Paul Edwards

Paul "Pablo" Edwards, former Chairman of the Art Department of Washington & Jefferson College for 32 years, local cultural champion, and author, passed away peacefully Saturday at the Donnell House, in Washington, Pa. He had been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer on July 2, 2005. Edwards was born in Moulton, Iowa, on February 18,1934, son of Elsie Burgess and Otis Edwards. He studied at Iowa Wesleyan College and Wichita State University, where he earned his Master=s Degree in Art and then taught in Wichita Public Schools and at Wichita State University, before going on to West Liberty State College in West Virginia. In 1966, Edwards moved his family to Washington, Pa., where he served for the next thirty years as a professor and chairman of the Art Department at Washington & Jefferson College. There, Edwards created W&J College's National Painting Show and was instrumental in planning the Olin Fine Arts Center in 1982. He then served as curator for the Olin Gallery from its opening to his retirement in 1997, when the college awarded him an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts. In Wichita, Edwards was a member of the acclaimed Bottega Art Gallery, Gallery 319, and The Index. After moving to Pennsylvania, he became President of the Arts Council of Washington County; Charter Member of the Malcolm Parcell Foundation Board of Directors; founding member of the notorious Washington Art Club; member of the Artist's Co-op, American Association of University Professors, the American Association of University Professors, the American Institute of Conservation and Restoration, and the Washington County Historical Society. Known affectionately by friends as a A Walking Encyclopedia, "Edwards" eclecticism was displayed in publication by his listing in the International Directory of Naturalists, Who's Who in the East, and Who's Who in American Art. His own art won awards in numerous shows as he held over 17 one-man shows spanning five decades. His work also become part of several permanent gallery collections. Edwards was a restorationist and conservationist of art for three decades as well as a family genealogist and Civil War buff. Edwards is survived by his children, Sheldon Edwards, of Washington, Pa., Karma Edwards, of Pittsburgh; Elsa Edwards, also of Washington; and Adam Edwards, of New York City; his grandchildren, Jade Edwards-Lovell, Loren Edwards-Thompson; and Sasha McConnell Edwards; four siblings, Ted Edwards, of Sioux City, Iowa; David Edwards, of Moulton, Iowa; Ruth Bentzinger, of Donnellson, Iowa; and Philip Edwards of Moulton, Iowa; as well as many nieces and nephews. Edwards was preceded in death by sisters Daphne Keller, and Jeanne Blazer, brothers William Edwards, Ronald Edwards and James Edwards. In lieu of flowers, friends are encouraged to make donations to either of the following: The Washington County Historical Society in his honor, to show appreciation for their great assistance in publishing his long-anticipated book, AThe Life and Work of Malcolm Parcell: a Catalogue Raisonne@ or The Donnell House, for providing a dignified place to rest. A memorial service is being planned in the near future at The Century Inn, Scenery Hill, Pa, and anyone seeking more information should email or call Elsa Edwards at eedwards@pulsenet.com or 724-223-8011.