Joe Gatti

Joseph Gatti

1919-2012

Gatti was born to immigrant Italian parents on October 16, 1919 in Erie, Pennsylvania, one of five children, the four of whom preceded him in death.

As a high school senior, he won a trip to Italy, guest of the Italian government, for his excellence in Italian language studies. That was the first of many trips to Europe, where, later, he concentrated on the art in cathedrals and museums.

After graduating high school, he joined the Army Air Force and became a bomber training pilot. His later watercolors reflect his love of the airplane.

After discharge from military service he made several ventures into retail businesses, including a television-appliance shop in Glendale, California.

With the GI bill, he attended what was then the Thunderbird School of International Trade, went on to ASU, and achieved a Master's Degree in Art History.

Perhaps his greatest legacy is the large abstract mosaic that has become a trademark of Coronado High School in Scottsdale Arizona , where he taught art for 24 years.

-Scottsdale's Coronado High School, whom, as a brilliant art teacher from 1961 to 1984, he inspired with his creative methods, his humor and patience.

-Had a Master's Degree in Art History from ASU

- Alumni of AriZona State

Alumni of Coronado High School

-“Creating art has allowed me to express the many phases of my life. Personal perceptions gained through teaching, travel, literature, music and life experiences can be seen in my productions throughout the years.”