Et cetera : Fred Bombach art exhibit on display at La Porte FFA Museum

An extensive exhibit of artist Fred Bombach is being featured in the Museum’s gallery in La Porte City. This exhibit will be displayed at the Museum until August 2, 2014, and will be highlighted with an Artist’s Reception on Thursday, May 22, 2014, from 7-8:30 pm. The cost of the reception is $2.00 and many of Fred’s family members will be special guests. Refreshments and beverage will be served. The Museum is located at 408 Main Street in La Porte City.

The collection on display at the Museum of over 70 paintings and 50 sketches are barely represented here by these 3 paintings of barns, Fred’s own self-portrait, and a replica of the famous painting "Portrait of Anna Zborovska"by Amedeo Modigliani. Of his own work, Fred preferred portraits explaining, “Heads are always the most fascinating to draw. There is just something about them that gets to me. Of all the people who live in the world, not any two look alike.”

La Porte City claims Fred Bombach as one of its own, living here from 1959 until 1982. Fred was well-known around town as a prolific artist, sketching familiar landmarks, neighbors and friends. An actual self-taught artist, he worked in many mediums, painting in oils, watercolors and sketching in pen and ink. There is an obvious variance of styles with which he experimented and produced throughout all of his long life. At one time, he helped start a weekly artists’ group in La Porte City made of up of many well-known local artists. He moved to Cedar Falls in 1982 to be closer to family where Fred lived until the age of 100, dying in 1988.

This vast collection is on loan to the Museum by Fred’s family members who are looking forward to meeting and visiting with the public about his legacy. The FFA Historical & Ag Museum is excited about hosting this event for the family and guests.