One of the major portions of the Museum’s Permanent Collection of fine prints is the work of George Resler. This collection was donated to the Museum in 1992 by Mr. and Mrs. Alvin O. Pierce. The collections contained 325 original sketches, drawings, lithographs and etchings of which the Museum has retained the prints.

George Resler was born in Wascea, Minnesota. He began drawing when he was about 13. Studying books borrowed from the public library, he taught himself etching and printmaking as it was not available as a formal instruction. In 1902 he built a printing press, with his father’s help, and made his earliest prints on it.

From 1899 to 1901, Resler studied with Julius Segall, a St. Paul artist, while attending St. Paul School of Fine Arts. From 1902-1940 he partnered with Fredrick W. Bock in a commercial art firm in St. Paul. During this time, he also taught at St. Paul Institute Art School.

From 1925 to 1927 Resler traveled around Europe, studying and sketching. After returning from Europe, he taught at the St. Paul School of Art from 1927 to 1928. Resler is nationally known for his etchings. The West Valley Art Museum is fortunate to have in its collection over 40 of these fine prints.

Resler died in 1954 at age 71.