KATZ, MORRIS L. (8 Aug. 1915-14 April 1994) was a well-known Cleveland artist.
Born in Cleveland to Louis and Becky Brinn Katz, Morris attended local schools and was graduated from East Technical High School.
In 1938 he went to work for Brown & Gage, Inc. in Cleveland, the start of a 53-year career with the commercial printing company. There he learned how to cut film and mix colors, soon becoming a master in all the elements of the silk screen process.
His work for Brown & Gage was interrupted in 1943 when Katz entered the military. He served in the Army's 3rd Photo Reconnaissance Unit and held the rank of staff sergeant. During the war he found the opportunity to exercise his artistic talents, and in particular he enjoyed adding art to the nose cones of airplanes. Perhaps his most remembered contribution was to the plane of Admiral Chester Nimitz.
After the war he returned to Cleveland and to Brown & Gage where he soon became head of the company's art department. He continued with the company until 1991 when he retired. Besides commercial art work, he was also a dedicated water-colorist. He favored outdoor scenes and a realistic style. His works were shown in the MAY SHOW of the CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART and in shows in GATES MILLS and CHAGRIN FALLS. Katz was also a member of the Jewish War Veterans.
Katz married Helen Stern 1 Nov. 1947, and they had two children, Leslie and Paula. He is buried in Mt. Olive Cemetery in Solon, OH.