Peter Plotkin was born in Mogilewsky, Belarus on April 1st, 1879 but would spend most of his youth being raised in Petrograd, Russia.

Peter left Russia following the failed uprising against the Czar, Nicholas II, where he then spent much of his time traveling to locations such as Alexandria and Cairo, as well as Rome, Paris & London.

Peter then left for the United States from England aboard the USS St. Paul. When Peter finally arrived in New York, he had been quoted in saying “I do not like New York!” as he was quite unimpressed by the hustle and bustle of the city

Peter met Esther “Masha” Mosesman. The two would quickly fall in love and become married soon after. Peter and Masha would have their first son, Morris, on December 17th, 1916 in Dallas, TX.

Peter & Masha welcome their 3rd son, David on September 9, 1925.

Peter received his first commission for his work after painting murals inside of a private home in McKinney, Tx.

Peter & Masha had their second son born on February 11th, 1920, a baby called Abe at first but changed his name to Peter in his youth. Later found out his birth certificate was blank and listed him as “Baby Plotkin”.

Peter began an association with Simmons University as a teacher of Portraiture and Biblical Arts

Peter Became a naturalized citizen January 9, 1923.

Peter Plotkin received a commission from Hilton Hotels to paint three big paintings for their new hotel lobbies.  Peter had expressed a desire to put West Texas and Abilene on the map artistically speaking, but this goal would become derailed as the Great Depression worsened.

The family arrived in Eagle Rock, California where Peter continued preaching, illustrating the gospels, and teaching.  Peter would continue painting until he was physically incapable of doing so.

Peter Jr. and Morris would open an art school for their father. However, the success of the school would start to decline as Peter became known to have little patience for those that lacked talent and skill, which would lead to students leaving as quickly as they were enrolling, leading to the inevitable closure of the school.

Peter Plotkin continued painting until he was physically incapable of doing so and would later pass away on January 1st, 1960.

The Peter & Masha Plotkin Memorial Foundation is established by brothers Peter Jr. and Morris Plotkin as a tribute to their parents. The purchased the museum displaying Peter Plotkin’s paintings as well as some of his brushes and other tools. The space was also used to host events for the purpose of having students perform or display their artwork.

Renovations begin on the art gallery.

The new gallery space is dedicated to Peter Plotkin Jr., naming it the “Peter Plotkin Student Exhibition Hall”.