The Artist from Irwin

Lately I have developed a fascination for the bronze historical markers located all over Ohio. I am always excited to find a new marker that shares a new historical tidbit. Yesterday, I found two markers in Mechaniscburg. And, today I have decided to do a little research on artist James Roy Hopkins.

JAMES ROY HOPKINS
James Roy Hopkins was born on May 17, 1877 in the small village of Irwin. This little village is in the southwestern part of Union County, Ohio. He was the son of Asa George Hopkins and Nettie Miller Hopkins.

As a boy, he attended school in neighboring Mechanicsburg, Ohio, where he graduated in 1895. He also acquired a love of art from his mother, who dabbled in water colors. Upon graduating from highschool, James enrolled in classes at the Ohio State University with the intent of becoming an electrical engineer. He soon realized that this was not his life calling and transferred to the Columbus Art School. After his graduation from the Columbus Art School, James went to Art Institute of Cincinnati, where he studied under Frank Duveneck.

James R. Hopkins remained at the Art Institute of Cincinnati for two years. He then travelled to New York City where he worked as a medical illustrator. He then spent time in Paris, enrolling in the Academy Colarossi. He also opened his own studio. While in Paris, he became personally acquainted with Edgar Degas, Claude Monet, and Pierre Renoir.

It was during his time in Paris, that Hopkins married Edna Boies, a woman he had met at the Art Institute of Cincinnati. She was a noted artist in her own right, choosing wood-block print as her medium. Together, they travelled the world.

When James and Edna Hopkins returned to the US, James spent a period of time teaching at the Art Institute of Cincinnati. And, then he was became chairman of the Department of Fine Arts at Ohio State University. He served at OSU until 1947.

James Roy Hopkins was also an officer in the United States Army. It was in this capacity that he taught students how to camouflage Army equipment.

James Roy Hopkins spent his retirement years at his familiy's farm, Darbyland. He died on this farm on January 23, 1969. His most noted works often depicted folk life in the Appalachian and Cumberland Mountains.