Martha Blair

2012 Inductee

Martha Blair graduated from Union City High School as the salutatorian of the class of 1967. After graduation Martha attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Art Education. Martha also earned a Master's Degree from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.

For more than a decade Martha has been inspiring her students that she has taught at Union City High School. Her passion and love of art motivates her students. Her enthusiasm and compassion has earned their admiration. Martha's success as an Art Educator in the classroom has earned her local and state-wide recognition. The Erie Times News has twice recognized Martha in their inspiration series, focusing on how she has touched the lives of the many students she has mentored as well as giving back to the Union City community through her love of art. In 2010 Martha was honored by the Pennsylvania Art Educators Association as the Outstanding Secondary Art Educator in Pennsylvania. Martha has also served as the Chairman of the Pennsylvania Art Educator's Association Convention in 2006. She successfully established three grants from the Union City School District Foundation to help students create stained glass and mosaic art projects that grace many of the windows and walls of Union City High School. Martha's timeless dedication and knowledge of the art profession along with the expertise of her fellow Art Teacher Kris Fontes, has helped make Union City's art program into one of the best educational art programs in the state.

Martha is also very involved in the Union City community. She contributes each year towards the planning and organization of the annual Gathering at French Creek. Martha also serves on the Union City Public Library Board where she played a key role in the building of the new public library. She spends countless hours volunteering her time and effort in helping to raise funds for the Union City Library throughout the year in order to help secure funds to keep this valuable resource open for the public. Martha, with the help of Joy Luebbert, also helped secure grants and funds to help establish the Main Street Arts Center in Union City where classes for the community are taught at low rates by professional artists. Martha's current community project is drawing portraits of individuals to place in the window of the Union City Diner to help enhance our community's beauty and appeal.

Martha still resides in Union City and is continuing to impact student lives through Art Education at the Union City High School.