Historic Barns of Champaign County

October 14 - November 14, 2026

Dr. Robert Kroeger began his Ohio Barn Project in 2012 inspired by an experience he had while staying in a rural bed and breakfast in Licking County, Ohio. Across the road a lonely deteriorating barn, “Granville Gray,” called out to him. With roof sagging, boards missing, corners slightly tilted, and in obvious disrepair it captatived his eye. Suddenly a voice whispered, “Paint it and write about it.” Since that time he has painted over 2000 barns in Ohio and across the United States and written three books featuring barns and their stories. The painting on exhibits were created following barn tours with local barn scout, Ken Wright. Included, also are eight of the state paintings of round and stone barns that are included in his latest books.

Robert, a second generation artist, uses palette knives in applying oil paint thickly-to provide texture and frame the paintings in old barn siding, sometimes from the barn painted. He continues to seek out barns and write their stories.