Edward M. Bitzel was born in 1925 in Canton, Ohio. He graduated from Timken High School. After serving in the Navy, Bitzel attended Akron University for three years graduating from Akron Art Institute. Bitzel studied with Leroy Flint, Raphael Gleitsmann, Hazel Janicki, W. Lester Stevens and Fred Yost. Living in Massillon, Bitzel passed away at the age of 81 in 2007. In 1941, the Little Civic Art Gallery on the second floor of the old Canton Public Library renamed itself the Canton Art Institute and welcomed the gift of Frank G. Case mansion on Market Avenue north as its new home.