Northeastern Pennsylvania’s first recognized regional landscape artist was John Willard Raught.

Raught was born in Dunmore in 1857 and trained in New York and Paris. His artworks embody the masterful, light-infused compositions of the Impressionists, as well as the pastoral and industrial landscape of anthracite coal country.

Raught was an active artist, writing several columns and articles for The Scranton Republican from 1927-1931, detailing his thoughts on painting, his love of this regions landscape, and his strong interest in the environmental conservation movement of the early 20th century.

A dialogue with four influential community panelists will be held at the Everhart Museum, starting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, February 9 to discuss the focus of John Willard Raught artworks, as well as, his influence on today’s environmental movement.

Featured panelists will include: Natalie Gelb of the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority; Maureen McGuigan of the Lackawanna County Arts and Culture Department; Bernie McGurl of the Lackawanna River Corridor Association; and Richard Stanislaus, former curator at the Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum.

Museum hours will be extended from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm for the general public. The event is free with paid general admission. Groups may R.S.VP. by calling 570-346-7186 ext. 516.

John Willard Raught often painted scenes around Dunmore, the town in which he was born. The young girl depicted in the painting above is Raught’s niece, Helen.