John Klassen, 1971 Bluffton graduate and grandson of John Peter Klassen, will present “The John P. Klassen Legacy: Images and Stories of Peace” at 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 24, in the Kreider Room of Marbeck Center.
Klassen will explore the commitment to peace reflected in his grandfather’s life and art, including family stories that illustrate the vision of peace motivating his work.
Many works by Klassen, who developed the art program at Bluffton, are featured on campus including the Klassen Court display of bronze plaques and sculptures that reflect the human suffering and impact of war during the Russian Revolution.
The presentation is part of a series of events that are being held in coordination with the traveling exhibit “Voices of Conscience,” which will be on display from Feb. 17-March 31 in Bluffton’s Musselman Library.
“Voices of Conscience” remembers the witness of peace-minded people against the First World War from 1914-1918 and immerses visitors in the historical experience of witnessing for peace during “total war.” The exhibit also suggests parallels to the culture of war and violence in our world today. The exhibit was developed and produced at the Kauffman Museum in North Newton, Kan., and was underwritten at Bluffton by Jacob T. and Lola Friesen in memory of Jacob L. and Helena Friesen and Jacob J. and Eva Friesen.
Library hours are 8:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday. Weekend hours are 1-4 p.m. on Saturday and 4-10 p.m. on Sunday.
For more information about additional exhibit-related presentations and the complementary exhibit “Of Bronze and Bravery,” which highlights the Bluffton College experience in the Great War, visit www.bluffton.edu/voices.
All events are free and open to the public.
