John Vincent Bloom: An Eye for Life Presented by Carol Ehlers, Volunteer Art History Presenter and Figge docent John Vincent Bloom (1906-2002) produced paintings, murals, sculptures, and lithographs. Born in DeWitt Iowa, Bloom became a prominent figure throughout the eastern Iowa art community. In 1932 he won a prize at the Iowa State Fair for an oil painting catching the eye of Grant Wood, who invited Bloom to study under him at the Stone City Art Colony Anamosa, Iowa. Enjoy seeing visual images as he captured people in the community in his artwork and his personal life. People are encouraged to bring artwork of John’s that they own or stories to share with the audience.