The answer is we may never know but through the restoration process of The Downtown Exchange his unique signature was uncovered under the plaster. Fitting with the time period of when the building was built you will see he dated his work 4/10/80. That’s right, this tasteful autograph was done in 1880 and was hidden under plaster never meant to be seen. Uncovering this and having it visible to the community was a must for the DTX owners.
C.E. Johnson, the barn painter from Zanesville, Ohio, appears to be a local artist known for painting in the area. While specific information about C.E. Johnson may be limited, barn painting as a tradition has a long history in rural America.
Barn painting became popular in the early to mid-20th century, particularly in agricultural regions like Ohio. Farmers often hired itinerant painters to decorate their barns with colorful designs, often featuring geometric patterns, landscapes, patriotic motifs, or advertisements. These paintings served both practical and aesthetic purposes, protecting the barns from weather damage while also adding a touch of individuality and character to the rural landscape.
The tradition of barn painting has experienced a resurgence of interest in recent years, with communities recognizing its cultural significance and efforts to preserve and document these painted barns. Artists like C.E. Johnson would have contributed to this tradition, leaving their mark on the countryside and becoming part of the local cultural heritage.
While specific details about C.E. Johnson may be scarce, his work as a barn painter likely played a role in shaping the visual landscape of Zanesville and its surrounding areas during the time period he was active.
