From painting murals to singing tunes at the Oxford Farmer’s Market, this artist has touched the hearts of the Oxford community for many years. Joe Prescher, a freelance artist, has been using his skills around Oxford since he moved from Dallas, Texas.
He wasn’t always so public with his craft. Although his family was full of musicians, Prescher did not take up playing the guitar until later on in his life.
“I’m the only one who never really played anything … but I always wanted to,” Prescher said.
Once he decided to start, Prescher learned five songs. He continued playing those same five songs until he had access to the internet, which broadened his horizons and furthered his music endeavors.
“Suddenly, I could grab all kinds of songs off the internet,” Prescher said, “and so I started playing more.”
While Prescher claimed to be a self-proclaimed musician, his wife disagreed. She said he needed to go out and play in public to earn the title, so he did.
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The last five years have been spent freelancing with his microphone and guitar around Oxford. He said he enjoys playing at the Oxford Farmers Market in particular, as it “enriches the environment and generates a sense of community.”
Sophie Adolay, a sophomore business major, said she is a regular at the market.
“A few weeks ago, I was [at the market] with my friend, who connected with him over being from Omaha,” she said. “From there, we had that little connection, and I came back the next week. He said, ‘Do you want to come up and sing with me?’ so I did.”
Zoe Fleischer, a sophomore sports media and communications major, said she also likes to spend her Saturday mornings walking around the market.
“... He gives the farmers market a really nice vibe,” Fleischer said. “I am so excited for when it’s colder, I am going to come back and maybe even request a song.”
Prescher's art goes beyond the sound of music. He brought together the Oxford community to create the Oxford beehive mural located in the alley between CJ’s and Mac & Joe’s. He also painted the “Change Makers of Oxford” mural in partnership with Ella Cope, a girl scout. The mural, displayed on the side of the Oxford Municipal Building, was created to recognize the history of the civil rights movement.
In addition to the murals, Prescher does the Holiday Auto Theatre billboard in Hamilton, Ohio.
“A lot of the art stuff that I have worked on since I moved here has to do with public art, and so I’ve gotten pretty involved with Oxford,” Prescher said.
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