Arthur Plotnik Obituary

Author, editor, photographer, librarian, and wit, Art was born in White Plains, NY, in 1937 to Michael and Annabelle (nee Taub) Plotnik and died in his home in Chicago on August 28. He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, artist Mary H. Phelan, his much-loved daughters from a previous marriage to Meta Plotnik, Julia Plotnik (of Palmer, Alaska) and Katya Plotnik (of Queens, NY) and grandchildren, Sondra Plotnik-Sherry, Tara Plotnik-Friedman, and Anna Plotnik Friedman (Queens, NY) and his sister, Barbara Markowitz (of Delray Beach, Florida). Art held a BA from SUNY, Binghamton. He went on to study at the Iowa Writer's Workshop (one of his teachers was Philip Roth) and earn his MA from the University of Iowa. He served as a sergeant in the Army Reserve. After working as a writer on the

Albany (NY) Times-Union, Art took up a career as a free-lance

writer, and earned his MS in Library Science at Columbia University. Art worked at the Library of Congress, as associate editor of Wilson Library Bulletin, as editor of American Libraries, published by the American Library Association, and as editorial director of ALA Books, ALA's book publishing arm. A published poet, essayist, and short story writer, Art was a superb and supportive editor and the author of a number of acclaimed books on writing (including The Elements of Editing and Spunk & Bite), and of The Man Behind the Quill, the story of the calligrapher of the US Constitution, the Urban Tree Book (illustrated by his wife, Mary), Library Life: American Style, and his young adult novel, Aaron Schmink's First Crazy Love, praised by US Poet Laureate Billy Collins for its "skill at scene-setting and suspenseful plotting … try the first 20 pages and I dare you to stop." Art Plotnik was a lovely man, in the words of many on hearing of his death. He was kind, generous, a much-missed cherished friend, a man of great gifts, not least of being the most inventively, cleverly, and spontaneously witty person any of us have ever known. His life and work were a blessing and we shall not know his like again.

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Sep. 2, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Arthur Plotnik

9 Entries

Sasha Dawn

December 19, 2023

I feel like you are my previous life... so far, discovering and learning about your life has been a life altering, and really something.... Enough talk regarding how I'm obviously crazy lol. Bless your wife.. your family.. and thank you for all of your writing. Brought me joy by the tons in the opening weeks of 2024 in Ont. Canada. Love, respect, and honor and abundance for all who love you and those who you loved.

Linda Nyhus

June 9, 2022

I enjoy reading and learning from his books, my favorite, The elements of authorship. Spunk and bite is another cherished tome. study and a fun read he left to us. You were cherished with him in your lives.

Brian Petrie

February 13, 2022

My father, Capt Benjamin R Petrie Jr (deceased Feb 2006) was a great fan of Mr. Plotnik´s book, `The Elements Of Editing´. I have in my possession, which I will try to upload here, a signed `thank you´ letter from Mr. Plotnik to my father from May 1, 1983.

Nancy Teeter Sauer

August 27, 2021

I will always remember Art's kindness, consideration, generosity, and wonderful sense of humor. I was so privileged to know him. He was one in a billion!

Rhea Alper

March 13, 2021

Just heard of Artie´s death. Many wonderful memories for me & we were close for only a few years in the `70´s, so I know his family has millions more! He was a kind, gentle & generous soul. Loved that ALA conference in Vegas so many years ago!!!

Gail Markowitz

February 8, 2021

My belated condolences to the family from the niece of Barbara Markowitz. I met Art once long ago when I was still working as a librarian. He was very helpful, kind and funny.
With deepest sympathy,
Gail Markowitz

Nancy Teeter Sauer

November 4, 2020

I just learned of Arthur's death, and I am so sorry. He and I went out often in the late 1970s, having met when he came to interview random Chicago Public Library staff for an article for American Libraries. We had so many good times that I think of often. He was thoughtful, considerate, and generous. He was so witty and fun to be with. He was an important part of my life in Chicago. My husband Emil and I had the pleasure of spending an afternoon with him and Mary at their home several years ago. We send our love to Mary and all his family members and friends. God bless Arthur and all of you.

Nancy Teeter Sauer and Emil Sauer