Local lessons: Library offers intimate look into life of Bob Artley, other area history

The name Bob Artley brings to mind memories of the Franklin County native’s prescient artwork and political cartoons.

But guests to the Hampton Public Library last Tuesday learned a little more of the personal life about the man behind the art.

Artley’s children Rob Artley, Steve Artley and Joan Sterner visited the library and told stories of their father that not many had heard before. This was part of a history presentation last Tuesday morning that also included some of Iowa’s lesser-known historical events presented by Michael Luick-Thrams.

Showing some of his father’s early sketches and drawings, Rob explained that Bob worked his way up to a cartoonist with the Des Moines Register, drawing a cartoon series with WHO television and then becoming a cartoonist with the Worthington (Minnesota) Globe. During his time at the Worthington Globe, he began his “Memories as a Former Kid” then “Once Upon a Farm” series, which Rob said was the beginning of his success as an artist.

For the full story, see this week's Sheffield Press or Pioneer Enterprise. Subscribe by calling 1-800-558-1244 ext 122 or email Deb at circulation@midamericapub.com or by clicking here.