The 250th anniversary of the United States will be here in 3 years and Ohio is preparing now to showcase how Ohio and Ohioans have contributed to the nation’s past, present and future.
The Barn Artist, Scott Hagan, is beginning to work on the first barn painting for the Ohio Commission for the U.S. Semiquincentennial (aka America 250-Ohio) at the Rice Farm, located at 10354 Ashland Road, Wooster, Ohio 44691.
A media opportunity for photos, video and interviews with Todd Kleismit, America 250-Ohio Executive Director and Joe Rice, Rice Farm owner, will be held on Thursday June 15, between 2pm and 4pm at the Rice Farm (weather dependent). The back-up date will be Saturday, June 17, from 10am-12:00pm.
For more information, contact Chris Hurtubise, America 250-Ohio communications director–
614-940-1596 or [email protected]
“The Rice Farm has special significance for it being our first barn painting,” said Todd Kleismit, America 250-Ohio executive director. “The property is historic, the original deed was signed by President James Monroe in 1818; also having it located along the U.S. Route 250 is a nice play on the U.S. 250th celebration and the Rice family being so supportive, just made it a natural location for our first effort at producing some public art.”
Barn Owner Joe Rice shared a similar enthusiasm for the project because of his family’s history. “I’m proud of our family’s history and longevity of owning the farm. I am the 7th generation who is farming this land and happy to say that my children and grandchildren are here on the farm, so the tradition is continuing,” said Rice. “It just seemed natural to have our barn share a message about America 250-Ohio and the U.S. Route 250 project; our family has been involved with notable events including having a Rice buggy used to transport President Garfield to Wooster when he visited Ohio. The buggy is still in our family.”
The location has additional significance as it is located along U.S. Route 250 which will be a special celebration corridor for America 250-Ohio leading up to 2026. “We want to highlight U.S. Route 250 because it connects two of our important waterways of Lake Erie and the Ohio River, traversing some beautiful countryside and numerous communities with interesting history stories,” Kleismit said.
Depending on weather conditions, the painting is expected to take place between today and Saturday.
About America 250-Ohio
In 2026, the United States will celebrate its semiquincentennial, which is the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Each state has been encouraged to create a celebration and commemoration of this anniversary to reflect the unique character and contributions of each state to the nation over the past 250 years. Ohio is fully embracing this opportunity. The Ohio Commission for the Semiquincentennial (aka America 250-Ohio Commission or AM250-OH) was created by the Ohio legislature and launched on March 1, 2022. The charge of the AM250-OH Commission is to “…to plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of the two hundred fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the United States and the impact of Ohioans on the nation’s past, present, and future.” —Ohio Revised Code (149.309). More information can be found at America250-Ohio.org
About Joe Rice and the Rice Farm
Joe Rice is a seventh-generation owner and farmer of land in Wooster, Ohio. In addition to being a farm entrepreneur, he is the Fire Chief for New Pittsburg, Ohio and has served as a volunteer firefighter for 46 years and the past 10 years as Chief. He and his wife, Kelley, have three adult daughters and six grandchildren. They raise corn, soybeans, and wheat on their farm.
About Scott Hagan, Barn Artist
Scott Hagan, also known as The Barn Artist, specializes in hand painting larger than life designs on various types of structures. Best known for painting barns, Hagan was the Ohio bicentennial barn artist who painted the iconic Ohio bicentennial logo on barns throughout the state, some of which are still in existence. Hagan’s goal is to paint a large-scale motif in every state and has successfully completed murals in 18 states since 1997. His work can be seen at barnartist.com
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