The ‘Brookville Montage’ depicts prominent sites in Brookville as they looked in the early 1900s.
Submitted photos
Regina Whipp at a recent art show posing in front of a watercolor of her great-granddaughter Melody.
BROOKVILLE — Brookville’s rich history and vibrant community have been brought to life through the eyes of a local artist in a stunning new watercolor painting.
Regina Whipp, a long-time resident of Trotwood and accomplished artist, has captured the essence of Brookville’s past in a detailed and colorful composition that showcases local landmarks, historical sites, and scenes of the past that reflect the town’s charm.
The montage includes familiar sites in the old Brookville part of town. Whipp worked with local historian Todd Clemmons to turn back the clock on some of Brookville’s prominent downtown buildings.
The painting features what was once known as the Palace Hotel, Sanford & Marshall building, Smith’s Grocery, the bank building, and the Methodist Church. The painting also includes tributes to the railroad and depot, traction line, carriage works, Boy Scout Troop 47, and the school’s former mascot, a Brookville Bluebird.
The painting, which took two years to complete, required months of research, sketching, and painting to ensure every detail resonated with those who knew and loved the town.
Whipp has Brookville ties. Her daughter, Lisa Behnken, lives in Brookville with her husband, Kent, and grandsons, Austin and Tyler, and a granddaughter, Erin, who now lives in Troy.
Mrs. Whipp has been a lifelong artist and started drawing when the nuns at St. Rita noticed her talents. She has since worked for the Stanley Greeting Card Company, Vagabond Creations, and the US Air Force.
She designed original illustrations for places like Kings Island, Universal Studios, and even Lawrence Welk with Vagabond Creations. At 92 years old, Regina is still going strong, with most of her art being acrylic or watercolor paintings.
She feels blessed by all of the jobs that she has worked and the accolades she has received from her finished artwork.
The painting will be displayed at the Allen Comer State Farm office through September 15. Although it will be on display and visible from the street, feel free to stop in and leave some comments for the artist.
This montage not only serves as a tribute to the town’s history but also as a visual reminder of the enduring sense of community that defines Brookville.
