Ink and Oil

The library is closed Sunday and Monday

An exhibition featuring intricate calligraphy and delightful paintings will appear in the Skala Bartizal Library from May 11 to August 18, 2019. This collection is a gift from Susi Bazelides, who is a descendant of the two featured artists, calligrapher Vaclav Vane and oil painter Vaclav Janda.

Vaclav Vane was born in Bohemia in 1863 and came to Cedar Rapids in 1875. Vane was a superb calligrapher, and practiced his hobby for 60 years. Vane created signs and posters using proverbs, famous quotes, and witticisms, illustrating them with delightful sketches.

The exhibition will also include oil paintings by Vaclav Janda. Janda was born in Bohemia in 1854 and came to Cedar Rapids in 1870. He was an artist in Cedar Rapids as well as Chicago.