John Mertz

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John was raised in Springfield, Union County, New Jersey. He developed an interest in floriculture and enrolled in the vocational agriculture program at the local Dayton Regional High School. When it came time to consider college his agriculture instructors recommended that he consider the National Agriculture College (now Delaware Valley University) in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. John enrolled there and in his first year became interested in biology, switched to that major and graduated as one of the College’s first Biology majors. Graduate school followed at the University of Illinois where he focused on animal behavior. Following completion of his graduate work he returned to join the Faculty at his Alma Mater. During his lengthy career there he has taught numerous courses and held a number of administrative posts, including an 11-year stint as the institution’s chief academic officer.

Along the way John tried various outlets for his artistic talent, including watercolors, acrylics, pen-and-ink drawings and, finally, oils. A self-taught studio painter, John now focuses exclusively on oil painting.

John and his wife, Margaret, live in Chalfont. They have raised three children and are proud grandparents of five grandchildren.

John is active in the Bucks County Audubon Society, having served as that organization’s first (and, again, recent) President. He has also volunteered at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve.

As an artist, John displays his work in the Chapman Gallery in Doylestown. He holds membership in the New Hope Art League. Though he no longer participates in outdoor shows, his work can frequently be seen at local exhibitions..