John Gnatek

Dear Friends,

We at R. Michelson Galleries are very sad to note the passing of John Gnatek (1931-2026).

John was born in 1931 and raised on a small farm in Hadley, Massachusetts, along with his younger brothers Frank (1933-2010) and Michael (1934-2006). Their father would pin-up their art work around his farm stand, and customers would often purchase a small drawing along with their vegetables. All three boys studied under local artist Stephen Hamilton of Amherst and began their careers in art.

Their paintings could be seen throughout the Pioneer Valley, decorating local businesses and schools. As a teen, John started doing murals for the Big E and his studies continued at the University of Miami, Maryland Institute, and the London City Guild Art School. Focusing on landscapes, especially birch trees, and street scenes, John returned home and he has been documenting the region ever since. For over 50 years John created a lasting visual record of the changing seasons and transforming storefronts that we in Western Massachusetts call home. Perhaps no other artist is as intimately connected with the local area.

Easygoing and always ready with a kind comment or a silly joke, John was beloved by many and he was a familiar sight sketching outdoors as he completed hundreds of commissioned works. Predeceased by Jeanette, his wife of sixty-nine years, our thoughts are with his children and grandchildren. R. Michelson Galleries was honored to represent John’s artwork for over four decades.