Wisconsin in Watercolor: the Life and Legend of Folk Artist Paul Seifert

In his talk, author Joe Kapler explores in greater detail the background of folk artist Paul Seifert and how his life experiences in his native Germany and new home in Wisconsin’s Driftless Area influenced his art.  Kapler also delves into the several of the farm scenes by providing additional information about the people who lived on these farms, the bygone farming methods depicted, and what became of the farms and families. Lastly, Kapler describes the 15-year quest of tracking down Seifert’s story and paintings in hard to reach places, which required playing the role of skeptical detective or optimistic advocate all the while attempting to balance those perspectives as an historian.