John Weis was born in Powell County, Kentucky in 1892. His family moved to Higginsport, Ohio when he was very young and then to Norwood, Ohio, just out of Cincinnati. At the age of 14, he enrolled at the Art Academy of Cincinnati while working various jobs to pay for his training. Among the Art Academy faculty at the time were notable painters such as Frank Duveneck, James Hopkins, L.H. Meakin, and Herman Wessel. He impressed his teachers and was offered a full-time position at the Art Academy at the age of twenty-two. He held his position there for thirty eight years. He traveled to Europe and spent time in Paris in the 20's with his student, Frank Myers and exhibited at the Paris Salon. He also made contact with fellow Cincinnatians Elizabeth Nourse and James Hopkins. Upon returning to Cincinnati, his work was exhibited at the Art Museum in 1921 and 1923. He was also an active member of the Cincinnati Art Club and served as their president during 1927-1928. During his career he traveled to Taos, New Mexico; Provincetown, Woodstock, Rockport, Gloucester, and Booth Bay Harbor. He died in his home in Cincinnati in 1962.

Member

Cincinnati AC., Cincinnati MacDowell Club., Jafa Soc.

Exhibited

PAFA Ann., 1925-27, 1930, 1933; AIC, 1926, 1928, 1930; Cocoran Gallery biennials, 1928, 1932

Resources

WW40; Falk, Exh. Record Series