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Robert F. Proost [“Bob”] (1914-1982) - student

A lifelong resident of Clinton, Iowa, Bob Proost was a high school senior at Mount St. Clare Academy when he learned of the proposed Stone City Art colony. His mother, a former resident of Stone City, had long told her son of the area’s beauty and history, sparking his interest in the project. With his mother accompanying him, Proost visited Grant Wood in Stone City, immediately enrolled in the 1932 session, and would spend six weeks in the colony as its youngest member.

Proost’s art talents were shown early when he won honors at the Chicago Art Gallery at the age of sixteen. He later exhibited works at the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair and remained active for decades in Clinton art endeavors. He frequented the Grant Wood Art Festival in Anamosa in its early years and displayed original works there.

Following classes at Iowa State University from 1932-1934 in engineering, Proost worked in the iron industry and as a sign painter in Clinton for many years. He entered the U.S. Navy in 1941, served in World War II, and died in Clinton in 1982.

Online Resources for Robert Proost: (none)

Robert F. Proost - From the large group photo of The 1932 Stone City Art Colony and School found on the Artists: 1932 page.

When Tillage Begins: The Stone City Art Colony and School
Published online October 2003 by the
Busse Library,
Mount Mercy College
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Telephone: 319-368-6465
Fax: 319-363-9060
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©Busse Library 2003