Nominee: Joseph M. Plavcan
by John & Janet Plavcan

Joseph Plavcan one of Erie's most famous artists spent a half decade recreating the city in swirling watercolors and vibrant oils, landscapes and scenes that captured the life of a city. Scenes from the city inspired him throughout his half-century career. His professional art work has included paintings, drawings, mural decorations, commissioned portraits, and sculpture.

In 1926 Joe began studying at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art, where his teacher, George Ericson, had also studied. Joe did well in his studies, winning a Cresson European Traveling Scholarship to study and travel in Europe in 1928. His paintings can be found in the Bentley Collection in Boston, Rosenweig Collection in Grand Rapids. Joe's exhibitions have traveled to the leading galleries of Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Chicago, New York, Washington.

In 1931 Joe returned to Erie. It is through his students that he left his most indelible mark. Joe's classroom at Erie Technical High School would prove to be the first stop for hundreds of would-be future artists.

Joe taught his students technique, about form and function and the importance of solid drawing skills, but also instilled a drive for excellence. He was a patient teacher who focused on his students'

strengths, always picking out something good in each student. Joe stressed the importance of building good art through the foundation of strong drawing skills. By the time of his retirement, he had earned a reputation as Erie's most influential art teacher and had earned the respect of several generations of students.

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