One of the weirdest and coolest dinosaur art pieces I’ve ever come across is the “Stegowagenvolkssaurus” located in the campus library of Northern Kentucky University. It was constructed out of metal, styrofoam and a full-size Volkswagen Beetle by sculptor Patricia Renick during the country-wide gasoline shortage of 1974. According to the library’s records: The work is a visual metaphor of the possible obsolescence of automobiles from lack of fuel by connecting it to the concept of the extinction of dinosaurs (fossil fuel).” It was popular sculpture in its time, but eventually was disassembled and remained in pieces in the artist’s garage until her death. Thinking it was too amazing to let disappear, her family arranged to have it put back together and displayed permanently at the library. Now it has found a second life, becoming one of the biggest attractions in the area thanks to the power of social media. Patricia would be proud!
Newport, KY - W. Frank Steely Library at Northern Kentucky University
