Stevan Dohanos Elementary School is named after Stevan Dohanos, a well-known American artist and illustrator. His careful observation of everyday things began during his childhood Lorain, Ohio, where he was born in 1907, the son of Hungarian immigrants.
Dohanos grew up a few blocks from where the school is located and attended Lincoln School and Lorain High School. After graduation he attended the Cleveland School of Art and he became a member of the National Society of Mural Painters and the Society of Illustrators. He was a founding faculty member of the Famous Artists School of Westport, Connecticut.
Dohanos is best known for his Saturday Evening Post covers. While inspired by Norman Rockwell’s work and talent, Dohanos became an “American Realist” who depicted everyday life as it was. He also created many patriotic posters during the Great Depression and World War II and post office murals. He was inducted into the Post Office Hall of Fame for the many postage stamps he designed. He died July 4th, 1994 at the age of 87.