Coshocton--An Artists'
Colony
During the first decade of the 20th
century, Coshocton claimed to have more artists in residence
than any other city in the US, barring New York City. It was in
Coshocton that the advertising art industry was conceived and
launched in 1887. Over the next 30 years advertising art
upstarts proliferated like software companies did in the 90s.
The activity of making art was a given, and it even put bread
and butter on the table…served on red Coca-Cola trays, of
course!
When he was young, West Lafayette native
Rex Emler identified his community as a place where artists
lived and worked. He was raised in the 1950s when artists were
employed at the three remaining advertising art companies—The
Beach Company, Novelty Advertising and American Art Works.
Artists were also actively producing art on their own. Rex
loved to draw, and after graduating from West Lafayette High
School (which had no art program), he attended Kent State with
the intent of becoming an art teacher. In spring of his senior
year at Kent, Mr. McKinley offered him a teaching position in
the City Schools, which Rex accepted over a likely offer in
Canton.
Rex retired several years ago after 35
years of teaching in Coshocton’s elementary and middle schools.
Art and history continue to be a driving force in his life as he
directs his creative energies into lots of activities. His
interest in history is fed by frequent trips to historical sites
like Williamsburg and collecting antiques. Not surprising, his
favorite treasures are advertising art pieces made in
Coshocton. Rex has always loved Roscoe Village and spent one
summer working in the pewter shop. When the
Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum revamped the Historic Ohio Gallery,
Rex drew floor plans and suggested ideas that he had gleaned
from visiting other museums.
Rex’s appreciation for history dovetails
into his works of art. He currently has artwork in JHM’s
exhibit, Past, Present, Perfect, and in an exhibit at the
Tuscarawas County Center for the Arts in New Philadelphia.
Using mixed media (acrylic paint, cut paper, colored pencils and
ink), his works typically portray the Amish countryside or
groupings of antiques. He also sees his two interests
reinforcing each other when he creates displays for antiques,
whether for a shadowbox or an antique store.
There are many folks like Rex in
our county. We’re no Paris or New York, but the doing of art is
occurring all around us. Pick up the newspaper and you find the
works of writers and photographers. Consider the floral designs
of Ed Kiefer, the many instrumental groups playing in churches
on Sunday morning, or the beautiful gardens created by
landscapers. Noticing the artistry and enjoying the results
makes our hometown a pleasing place to live and a productive way
to live. And like Rex, think how it inspires the young and
draws them back here as adults. It’s worth dreaming about.
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