The artwork of Junius R. Sloan will be displayed at Barker Mansion this summer through a partnership with Valparaiso University’s Brauer Museum of Art.
An opening reception is scheduled for Wednesday, June 17 from 7-9 pm at Michigan City’s Barker Mansion. The event is free of charge and will feature an opportunity to view Sloan’s artwork, browse through select first-floor rooms of the mansion and enjoy light refreshments. Gregg Hertzlieb, Director of the Brauer Museum of Art, will be available to interpret Sloan’s artwork and life.
“We at the Brauer Museum are delighted to collaborate with the Barker Mansion in this fine way, exposing more viewers to the beautiful art of Junius Sloan in the incredible setting of the mansion,” said Hertzlieb.
Sloan (1827-1900) is a self-taught Great Lakes Region artist and was a resident of Chicago for much of his life. His paintings are done in the Hudson River School style and depict an unspoiled paradise of Midwest landscape scenes from the mid- to late-1800s.
“The mansion provides a perfect backdrop for Sloan’s artwork,” said Director Jessica Rosier. “It is quite likely that the Barker family would have been aware of Sloan’s talent due to his prominence in the Chicago region. Sloan was creating his artwork at the same time the Barker family was residing in Michigan City.”
Eight of Sloan’s pieces will be on display at Barker Mansion through the end of August. Those not able to attend the June 17 opening reception will be able to view the pieces as part of the regularly scheduled mansion tours.
The Barker Mansion is located at 631 Washington Street in Michigan City, IN. The 38-room mansion was built by freight car industrialist and philanthropist John H. Barker in 1905. Aside from the Pink Teas, guided tours of the mansion are offered Monday through Friday at 10 am, 11:30 am, and 1 pm. Additionally, tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 12 pm and 2 pm. Cost for a tour is $5 per adult and $2 per child. Reservations are not necessary for regular tours.