Walter James Harmon

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Harmon at the Boston Mills Art Festival where I purchased one of his watercolors. What a kind and wonderful gentleman. I was so impressed by his talents. A couple of years later, I had the pleasure of meeting him again when he´d invited us to his home while purchasing another piece. I had the pleasure of him having me stand on top of the ladder to visualize the mosaic he was doing for his church. I was scared to death. I hung onto his hand, he was not letting...

Probably my favorite teacher ever, he encouraged me to be an artist like o other teacher in my early years did. I was privileged to have him as a teacher in both 4th and 5th grades at Westwood Elementary Shool (West Geauga School System). Rest in Peace, Mr. Harmon!

I recently was thinking of Walt, and particularly of the time he unexpectedly appeared in the doorway of my 12-year-old daughter's hospital room, holding one of his ceramic vases full of wildflowers, brightening what was a very difficult time for us. He was a wonderful host when we visited his home, letting my daughters use his pottery wheel, and showing us his work on the mosaic tile he was making for our church. He was such a genuinely warm, kind and generous person. I am very sad to hear...

I taught at Russell Erwine Elem. School with Mr. Harmon as my principal in the seventies. I knew of his artistic talents and asked him to teach my third graders how to draw birds. Believe it or not, the study of birds was an entire unit in the science curriculum way back then. We all had such a good time during those sessions. It was easy to see how much he loved working with the children.
I also remember visiting his lovely home on Chatworth. Jan always prepared a great feast and...

So sorry to hear of Walt's passing. He was such a lively artistic person, who I had the pleasure to know through his son Scott. We feel honored to have purchased two colorful unique artworks from Walt during his retirement years.

Warmly,
Laura Draxler and John Sadler and family