Mantua – Local barn artist and historic barn aficionado Dr. Robert Kroeger will be returning to Mantua this fall. If you recall, the artist visited last fall to visit local barn owners and learn the stories behind the distinctive structures. Kroeger has recently released a book called ‘Historic Barns of Ohio’ through Arcadia Publishing. “I visited many barns,” Kroeger noted. “I met the owners and heard their stories, and learned about early Ohio history.”
Kroeger will be returning to Mantua on September 16th to conduct a live impasto painting demonstration, share a talk about the significance of historic barns, and sign copies of his book. Paintings of local barns will also be on display as well.
According to local barn scout and event organizer Heather Paisley, the demo and book signing are free events; a donation of $5 is requested to attend the barn talk, with proceeds supporting the Mantua Historical Society. Paisley noted that copies of Kroeger’s book will also be available for sale; local vendors will also be present as well.
Paisley shared that the event will take place on Thursday, September 16th from 10 am until 3 pm at R44 Coffee. Kroeger will do a live impasto painting demonstration, a give a barn talk, and end the event by signing books. All proceeds will support the Mantua Historical Society.
Dr. Robert Kroeger is a second-generation artist whose professional art career developed later in life. His book on old barns includes images of paintings depicting barns from each of Ohio’s 88 counties, with essays highlighting each structure’s unique story. For more information and the stories behind each of Kroeger’s paintings, including those that depict barns in Portage County, visit: https://barnart.weebly.com.
Contact Heather Paisley at paisley.hlg@gmail.com for more information on how you can participate in this special event.
