nauman
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