Undergraduate Admissions

One of Erie’s more notable works of art is coming to Gannon University.

On Friday, Aug. 21, the painting, by the late Joseph Plavcan, will be hung in the University’s Palumbo Academic Center, 824 Peach St.

The large painting, approximately 7 feet tall by 23 feet long, dates to the early to mid 1940s and at one time, was housed at the former Erie Press Club. An oil on canvas, it depicts scenes and impressions of the life and times of Erie and the country at the time, such as a newspaper with the headline “War Declared,” a baseball diamond, the water, and a gleaming sun shining over a number of tall buildings.

“It is warm and remarkable in its color,” said Mary Carol Gensheimer, assistant professor, Gannon communication arts program. “It is a remarkable piece, and the University is very thrilled and grateful to have it.”

Carol Perry, assistant director, stewardship and research at Gannon University, was a niece of Plavcan’s and was instrumental in helping bring the painting to Gannon.

Plavcan (1908-81) is one of Erie’s more renowned artists. In 1928, he won a Cresson Scholarship to study and travel in Europe.

In 1931, Plavcan returned to Erie and from 1932 to 1970 taught at Erie Technical School. By the time of his retirement, he was widely regarded as Erie’s most influential art teacher and had earned the respect and admiration of several generations of students.

“The Life of Joseph Plavcan,” by Mary P. Suehr, notes that “Most people would agree that Plavcan went beyond the call of duty as a teacher and was warm and caring as a person… He did everything from bailing them (art students) out of jail to getting them scholarships.”

He was inspired in his work by scenes from the City of Erie, and also enjoyed taking his students to Presque Isle and other locations to paint. Suehr notes, “Many believe that his greatest contribution to the community was giving so many people a start in art.”