Take a summer art walk through Bluffton
Summer is a great time to explore the art spread across the Bluffton community – especially for viewers unable to visit art galleries elsewhere in Ohio.
As a weekly series, The Icon will feature the art created by John Peter Klassen, a long-time Bluffton College art professor.
For some viewers, this series is familiar. For others, it may be a first-time experience.
Either way, it’s an opportunity to take a walk and view some art that is uniquely Bluffton. Much of Klassen’s art is spread through Bluffton University campus, however several pieces, shown later in this series, are elsewhere in the community.
To start the tour here’s a brief background on the artist. Klassen was born in Kronsgarten, Ukraine in 1888. He and his wife, Anna, arrived in Canada in 1923, and eventually arriving in Bluffton the following year, escaping the aftermath of the Russian Revolution.
He was a member of the college art faculty from 1924 to 1958. His works combine religious themes with first-hand observations of the Russian Revolution, where he saw suffering, hardship and death.
Countless Klassen works are in the collections of friends, former students and artists throughout North American. He died at age 87 in 1975.
The Klassen piece in this week’s feature is a Russian Cossack, completed in 1939. The bronze sculpture is perhaps the artist's most technically complete work. Viewers will find it in Klassen Court, named after the artist. The Court has several Klassen pieces and is located between Founders Hall and Marbeck Center.
Stories Posted This Week
Saturday, June 28, 2025
- Community Pool closed June 28
- Weekend Doctor: About Rotator Cuff Repair
- WOAL Swim Champs in Wapakoneta July 11-12
- '60s Survivors Band plays fifth annual free concert
- Bluffton Lions to bring all-abilities playground to new Legacy Park
- July 2025 programs and services at Bluffton Public Library
- Save the date: July 17 Garden Club is all about herbs
- Bluffton Vacation Bible School, July 13-17 at Bluffton Y
Friday, June 27, 2025
- Foundation launches Rooted to Rise initiative
- Eight vehicle injury crash IR 75 in Hancock County
- Bluffton Mayor commends Safety Services on June 26 injury accident response
- What's in your weekend?, June 27-28-29
- Go wolfhound to Bluffton
- Letter: Ask for veto of HB 96 library provision
- ODNR Offering Hunter Education Instructor Classes
Thursday, June 26, 2025
- Bluffton safety services respond to multi-vehicle accidents on I-75
- Travel opportunities update from Bluffton Senior Center
- Send July 2025 Community Calendar items to the Icon
- National Night Out is August 5, planning is in final stages
- Bluffton Senior Center activities schedule for July 2025
- Does your business have summer hours? Post them on the Icon
- Bluffton, Ohio ranks 4th in Ohio for bike network quality