John Swalley

John Swalley is an acclaimed American artist and educator renowned for his paintings and drawings of people and animals.

He resided in Toledo, Ohio and was a member of the Art Klan. He frequently displayed his artwork at both Toledo Art Museum and Toledo Federation of Art venues.

Early Life and Education

Early childhood is a critical period in children’s development, as their brains grow faster during this period. Furthermore, it plays an integral role in their social, emotional and physical growth.

Children during this stage learn to walk, talk and feed themselves independently. Furthermore, they gain awareness of their environment and what’s around them.

That is why early education is so crucial. It equips children with the necessary abilities to succeed in life, such as mastering reading and writing skills.

Over the last several decades, early childhood education has grown and become a widely recognized foundation of society. Studies show that children who receive high-quality early education reap benefits in the future through increased academic success, economic productivity, responsible citizenship and more.

Professional Career

John Swalley is an esteemed painter who excels in oil, watercolor and pastel mediums. His works range from landscapes and still lives to portraits; furthermore he specializes in etchings and engravings.

He is a member of the Ohio Society of Artists and has served as President of the Toledo Arts Council. Additionally, he has participated in numerous exhibitions throughout Ohio.

His other professional endeavors have included an internship in the Edwardsville School District and a substitute teaching position at Edwardsville Junior High School. For his contributions to education, he was recognized with numerous accolades; being named a Maxwell House Real American Hero for his efforts on drug-free programs and being featured on Marquis Who’s Who in Education.

Achievements and Honors

Swalley was an accomplished painter of oil, watercolor and pastel paintings of subjects ranging from still lifes to street scenes, industrial scenes, landscapes and portraits. He showed early talent when illustrating jokes for his high school newspaper and creating artwork for the year book at Amherst College.

He was a member of the Toledo Federation of Artists and had an exhibit at Toledo Art Museum.

After graduating, he worked as an advertising manager at Lion Store before becoming a partner of Publisher’s Press Company.

He retired from his professional career to pursue art full time, working out of his studio over his garage and regularly exhibiting work at both Toledo Art Museum and Toledo Federation of Artists galleries.

Personal Life

John Swalley was an acclaimed painter of oil, watercolor and pastel paintings of subjects ranging from still lifes to street and industrial scenes, landscapes and portraits. His talent for art began early; illustrating jokes for his high school newspaper as well as creating artwork for his year book at Amherst College.

He displayed in Toledo and was a member of both the Toledo Art Museum and Toledo Federation of Art. Additionally, he served as president for an organization of fellow artists known as “Art Klan.”

He was a dedicated family man, deeply invested in the lives of his many nieces and nephews. Survived by his wife Barbara and two sons, as well as 15 nephews and nieces plus numerous other family members and friends, he will be missed dearly.