Phyllis E. Seltzer

Phyllis was born in Detroit, Michigan and moved to Cleveland at the age of 3. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Iowa, majoring in printmaking. She went on to study architecture and the history of technology, both of which influenced her work throughout her career as she is best known for her ‘Cityscapes’ and signature heat transfer printmaking process.

Phyllis was a leader in the art community, contributing to groups such as E.A.T. (Experiments in Art and Technology), serving on the Board of Directors of the Cleveland Institute of Art, and she is a founding member of the Artist’s Archives of the Western Reserve, an organization dedicated to preserving, promoting, and displaying the work of regional artists.

Phyllis’ work is included in more than 30 public and corporate collections, among them the Brooklyn Art Museum, the National Gallery of Art in Ottawa, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Cleveland, and the Cleveland Museum of Art. Corporate collections include BP America in London, England, the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Citibank in New York City, United Airlines in Chicago, Sherwin Williams, and the Cleveland Clinic.

Phyllis is predeceased by her husband, Gerard, with whom she traveled the world. Their joint philanthropic work will continue to benefit Cleveland for years to come at the MOCA, CMA, the Cleveland Orchestra, and other organizations. Phyllis touched many lives in the myriad of things she enjoyed. Therefore, rather than mourn, bear in mind the beauty which she gave to the world and how she enjoyed life.

She is survived by her sons Kim H. Seltzer, Hiram K. Seltzer, and those that hold her in their hearts and minds.

Private graveside services were held at the Lake View Cemetery

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, April 7, 2023 at The Cleveland Museum of Art from 3pm until 5PM.