Visitors to the Antigo Public Library are being greeted by vibrant mosaics made entirely from recycled plastic bottle caps and small plastic toys.
The artist behind these striking works is Beatie Gmeiner, a lifelong creative whose patience, precision, and eye for color have transformed discarded plastic into award winning art.
Gmeiner began working with bottle caps in August 2021 as part of a collection project through Antigo Visual Arts. The inspiration traces back to nationally recognized artist Mary Ellen Croteau, known for her intricate bottle cap eye series. One of Croteau’s original eye pieces, titled “Alicia,” was generously loaned by her husband, Steve, and displayed for a time at the Antigo Public Library.
After returning Alicia, I invited my mom to join me in visiting Steve to view more of Mary Ellen’s collection, knowing her artistic background would make her appreciate the work. During that visit, she asked for and received Steve’s blessing to create her own bottle cap eye mosaics. Inspired by the experience, she soon completed her first eye and later a second. Today, both pieces hang at the Antigo Public Library.
Since then, Gmeiner has created a hibiscus flower, a barn, a house, a butterfly, and two detailed bottle cap eyes. One of her eye mosaics earned a state award at the Antigo Regional WRAP Exhibit. It was later displayed at the Association of Wisconsin Artists WRAP Conference and selected by the School of Agriculture at the University of Wisconsin–Madison to hang in the Agricultural Hall for a year.
Most recently, Gmeiner completed one of her largest and most meaningful works, a detailed bottle cap mosaic of the original Carnegie Library building in Antigo. The piece now hangs in the foyer of the Antigo Public Library, replacing a photograph of the historic structure.
Mary Hayes, secretary of Antigo Visual Arts, praised the work after viewing it in person.
“Beatie has captured the awesomeness of the original Carnegie Library in Antigo,” Hayes said. “The skill and artistry of the library bottle cap mosaic blows me away.”
Hayes also noted the impact the artwork has had on library visitors.
“The patrons of the Antigo Public Library have enjoyed the stunning artworks created by Beatie from recycled bottle caps,” she said. “If you do not frequent the library, you need to drop in to view these pieces of art, including the giant eyes, the Carnegie Library, the hibiscus flower, and more.”
What makes Gmeiner’s work particularly remarkable is her meticulous process. Each cap is hand selected by color. Some are trimmed with tin snips to achieve the precise shape needed. Every cap is glued individually into place. She also incorporates small found plastic objects, including miniature toys and unexpected bits of color, carefully embedding them into the mosaics to add depth and visual interest. What many see as discarded plastic, she sees as a possibility.
Gmeiner’s butterfly mosaic is currently displayed in the front window of City Gas Company in downtown Antigo.
In 2025, she also collaborated with friend Pat Packard on a painted mural located on the south side of Marathon Express.
Although the bottle cap receptacle launched by Antigo Visual Arts was eventually removed due to the overwhelming generosity of community donations, the organization continues to store the caps and explore future collaborative projects.
As president of Antigo Visual Arts, I am proud of the many talented artists in our community. But as Beatie’s daughter, I could not be more proud of my mom. She has been the best art mentor I could ever ask for.
Community members are encouraged to stop by the Antigo Public Library or City Gas Company to experience these unique works firsthand.
By Danna Gabriel
