Lovisa O. Card-Catlin (August 5, 1846 – December 7, 1925) was an artist and educator credited with developing Erie, Pennsylvania's art community.

[1]: 32  Located on the second floor of the Erie Dime Saving and Loan Building, the school was the first of its kind in the city and came to include nearly one hundred students.

[1]: 32  In her classes Lovisa stressed realism, teaching students to use their tools in order to enhance their own innate abilities.

[1]: 32 After the death of her mother and aunt, it is likely Lovisa took a break from teaching and the Erie Dime Saving and Loan Building was closed.

[1]: 31  The couple relocated and Lovisa returned to teaching, opening the Catlin School of Art in her home studio.

[1]: 39  With his passing, Lovisa focused her attention on bringing art programming to Erie, raising membership, and building the club's permanent collection.

[1]: 39  After her brother also died, Lovisa spent two years traveling in Europe where she studied with Henri Martin and attended classes at The Academie Colarossi and The Académie de la Grande Chaumière.