Elizabeth "Lisa" Drumm

Elizabeth Drumm, known as “Lisa”, passed away peacefully at home on July 30, 2025 at the age of 89. She is survived by her beloved husband of 65 years, Don Drumm; daughters Elisa, Tamula, and Leandra and their husbands; as well as her sister, Catharine Plavcan. She was proud of her four grandchildren: Cory, Addison, Logan and Andra; and in awe of her four great grandchildren.

Lisa was born May 30, 1936 in Erie, PA to Joseph and Catharine Plavcan (nee Burns). She grew up in Erie and went on to earn a BFA at Ohio Wesleyan University where she excelled in Chemistry, Dance, and Art. She decided to pursue a career in Art Education much like her father, Joseph Plavcan, who was a renowned teacher and painter, and whose work is part of the permanent collection of the Erie Museum of Art. She took her first job as an Art instructor with Akron Public Schools. She taught at Rankin Elementary, Perkins Middle School, and Buchtel High School, as well as classes for adults through APS, the University of Akron, and the Akron Art Institute. She was the instructor of Art at Old Trail School from 1973 to 1980. She taught fiber arts at Penland School of Crafts in the mountains of North Carolina for six years while Don taught metal sculpture alongside many pioneers like themselves of the American Craft Movement.

In her own art, Lisa specialized in fiber techniques creating stitchery and macrame wall hangings, as well as a line of soft sculpture dolls for adults and children sold in galleries and shops in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. In 1971, Lisa and Don opened a one room gallery alongside Don’s foundry and studio. Lisa managed the entire operations of Don Drumm Studios & Gallery, which has grown to represent over 500 craftsmen from all over North America, and has become one of the pre-eminent galleries of fine American crafts in the U.S. Her daughter Leandra, and son-in-law Tim, have continued this tradition of bringing fine handmade crafts to the Akron area.

Lisa was a tireless advocate for American Crafts throughout her life, serving on boards for Ohio Designer Craftsmen and the American Craft Retailers Association. Her own work appeared in numerous galleries and art centers throughout the U.S., as well as in several publications. She was a judge for events such as the Boston Mills Art Fest, the National Crafts Showroom, and the National Scholastic Art Awards to name a few. In 1992, she was honored with an “Outstanding Achievement Award” from Ohio Designer Craftsmen. She earned the “Creative Woman of the Year” award from the Women’s History Project. She won awards for the Gallery including the “Rainmakers Award” for achievement in business from Northeast Ohio Live Magazine, numerous Zenith awards, as well as top gallery awards from Fox 8 News and the Akron Beacon Journal. She was always deeply moved by the support and appreciation given to her and Don by the people of Akron and NE Ohio.

Lisa will best be remembered as a beloved teacher, artist, and friend to all who knew her. Her former students include many accomplished artists and architects, as well as many art lovers. She was more than just an employer to the many people who helped to build Don Drumm Studios & Gallery over the years and into the present, and who surrounded her with love as her health declined. The Drumm family would like to thank the many compassionate people who assisted Lisa and her family in these past months, including Elizabeth Armstrong, Crystal Charnes, Lori Hayes, Lynda Barth and her team, and Summa Hospice Services.

Private ceremonies are being held for the family at this time. A public ceremony for the larger community to Celebrate Lisa’s Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF+) whose mission is to serve craft artists in need at Craftplus.org or via check mailed to: CERF+, P.O. Box 1341, Brattleboro, VT 05302. 

Services in care of the Billow Funeral Home & Crematory, FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Road Akron, OH 44333 (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)