Patrick Harsch

Patrick Harsch is a self-taught artist who began pencil drawing while a 24-year-old VISTA volunteer assigned to New Orleans in the late 1960s. Since that time he has advanced to other media including oils, acrylics, pastels and charcoal. Today he almost exclusively uses pen and ink to capture a portrait of America’s ethnic and cultural diversity.

Portrait subjects of most interest to him are African Americans, American Indians, and Ohio Amish. He especially enjoys portraying the young, old, and leaders of the above groups.

His portfolio of about 70 pen-and-ink images includes not only the famous, but also pets and children of his friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers.

In addition to drawing, he is a self-taught wood carver. He enjoys carving carousel horses and Kachina dolls using local cottonwood tree root. Kachina dolls represent Hopi Indian spirits and are given to children of the tribe, not as a toy, but to learn about the Hopi religion.

His pen-and-ink drawings have been featured in the Rhodes State Office Tower in downtown Columbus, Ohio and have been on display at various art galleries and stores in Columbus.

He is especially proud that his pen-and-ink drawings of President Obama and Muhammad Ali were selected to be a part of the “Passing the Torch” Celebrating Black History Month exhibit. He has witnessed a long struggle since his days in VISTA and is filled with joy to know that the two most recognized and famous people in the world are African Americans.

Patrick is a member of the Clintonville Arts Guild. Please visit the Patrick Harsch page at the Clintonville Arts Guild.