Community ArtShare

T. B. Scott Library’s Community ArtShare program originated in 2006 with a $10,000 grant from the Mead Witter Foundation, Inc. with which secure display cases, easels, and other items were procured that have enabled the library to become a place for local artists and collectors to display their creations and hobbies. Displays featuring one or more artists or collectors are featured each month on an ongoing basis.

Rockhounding by Carter Gnewuch

May – June 2026

T.B. Scott Free Library’s Beyond Books Community ArtShare has a unique collection during May and June: Rockhounding Treasures owned by Carter Gnewuch. Rockhounding is a popular hobby nationwide for young and old alike. It requires minimal equipment, and you can do it while you are walking. Wisconsin is full of riverbeds and lakeshores, not to mention the biggest lake north of us. Rocks, agates, gems, fossils, petrified wood, and other treasures can all be found right here in Wisconsin.

Carter is a Gleason native who started collecting rocks when he was a child. He has since traveled to many places in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota in search of interesting rocks and agates. Wisconsin is loaded with limestone, sandstone, red granite (state rock), and galena (state mineral). One of his more interesting finds is Yooperlite, which glows orange under ultraviolet light. Besides the shores of Lake Superior, he has found treasures in and near rivers and even plowed fields.

Helpful equipment includes a shovel or scoop, something to screen through the sand, and a sturdy bag to bring home your finds. A UV light can be used to recognize yooperlites and other treasures.

Carter has quite a collection consisting of close to 1000 rocks, so visit the library and see what rockhounding is all about.