Edward Michael Catich was born in Stevensville, Montana on January 4, 1906. Father Catich began working at St. Ambrose University in 1939, where he was professor of math & engineering as well as art & music. He became internationally renowned as a calligrapher, typographer, stone-cutter, and stained glass artist. The Rev. Edward M. Catich died April 14, 1979 in Davenport, Iowa.
This Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 10 a.m., join Paul Herrera of the Art Legacy League in Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center as he speaks about the life and legacy of Father Edward Catich. Paul will demonstrate how to do a slate rubbing with an opportunity for attendees to try their hand at it.
Paul Herrera’s calligraphic lettering and art training was done exclusively with Reverend Edward M. Catich beginning in 1967. Paul worked as an inscription cutter and calligraphy seminar assistant with Father Catich until the time of his death in 1979. At that point, Paul was invited to teach Father Catich’s classes at St. Ambrose University and would continue to do so until 1989. Paul has served as a faculty member of seven international calligraphy conventions, the most recent being “Roman Holiday,” which was held at St. Ambrose University in 2024. Additionally, he was a watercolor and calligraphy instructor at the former Davenport Municipal Art Gallery from 1973 – 1984. Paul’s biography of Father Catich can be purchased from the Art Legacy League at 1225 E. River Drive in Davenport, Suite 201.
Visit Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center from December 29th to February 7th to view objects from the Art Legacy League’s collection. The Art Legacy League is a non-profit dedicated to preserving and promoting the work of the late Father Edward Michael Catich.
(posted by Cristina)
