This is the final installment in this series.
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 has featured 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.

Today’s feature - The Trumpet Player
Located in Mosiman Hall on the Bluffton University campus

Klassen was inspired to create The Trumpet Player after hearing Bluffton student Gerald Kriebel perform a trumpet solo “Grand Russian Fantasia,” during a Men’s Glee Club concert at First Mennonite Church in February 1933.

The piece, which included several variations of a Russian melody and ended with the Russian national anthem, reminded Klassen of his youth.

Klassen persuaded Kriebel to pose for the sculpture in several sessions over the following year. The sculpture was eventually rendered in bronze and was purchased by Kriebel’s wife.

The sculpture was given to Bluffton University by the Kriebel family in 1989 and can now be seen in Mosiman Hall, home of the campus music department.

Click here for the most recent installment in this series.