Maryland Printmakers

John Blair Mitchell (1921-1999)

by Megan O’Brien

John Blair Mitchell in his studio, 1999.	Self Portrait, John Blair Mitchell, drypoint etching, 1994.

Maryland Printmaker, John Blair Mitchell, died after a long illness, at the age of 78, on August 8, 1999. He will be remembered as Professor Emeritus of Towson University and as a painter, photographer, teacher for more than fifty years, and art community activist.

Dr. Mitchell was one of my instructors at Towson University as well as the instructor and friend of many Maryland Printmakers. I personally will always remember his wonderful sense of humor and dedication to his students and his art. Doris Rief, one of the many friends and acquaintances who remember John, says of him, “John was such an important person in my career, turning me onto new ideas. He will be missed by us all.” In addition to his numerous exhibitions, awards and honors, John was also one of the early members of the Maryland Printmakers. His early service on the board was instrumental in helping to create the Maryland Printmakers of today. Richard Hellman remembers John as a dedicated artist with a kind heart and a true dedication to printmaking. Richard mentioned one of John’s distinguished accomplishments of having testified for arts legislation to require all public school art teachers in Maryland to complete a course in printmaking. He was active in many other arts organizations. He was president of the Maryland Artists Equity Association (1964-66) and National Artists Equity Association (1973-75), and he has appeared before the Baltimore City Council, the Maryland State Legislature and the U.S. Congress, promoting artists’ legislation.

A member of Towson University’s art department since 1949 (department chair 1951-57, 1963-65), he coordinated its graduate art program from 1963-91, served a term on the University Senate, and was presented the “President’s Award for Distinguished Service to the University” at the l986 commencement.

A retrospective of Dr. Mitchell’s work is scheduled at Towson’s Holtzman Gallery in the Fine Arts Building for the summer of 2000, during the Maryland Arts Festival. To this end, memorial donations can be made to:

The Towson University Foundation
Towson University
Towson, MD 2120
c⁄o Dr. John Blair Mitchell Retrospective Fund

Funds will be used to produce a color catalog for his Towson University Retrospective 2000. For further information, contact Jim Flood at 410-830-3682, or email at flood@towson.edu.